Tetherless Chip Module with Stacked Memory and Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit packaging technologies are inadequate for extremely low power smart electronic devices that require minimal footprint, self-sufficiency, and compatibility with energy harvesting, as they often rely on larger batteries and are not scalable for diverse applications like IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
A tetherless chip module design featuring a smart chip and a non-volatile memory chip stacked on a common carrier with energy harvesting capabilities, allowing for modular expansion and hermetically sealed packaging, which eliminates the need for external batteries and enables efficient energy harvesting from the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a tethered power supply or battery is used, then the device can operate continuously, but the footprint increases and field serviceability requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power management function from a traditional battery system by implementing energy harvesting circuits directly integrated into the chip module. This allows the device to harvest energy from the environment (RF signals, light, thermal gradients) rather than relying on a physical battery, thereby reducing footprint while maintaining continuous operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The chip module is designed with multi-functionality by integrating energy harvesting circuits, wireless communication transceivers, and sensor arrays into a single system. This universal design allows the same small footprint module to both harvest energy and perform sensing/communication functions, eliminating the need for separate battery compartments
2Quantity of substance
If a larger battery is used, then energy storage capacity increases, but the device footprint and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical energy storage system (battery) with an electromagnetic energy harvesting system. The module uses RF antennas, photovoltaic cells, or thermoelectric generators to convert environmental energy into electrical energy, storing it in small on-chip capacitors or supercapacitors. This substitution dramatically reduces the energy storage footprint while maintaining adequate capacity for low-power operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of energy storage from chemical (battery) to electromagnetic field-based harvesting. By operating in the electromagnetic domain rather than chemical, the system achieves equivalent energy storage capacity with significantly reduced physical dimensions, suitable for implantable or wearable applications
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional integrated circuit packaging is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the package size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete components (sensor die, memory die, energy harvesting circuits, wireless transceiver) into a single integrated chip module using advanced packaging techniques. By combining these functions on one package, the overall package size is reduced while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established processes like flip-chip bonding and wafer-level packaging
4Duration of action of stationary object
If battery-based power supply is used, then continuous operation is ensured, but shelf life limitations and field serviceability costs arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically harvesting energy from the environment to recharge its internal energy storage elements. The energy harvesting circuits continuously monitor environmental conditions (RF signal strength, light intensity, temperature differential) and adjust harvesting parameters to maintain adequate energy levels, eliminating the need for external battery replacement services
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding depleted batteries, the system recovers energy continuously from the environment. The energy harvesting circuits capture ambient RF energy, light, or thermal gradients and convert them into electrical energy, effectively recovering energy that would otherwise be lost. This continuous recovery process extends operational duration indefinitely without requiring field serviceability
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 minimizes package size and cost, provides environmental robustness, and allows for scalable modular memory, enabling standalone operation with integrated power, communication, and computation functions, while reducing testing and assembly costs.
Implementation Method 1
Optical energy harvesting and RF energy harvesting is accomplished by photovoltaics in the chip carrier
Implementation Method 2
Optical energy harvesting and RF energy harvesting is accomplished by photovoltaics in the chip carrier, or antennae on the chip carrier or package lid, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
Attach a smart chip to a carrier, and attach a memory chip to the carrier in communication with the smart chip. The memory chip has a larger footprint than the smart chip, overlies the smart chip, and is attached to the carrier by connections around the periphery of the smart chip. Removably attach an energy storage device (ESD) to the carrier and electrically connect the ESD to the carrier via a flex bridge.