Stacked Memory Die Wire-Bond Layout for Higher Package Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wire-bonding in microelectronic devices consumes valuable space on package boards or motherboards, limiting the real estate available for complex external interconnections between memory devices and other components like processors.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of fan-in wire-bonded memory device assemblies with stacked memory dice configurations, utilizing interposers or integrated redistribution layers to facilitate efficient electrical connections while minimizing space usage, allowing for prioritization of storage and recall commands and heat management through strategic placement of memory dice relative to the memory controller device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wire-bonding is used to connect memory devices to package boards or motherboards, then electrical connections are established, but valuable space on the package boards or motherboards is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionsVSAvoidspace on package board
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar wire-bonding on package boards to three-dimensional stacked memory dice configurations. Multiple memory dice are vertically stacked and interconnected through wire-bonds, moving the connection architecture from a two-dimensional layout to a three-dimensional structure. This dimensional change allows electrical connections to be established while minimizing the footprint on the package board, as multiple devices share the same vertical space rather than requiring lateral expansion.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested configuration where multiple memory dice are stacked vertically, with each die containing memory cells arranged in tiered strings. The memory cells are organized in horizontal rows and columns with staircase contact structures, creating a nested hierarchy of interconnected components. This nesting allows multiple functional units to be compacted into a smaller volume, reducing the space required on package boards while maintaining comprehensive electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more space is allocated for external interconnections, then complex connections between memory devices and processors are facilitated, but packaging density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal interconnectionsVSAvoidpackaging density
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs vertical stacking of memory dice to create a three-dimensional architecture, allowing complex interconnections to be achieved through vertical wire-bonds rather than lateral routing. This dimensional transition enables multiple memory devices to be interconnected with processors and other components through a compact vertical arrangement, maintaining high adaptability for external connections while maximizing packaging density by utilizing the vertical dimension instead of horizontal space.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the memory system into multiple discrete memory dice, each containing segmented memory cells organized in tiered strings with horizontal rows and columns. This segmentation allows for modular interconnection, where each die can be independently connected to processors and other devices through wire-bonds. The segmented architecture provides versatility in external interconnections while maintaining compact packaging, as each segment can be optimally positioned and connected without requiring extensive lateral space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If memory dice are stacked in fan-in assemblies, then packaging density is enhanced, but wire-bonding complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging densityVSAvoidwire-bonding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements fan-in assemblies where multiple memory dice are stacked vertically with wire-bonds converging from multiple dies to common connection points on the package board or interposer. This nested stacking configuration achieves high packaging density by utilizing vertical space, and the wire-bonding complexity is managed through the fan-in architecture where bonds from multiple dies are routed to shared connection locations, reducing the total number of unique bond paths compared to individual die connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces interposers as intermediary components in the fan-in assembly configuration. These interposers serve as mediation layers between the stacked memory dice and the package board or processors, providing a centralized point for wire-bond convergence. The interposer simplifies the wire-bonding complexity by acting as an intermediate hub that consolidates connections from multiple memory dice, making the overall assembly more manageable while maintaining high packaging density through the vertical stack configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240304598A1Microelectronic devices, and related memory device packages and electronic systems
Publication Date: 2024.09.12 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US20240304598A1 patent drawing
  • US20240304598A1 patent drawing
  • US20240304598A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A microelectronic device includes a controller device, a first die vertically overlying the controller device, a second die vertically overlying the first die, and a wire. The first die includes a first pad horizontally separated from a horizontal center of the controller device by a first distance. The second die includes a second pad horizontally separated from the horizontal center of the controller device by a second distance larger than the first distance. The wire contacts the first pad of the first die and the second pad of the second die. Memory device packages and electronic systems are also disclosed.