Semiconductor Package Layout With Split I/O and Processing Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing processes of memories fail to keep up with the increasing number of transistors in processors, leading to unsatisfactory operation speed in computing systems, and existing monolithic processing units have limited design flexibility and high manufacturing yield due to integrated I/O modules and uniform reticle formation.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor package design featuring separate processing elements and I/O elements connected through electrically conductive elements, allowing for advanced manufacturing processes and increased flexibility, with each element formed from different regions of a reticle, enabling independent functioning and improved yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If processing elements and I/O elements are integrated in a monolithic structure, then design flexibility is limited and manufacturing yield is constrained, but manufacturing complexity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The semiconductor device is divided into separate processing elements and I/O elements that are physically distinct but electrically connected through conductive elements. This segmentation allows each element to be formed using different technology nodes and pitches, enabling independent optimization and improved manufacturing flexibility without requiring a complete overhaul of the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Electrically conductive elements serve as intermediaries that connect the processing elements to the I/O elements. These conductive elements enable electrical communication between the separated functional blocks, allowing the system to maintain integrated circuit functionality while achieving the benefits of physical separation and modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If processing elements and I/O elements are physically separated, then manufacturing yield increases and flexibility improves, but package size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing yieldVSAvoidpackage size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive elements extend in the vertical dimension through the substrate, allowing electrical connections between processing elements and I/O elements without requiring increased lateral spacing. This three-dimensional routing approach enables physical separation of functional elements while maintaining compact package footprint

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

3Ease of manufacture

If memories use the same manufacturing process as processors, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but operation speed becomes unsatisfactory due to process limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process uniformityVSAvoidoperation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the semiconductor device are formed using different technology nodes and manufacturing parameters. Processing elements can utilize more advanced process nodes for high-speed logic operations, while I/O elements can use optimized processes for memory functions, allowing each region to have the specific quality characteristics needed for its function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250022848A1Semiconductor package including processing element and I/O element
Publication Date: 2025.01.16 ADVANCED SEMICON ENG INC
  • US20250022848A1 patent drawing
  • US20250022848A1 patent drawing
  • US20250022848A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor package and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor package are provided. The semiconductor package includes a first processing element, a first I/O element, a second processing element, and a second I/O element. The first processing element is on a substrate. The first I/O element is on the substrate and electrically connected to the first processing element. The second processing element is on the substrate. The second I/O element is on the substrate and electrically connected to the second processing element. The first I/O element is electrically connected to and physically separated from the second I/O element.