Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to electronic packages, and more particularly to packaging architectures that include memory stacks that are embedded in a mold layer that includes an opening for one or more compute dies.
Memory on package (MoP) architectures have been used in order achieve the best DDR performance and smallest SoC XY footprint. However, there are a few intrinsic issues that arise with existing MoP architectures. On issue is an increased Z-height. The addition of a tall memory package (e.g., a stack of memory dies on a memory package substrate) increases the Z-height of the device. For example, Z-heights may be increased by between 300 μm and 350 μm in some architectures. In some instances, the increase in the Z-height is mitigated by using a coreless package architecture. However, the use of a coreless architecture is an extremely expensive solution.
Additionally, the MoP architecture results in an overall SoC package XY form factor that is substantially large. This is due to the need to include a stiffener in order to control warpage of the package substrate. In some instances, a combination stiffener and integrated heat spreader (IHS) is used in order to control warpage and improve thermal performance. However, such architectures are expensive solutions.
Described herein are packaging architectures that include memory stacks that are embedded in a mold layer that includes an opening for one or more compute dies, in accordance with various embodiments. In the following description, various aspects of the illustrative implementations will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative implementations. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative implementations.
Various operations will be described as multiple discrete operations, in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present invention, however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation.
In an embodiment, a mold layer 125 may be provided over and around the memory die stacks 120. The mold layer 125 may be an epoxy molding material or any other suitable material. In an embodiment, a thickness of the mold layer 125 may be greater than a height of the memory die stacks 120. The mold layer 125 may also embed the wire bonds 123.
The die module 130 may include any number of dies 131 in any architecture. For example, a pair of dies 131 may be coupled to each other through a bridge 132 embedded in an interposer 135. The die module 130 may be a system on a chip (SoC) or any other type of die or dies. The die module 130 may be communicatively coupled to the memory die stacks 120 through routing (not shown) on and/or in the package substrate 105.
The memory die stacks 120 may include a memory package substrate 121. A stack of memory dies 122 may be provided over the memory package substrate 121. The memory dies 122 may be electrically coupled to the memory package substrate 121 through wire bonds 123. Due to the presence of the memory package substrate 121, the length of the routing from the memory dies 122 to the die module 130 is long. This leads to larger delays and signal integrity issues. Additionally, the memory package substrate 121 results in an increase in the Z-height of the electronic package 100. A stiffener 111 may also be needed in order to mitigate warpage issues. The presence of the stiffener 111 increase the X-Y dimensions of the electronic package 100.
Accordingly, memory on package (MoP) architectures, such as the one shown in
Particularly, a package substrate is provided and memory die stacks are provided directly on the package substrate. The memory dies may be coupled to the package substrate directly through wire bonds. As such, there is no need for a memory package substrate between the memory dies and the main package substrate. This results in a decrease in the Z-height of the device. Additionally, the XY form factor is reduced by the use of mold layer around the memory die stacks. The mold layer allows for the elimination of the stiffener in some embodiments. That is, the mold layer improves the stiffness of the package substrate, and there may not be a need for a stiffener. However, in other embodiments, a stiffener may also be included. In such an embodiment, the stiffener may also be embedded in the mold layer.
Referring now to
In an embodiment, a mold layer 228 may be provided over a top surface of the package substrate 205. The mold layer 228 may be an epoxy molding material or any other suitable material. In an embodiment, the mold layer 228 is an electrically insulating material. In an embodiment, the mold layer 228 has an outer perimeter that is smaller than an outer perimeter of the package substrate 205. However, the outer perimeter of the mold layer 228 may be substantially equal to the outer perimeter of the package substrate 205 in other embodiments. In an embodiment, the mold layer 228 may have an opening 229. The opening 229 may be sized to receive a die module 230. While shown as a single die in
In an embodiment, a plurality of memory die stacks 220 may be embedded in the mold layer 228. For example, the die stacks 220 in
Referring now to
In an embodiment, the memory die stacks 220 may be embedded in a mold layer 228. The mold layer 228 may be around sidewalls and top surfaces of the memory dies 222. The wire bonds 223 may also be embedded in the mold layer 228. In the illustrated embodiment, the mold layer 228 appears as two separate regions (one region around each of the memory die stacks 220. However, it is to be appreciated that the two separate regions may be coupled together by portions of the mold layer 228 that are provided outside of the plane of
In an embodiment, an opening 229 may be provided through the mold layer 228. The opening 229 may be provided in the middle of the mold layer 228 in order to accommodate the die module (not shown in
Referring now to
In an embodiment, a pair of memory die stacks 320 may be provided over the package substrate 305. In an embodiment, the memory die stacks 320 may each include a plurality of memory dies 322 in a vertical stack. The memory dies 322 may be electrically and communicatively coupled to the package substrate 305 by wire bonds 323. In the illustrated embodiment, the memory die stacks 320 each include a set of four memory dies 322, though it is to be appreciated that any number of memory dies 322 may be provided in the memory die stacks 320.
