Sideways Die Interconnect Layout for Dense Memory-Logic Stacks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implementing a stack of memory dies above a logic die in a vertical architecture leads to connectivity and heat dissipation issues due to the spatial consumption of conductive structures, while omitting these structures results in low connectivity and heat dissipation within the stack.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor assembly is designed with a sideways architecture where memory dies are coupled with a logic die via side surfaces, utilizing conductive vias extending vertically and redistribution layers horizontally, allowing the stack to be rotated and bonded at a perpendicular orientation, enhancing connectivity and heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive structures are implemented in vertical stack architecture, then connectivity between memory dies and logic die is improved, but spatial consumption within memory dies increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidspatial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a vertical stack architecture to a sideways architecture where memory dies are oriented laterally relative to the logic die. This dimensional change allows conductive vias to extend horizontally along the side surfaces of memory dies rather than vertically through them, reducing the spatial footprint within each die while maintaining connectivity. The sideways arrangement enables multiple memory dies to be coupled to the logic die without stacking them vertically, thereby conserving internal die space.

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

2Reliability

If conductive structures are implemented in vertical stack architecture, then connectivity is improved, but heat dissipation issues worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

By reorienting the stack architecture from vertical to sideways, the patent changes the thermal conduction path. Heat generated in memory dies can now dissipate laterally through the side surfaces and conductive vias that extend horizontally, rather than being confined to vertical pathways. This dimensional shift provides additional thermal escape routes and improves heat dissipation efficiency while maintaining the necessary electrical connectivity.

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

3Volume of moving object

If conductive structures are omitted to conserve spatial consumption, then spatial consumption is reduced, but connectivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial consumptionVSAvoidconnectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sideways architecture enables the implementation of conductive vias and redistribution layers in a lateral configuration, which reduces their projected footprint on the die surface compared to vertical arrangements. This allows sufficient conductive structures to be incorporated for good connectivity while occupying less spatial volume within the die, effectively resolving the trade-off between spatial consumption and connectivity.

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

4Manufacturing precision

If vertical stack architecture is used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs conductive vias and redistribution layers in a sideways configuration that can be formed using standard semiconductor fabrication processes. The lateral orientation of these conductive structures allows for straightforward integration into existing manufacturing workflows, maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing the overall device complexity compared to complex vertical stacking arrangements that require advanced 3D integration techniques.

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 approach increases connectivity and improves power delivery while reducing spatial consumption, offering greater manufacturing flexibility and addressing heat dissipation issues.

Implementation Method 1

each memory die including a conductive via extending from a top surface and at least partially towards a bottom surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a redistribution layer coupled with the conductive via and extending at least partially parallel with the top surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

side surfaces of the first dies are coupled with a top surface of the second die

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20260041007A1Die side interconnect
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US20260041007A1 patent drawing
  • US20260041007A1 patent drawing
  • US20260041007A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for die side interconnect are described. A semiconductor assembly may include a stack of first dies (e.g., memory dies) coupled with a second die (e.g., a logic die) using a sideways architecture. For example, the semiconductor assembly may include multiple first dies, where a top surface of one the first dies is coupled with a bottom surface of another of the first dies to form the stack. The first dies each have a side surface coupled with an upper surface of the second die. The first dies each include a conductive via extending from the top surface of the respective first die at least partially towards the bottom surface of the respective first die. The first dies each include a redistribution layer coupled with the conductive via and extending parallel with the top surface of the respective first die.