Wireless Module Antenna and Cap Package Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless module designs face limitations in design latitude and performance due to the integration of antenna, semiconductor, and cap packages, which restricts the use of optimal materials and structures for each component, leading to increased costs, form factor, and manufacturing complexities.

Innovation Solution

The wireless module is designed with separate antenna and cap packages, each optimized for specific functions and materials, allowing for greater design flexibility, reduced form factor, and improved performance by decoupling them from the semiconductor package, enabling the use of different materials and structures for each component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If antenna, semiconductor, and cap packages are integrated into a single package, then design unity is achieved, but design latitude is limited and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign latitudeVSAvoidpackage integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless module is divided into separate antenna package and semiconductor package components. The antenna package includes antenna elements mounted on a package carrier, while the semiconductor package contains RFIC chips. These separate packages are then integrated onto an application board, allowing independent optimization of each component while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of stationary object

If antenna, semiconductor, and cap packages are integrated, then structural unity is achieved, but form factor increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform factorVSAvoidpackage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna package and semiconductor package are designed as nested or stacked components that can be mounted on the application board in a space-efficient arrangement. The separate package structures allow for optimized footprint and vertical stacking, reducing the overall form factor compared to a fully integrated single-package design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If antenna, semiconductor, and cap packages are integrated, then manufacturing simplicity is achieved, but manufacturing yield decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing yieldVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the wireless module into separate antenna and semiconductor packages, each component can be manufactured and tested independently using optimized processes for that specific component type. This segmentation allows parallel manufacturing streams and reduces the complexity of single-package integration, thereby improving overall manufacturing yield.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If optimal materials are used for each integrated component, then performance is improved, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveperformanceVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Each package component (antenna package and semiconductor package) is designed to use materials and structures optimized for its specific function. The antenna package can use materials optimized for RF performance and radiation efficiency, while the semiconductor package uses materials optimized for electronic component performance. This local optimization allows each component to achieve its best performance without requiring all components to use expensive specialized materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3465751B1Wireless module with antenna package and cap package
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 INTEL CORP
  • EP3465751B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3465751B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3465751B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Wireless modules having a semiconductor package attached to an antenna package and cap package are disclosed. The semiconductor package may have one or more electronic components disposed thereon. The antenna package may be communicatively coupled to the semiconductor package using by one or more coupling pads. The antenna package may further have one or more radiating elements for transmitting and or receiving wireless signals. The cap package may also be attached to the semiconductor package on a side opposing the side on which the antenna package is disposed. The cap package may provide routing and/or additional antenna elements. The cap package may also allow for thermal grease to be dispensed therethrough. The antenna package, the cap package, and the semiconductor package may have dissimilar number of interconnect layers and/or dissimilar materials of construct.