In an embodiment, a mold layer 328 may be provided over and around the memory die stacks 320. The mold layer 328 may be an epoxy molding material or any other suitable material. In an embodiment, a thickness of the mold layer 328 may be greater than a height of the memory die stacks 320. The mold layer 328 may also embed the wire bonds 323. In an embodiment an opening 329 may be provided in the mold layer 328. The opening 329 may be located at an approximate center of the package substrate 305 in some embodiments. The opening 329 may expose pads 338 on the package substrate 305. Some of the pads 338 may be electrically coupled to the wire bonds 323 through routing 315 in and/or on the package substrate 305. In an embodiment, the mold layer 328 also functions as a stiffener. As such an additional stiffener is not needed and the XY form factor can be reduced.
Referring now to
In an embodiment, the dies 331 may be communicatively coupled to each other by an interposer 335. The interposer 335 may be a mold material in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the interposer 335 may be a silicon substrate, a glass substrate, or the like. As shown, a bridge 332 may be embedded in the interposer 335. The bridge 332 may electrically and communicatively couple the pair of dies 331 together. For example, the bridge 332 may be a silicon bridge that allows for high density signal routing. The interposer 335 may be coupled to the pads 338 by interconnects 336. The interconnects 336 may be surrounded by an underfill 337.
In an embodiment, the height of the die module 330 may be substantially equal to the height of the mold layer 328. In other embodiments, the height of the die module 330 may be greater than the height of the mold layer 328. In such configurations, the presence of the mold layer 328 does not increase the Z-height of the electronic package 300.
Referring now to
In an embodiment, a pair of memory die stacks 420 may be provided over the package substrate 405. In an embodiment, the memory die stacks 420 may each include a plurality of memory dies 422 in a vertical stack. The memory dies 422 may be electrically and communicatively coupled to the package substrate 405 by wire bonds 423. In the illustrated embodiment, the memory die stacks 420 each include a set of four memory dies 422, though it is to be appreciated that any number of memory dies 422 may be provided in the memory die stacks 420.
In an embodiment, a mold layer 428 may be provided over and around the memory die stacks 420. The mold layer 428 may be an epoxy molding material or any other suitable material. In an embodiment, a thickness of the mold layer 428 may be greater than a height of the memory die stacks 420. The mold layer 428 may also embed the wire bonds 423. In an embodiment an opening 429 may be provided in the mold layer 428. The opening 429 may be located at an approximate center of the package substrate 405 in some embodiments. The opening 429 may expose pads 438 on the package substrate 405. Some of the pads 438 may be electrically coupled to the wire bonds 423 through routing 415 in and/or on the package substrate 405.
In an embodiment, a stiffener 411 may also be embedded in the mold layer 428. For example, the stiffener 411 may be at an outer edge of the mold layer 428. The stiffener 411 may be a metallic material, such as aluminum or the like. The stiffener 411 may have a height that is less than a height of the mold layer 428. In other embodiments, the stiffener 411 may be substantially the same height as the mold layer 428. The stiffener 411 may further improve the stiffness of the electronic package 400, compared to just having the mold layer 428.
Referring now to
In an embodiment, the dies 431 may be communicatively coupled to each other by an interposer 435. The interposer 435 may be a mold material in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the interposer 435 may be a silicon substrate, a glass substrate, or the like. As shown, a bridge 432 may be embedded in the interposer 435. The bridge 432 may electrically and communicatively couple the pair of dies 431 together. For example, the bridge 432 may be a silicon bridge that allows for high density signal routing. The interposer 435 may be coupled to the pads 438 by interconnects 436. The interconnects 436 may be surrounded by an underfill 437.
In an embodiment, the height of the die module 430 may be substantially equal to the height of the mold layer 428. In other embodiments, the height of the die module 430 may be greater than the height of the mold layer 428. In such configurations, the presence of the mold layer 428 does not increase the Z-height of the electronic package 400. A stiffener 411 may be provided in the mold layer 428 in some embodiments.
Referring now to
In the embodiment shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
In an embodiment, a die module 730 may be provided over the package substrate 705. The die module 730 may be inserted through an opening 729 through a mold layer 728. The mold layer 728 may embed one or more memory die stacks 720. The memory die stacks 720 may be directly coupled to the package substrate 705 without an intervening package substrate layer. As such, the interconnect 715 between the memory die stacks 720 and the die module 730 is reduced in length.
In an embodiment, the electronic package shown in
These other components include, but are not limited to, volatile memory (e.g., DRAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM), flash memory, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor, a crypto processor, a chipset, an antenna, a display, a touchscreen display, a touchscreen controller, a battery, an audio codec, a video codec, a power amplifier, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a compass, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a speaker, a camera, and a mass storage device (such as hard disk drive, compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), and so forth).
