Extremely Thin Package Grinding EMC Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chip manufacturing assembly processes result in thick packages due to the use of Epoxy Molding Compound (EMC) fillers, which contribute to increased dimensions and are not effectively reduced, leading to issues with light emission leakage and moisture penetration.

Innovation Solution

A grinding process is introduced to reduce the package thickness by exposing the backside of the integrated circuit or applying adhesion tape, allowing for thinner package structures such as extremely thin DFN and QFN packages, while protecting the chip from light emission and moisture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If EMC fillers are applied to cover the entire area of the device, then the integrated circuit is protected from light emission induced leakage and moisture penetration, but the overall package thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from light emission and moistureVSAvoidpackage thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The EMC application is segmented into two distinct stages: first applying EMC to the front side for light and moisture protection, then applying additional EMC to the back side after grinding to achieve the desired thin profile. This segmentation allows the package to be thin overall while still providing comprehensive protection on both surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backside EMC application is performed as a preliminary action after grinding but before final assembly completion. This ensures that the protection layer is in place before the device is finalized, allowing for thin packaging while maintaining reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Length of stationary object

If the package thickness is reduced to achieve extremely thin structures, then device dimensions are improved, but protection from light emission and moisture penetration becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage thicknessVSAvoidprotection from light emission and moisture
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protection strategy is segmented into front-side EMC application for initial protection and back-side EMC application after grinding for final protection. This ensures that even in an extremely thin package, both surfaces receive adequate protective coating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The EMC application parameters are changed from a single thick layer to multiple thin layers applied at different stages. The front side receives EMC first, then the package is ground thin, and finally the back side receives EMC to complete the protection, achieving both thinness and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If adhesion tape is applied on the backside to protect the chip, then light emission induced leakage and moisture penetration are prevented, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from light emission and moistureVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective layer parameter is changed from adhesion tape to EMC material applied as a coating. This maintains the protective function while integrating into the existing EMC application process, avoiding the need for separate tape application and removal steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The EMC material serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, electrical insulation, and protection from light emission and moisture penetration. By using EMC for all these purposes, the need for separate adhesion tape is eliminated, reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 grinding process achieves significantly thinner package structures, reducing overall device thickness and addressing leakage and moisture issues, with optional adhesion tape providing additional protection for sensitive devices.

Implementation Method 1

A grinding process is introduced to reduce the package thickness by exposing the backside of the integrated circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS9735018B2Extremely thin package
Publication Date: 2017.08.15 RENESAS DESIGN TECH INC
  • US9735018B2 patent drawing
  • US9735018B2 patent drawing
  • US9735018B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for achieving extremely thin package structures are disclosed. In some embodiments, a device comprises an integrated circuit connected to a leadframe or substrate via connections and EMC (Epoxy Molding Compound) surrounding the integrated circuit except at a backside of the integrated circuit and connecting areas via which the integrated circuit is connected to the leadframe or substrate.