Interconnection Structure With Shielding Wall Pillar For Signal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional via structures in substrates face challenges in signal transmission integrity due to impedance mismatch and electromagnetic interference (EMI), particularly at higher frequencies, as they lack effective return paths and fail to control dispersive electrical fields effectively.

Innovation Solution

An interconnection structure is introduced, featuring a conductor pillar and a shielding wall pillar with distinct cross-sectional shapes, where the shielding wall pillar is electrically connected to a reference conductive wire and positioned to surround the conductor pillar, effectively blocking electrical fields and enhancing electromagnetic shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a traditional via structure is used for signal transmission, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the signal transmission integrity deteriorates due to impedance mismatch and electromagnetic interference at higher frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevia structure simplicityVSAvoidsignal transmission integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional single via structure is segmented into two distinct components: a conductor pillar for signal transmission and a shielding wall pillar for electromagnetic shielding. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and signal integrity by dividing the via into specialized segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the interconnection structure are assigned different properties: the conductor pillar uses materials and dimensions optimized for electrical conductivity and signal transmission, while the shielding wall pillar uses materials and dimensions optimized for electromagnetic shielding. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing appropriate properties in appropriate locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If at least two vias are designed (one signal via and one ground via) to provide return path, then the signal transmission integrity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission integrityVSAvoidvia configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The signal transmission function and the electromagnetic shielding function are merged into a single interconnection structure consisting of the conductor pillar and shielding wall pillar. This merging resolves the contradiction by combining what were previously separate via functions into one integrated structure, maintaining signal integrity while reducing the number of discrete components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interconnection structure with conductor pillar and shielding wall pillar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides signal transmission, electromagnetic shielding, and return path functionality all in one structure. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate signal via and ground via configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the shielding wall pillar is added to surround the conductor pillar, then the electromagnetic shielding is enhanced and electrical field leakage is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical field leakageVSAvoidinterconnection structure fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding wall pillar extends in the vertical dimension between the first and second conductive layers, creating a three-dimensional shielding structure around the conductor pillar. This dimensional approach resolves the contradiction by providing effective electromagnetic shielding through vertical placement rather than requiring complex lateral arrangements, making the structure more manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design significantly reduces electrical field leakage and improves signal integrity by controlling impedance and dispersive electrical fields, thereby minimizing EMI and ensuring reliable signal transmission across the substrate.

Implementation Method 1

the shielding wall pillar is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and electrically connected to a reference conductive wire, in which the shielding wall pillar is located at a portion of an external region surrounding the conductor pillar between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS8853848B2Interconnection structure, apparatus therewith, circuit structure therewith
Publication Date: 2014.10.07 IND TECH RES INST
  • US8853848B2 patent drawing
  • US8853848B2 patent drawing
  • US8853848B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An interconnection structure is disposed between a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer substantially parallel to each other. The conductive layer includes a signal trace. The interconnection structure includes a conductor pillar and a shielding wall pillar. The conductor pillar goes through between the two conductive layers and is electrically connected to the signal trace of the first conductive layer. The shielding wall pillar is also disposed between the two conductive layers and located at a portion of an external region surrounding the conductor pillar and electrically coupled to the conductor pillar. The conductor pillar and the shielding wall pillar are disposed in pair or in group. The shielding wall pillar with a shape different from that of the conductor pillar would make the conductor pillar serve as a connection with a designed impedance and the capability of controlling impedance based on the special shape design thereof.