Stacked Semiconductor Packaging With Conformal Stepped Interconnects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional semiconductor packages face issues of high cost, decreased reliability, and large size, leading to suboptimal performance.

Innovation Solution

A packaged electronic device with a stacked semiconductor device structure featuring offset-stacked semiconductor dies and conformal conductive interconnects that follow a stepped profile, allowing for thinner profiles and flexible interconnect configurations, formed using techniques such as 3D printing or masked plating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional semiconductor packages are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability decreases and performance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterconnect reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar interconnect layouts to three-dimensional conformal interconnect structures that wrap around semiconductor devices. This dimensional change enables shorter interconnect paths and better signal integrity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through advanced deposition techniques

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

Solution Approach 2:

The interconnect structures are designed with locally optimized properties, including varying thickness and material composition in different regions to match specific electrical and mechanical requirements. This allows high reliability in critical areas while controlling overall manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If conventional package sizes are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but device performance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice performanceVSAvoidpackage structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs three-dimensional stacked architectures with multiple semiconductor devices vertically integrated. This enables higher device density and improved performance while the conformal interconnects provide systematic routing that manages the inherent complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The package structure implements nested configurations where smaller devices are integrated within larger package footprints, and interconnect layers are nested around device structures. This maximizes space utilization and performance while organizing complexity in a hierarchical manner

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If thicker profiles are used, then manufacturing is easier, but device size becomes too large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage sizeVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adopts vertical stacking to reduce the lateral footprint of the package. By arranging devices and interconnects in the vertical dimension rather than spreading them out laterally, the package achieves compact size while maintaining manufacturability through standardized vertical processing steps

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

Solution Approach 2:

The conformal interconnect structures are implemented as thin film layers that conformally coat device surfaces. These thin film interconnects provide sufficient electrical performance while minimizing the vertical profile, enabling compact overall package dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The solution enables thinner, more reliable, and cost-effective semiconductor packages with improved interconnect reliability and flexibility, supporting complex configurations.

Implementation Method 1

conductive interconnect structures comprising a conformal layer that substantially conforms to the stepped profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical Vapour Deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS11742327B2Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices
Publication Date: 2023.08.29 AMKOR TECH SINGAPORE HLDG PTE LTD
  • US11742327B2 patent drawing
  • US11742327B2 patent drawing
  • US11742327B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A packaged semiconductor device includes a substrate with first and second opposing major surfaces. A stacked semiconductor device structure is connected to the first major surface and includes a plurality of semiconductor die having terminals. Conductive interconnect structures electrically connect the terminals of the semiconductor dies together. The semiconductor dies are stacked together so that the terminals are exposed, and the stacked semiconductor device structure comprises a stepped profile. The conductive interconnect structures comprise a conformal layer that substantially follows the stepped profile.