The communication chip 806 enables wireless communications for the transfer of data to and from the computing device 800. The term “wireless” and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices do not contain any wires, although in some embodiments they might not. The communication chip 806 may implement any of a number of wireless standards or protocols, including but not limited to Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 family), WiMAX (IEEE 802.16 family), IEEE 802.20, long term evolution (LTE), Ev-DO, HSPA+, HSDPA+, HSUPA+, EDGE, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, TDMA, DECT, Bluetooth, derivatives thereof, as well as any other wireless protocols that are designated as 3G, 4G, 5G, and beyond. The computing device 800 may include a plurality of communication chips 806. For instance, a first communication chip 806 may be dedicated to shorter range wireless communications such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and a second communication chip 806 may be dedicated to longer range wireless communications such as GPS, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA, WiMAX, LTE, Ev-DO, and others.
The processor 804 of the computing device 800 includes an integrated circuit die packaged within the processor 804. In some implementations of the invention, the integrated circuit die of the processor may be part of an electronic system that comprises one or more memory die stacks that are embedded in a mold layer and directly coupled to the package substrate, in accordance with embodiments described herein. The term “processor” may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that may be stored in registers and/or memory.
The communication chip 806 also includes an integrated circuit die packaged within the communication chip 806. In accordance with another implementation of the invention, the integrated circuit die of the communication chip may be part of an electronic system that comprises one or more memory die stacks that are embedded in a mold layer and directly coupled to the package substrate, in accordance with embodiments described herein.
The above description of illustrated implementations of the invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. While specific implementations of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.
These modifications may be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. The terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific implementations disclosed in the specification and the claims. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined entirely by the following claims, which are to be construed in accordance with established doctrines of claim interpretation.
Example 1: an electronic package, comprising: a package substrate; a first memory die stack on the package substrate; a second memory die stack on the package substrate; an electrically insulating layer over the first memory die stack and the second memory die stack; an opening through the electrically insulating layer; and a die module in the opening over the package substrate.
Example 2: the electronic package of Example 1, wherein the first memory die stack and the second memory die stack are electrically coupled to the package substrate by wire bonds.
Example 3: the electronic package of Example 2, wherein the first memory die stack and the second memory die stack are electrically coupled to the die module by interconnects in the package substrate.
Example 4: the electronic package of Examples 1-3, wherein the die module is a system on a chip (SoC).
Example 5: the electronic package of Examples 1-4, wherein the die module comprises a first die and a second die.
Example 6: the electronic package of Example 5, wherein the first die is coupled to the second die by a bridge embedded in an interposer below the first die and the second die.
Example 7: the electronic package of Example 6, wherein the interposer is coupled to the package substrate by solder balls.
Example 8: the electronic package of Examples 1-7, further comprising a stiffener around the first memory die stack and the second memory die stack.
Example 9: the electronic package of Example 8, wherein the stiffener is embedded in the electrically insulating layer.
Example 10: the electronic package of Example 9, wherein a height of the stiffener is less than a height of the electrically insulating layer.
Example 11: the electronic package of Examples 1-10, further comprising: a third memory die stack on the package substrate; and a fourth memory die stack on the package substrate.
Example 12: the electronic package of Examples 1-12, wherein the first memory die stack and the second memory die stack each comprise four or more memory dies, and wherein each of the four or more memory dies are wire bonded directly to the package substrate.
Example 13: a method of forming an electronic package, comprising: providing a package substrate; attaching a first memory die stack and a second memory die stack to the package substrate; forming a mold layer over the first memory die stack and the second memory die stack, wherein an opening is provided through the mold layer between the first memory die stack and the second memory die stack; and attaching a die module to the package substrate in the opening.
Example 14: the method of Example 13, wherein the first memory die stack and the second memory die stack are coupled to the package substrate by wire bonds.
Example 15: the method of Example 13 or Example 14, wherein the first memory die stack and the second memory die stack each include four our more memory dies.
Example 16: the method of Examples 13-15, wherein the die module comprises a plurality of dies.
Example 17: the method of Example 16, wherein the plurality of dies are provided on an interposer, and wherein the interposer is coupled to the package substrate.
Example 18: the method of Example 17, wherein the plurality of dies are coupled to each other through a bridge embedded in the interposer.
Example 19: the method of Examples 13-18, wherein the die module is a system on a chip (SoC).
Example 20: the method of Examples 13-19, further comprising: attaching a stiffener to the package substrate around the first memory die stack and the second memory die stack.
Example 21: the method of Example 20, wherein the stiffener is embedded in the mold layer.
Example 22: the method of Examples 13-21, further comprising: attaching a third memory die stack and a fourth memory dies stack to the package substrate, wherein the third memory die stack and the fourth memory die stack are embedded in the mold layer.
Example 23: an electronic system, comprising: a board; a package substrate coupled to the board; a first memory die stack coupled to the package substrate; a second memory die stack coupled to the package substrate; a stiffener on the package substrate, wherein the first memory die stack and the second memory die stack are embedded in the stiffener; and a die module coupled to the package substrate and positioned in within an inner diameter of the stiffener.
Example 24: the electronic system of Example 23, wherein the first memory die stack and the second memory die stack are coupled to the package substrate by wire bonds.
Example 25: the electronic system of Example 23 or Example 24, wherein the stiffener is a mold layer.