Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to electronic packages, and more particularly to multichip electronic packages with a stepped top surface.
As technology continues to advance, multichip heterogeneous integration has become more common. In the particular instance of photonic systems, components such as a photonics integrated circuit (PIC), an electrical integrated circuit (EIC), and a logic die (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA)) may be integrated within a single package architecture. In order to provide high density interconnects between the components, solutions such as embedded multi-die interconnect bridge (EMIR) have been proposed.
However, the EMIB architecture results in non-optimal package form factor and power consumption. In the case of form factor, the EMIB approach relies on components being laterally adjacent to each other, and the EMIR stitches neighboring components together. As such, a large X-Y footprint is needed. In the case of power consumption, the electrical path across the EMIB increases the power consumption due to losses across the EMIB. Particularly, in the case of a photonics system, the signal must pass from the PIC to the EIC across a first EMIB, and from the EIC to the logic die across a second EMIB.
Described herein are multichip electronic packages with a stepped top surface, 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.
An example of a heterogeneous package with a logic die, an electrical integrated circuit (EIC), and a photonics integrated circuit (PIC) is shown in
In order to reduce the lateral footprint and eliminate one of the EMIBs 110, a stacked architecture may be used. An example of such a package 200 is shown in
Referring now to
In an embodiment, the package substrate 305 may have a stepped top surface. As used herein, a stepped surface may refer to a surface that includes two or more plateaus that are connected to each other by a vertical surface. A vertical surface may be a substantially vertical surface or a sloped surface that has a vertical component. For example, the package substrate 305 has a stepped surface that includes three plateaus. A first plateau 321, a second plateau 322, and a third plateau 323 are shown in
In an embodiment, a first die 301 may be provided on the first plateau 321, a second die 302 may be provided on the second plateau 322, and a third die 303 may be provided on the third plateau 323. The first die 301 may be a PIC, the second die 302 may be an EIC, and the third die 303 may be a logic die (e.g., an FPGA). However, it is to be appreciated that the dies 301, 302, and 303 may be any suitable type of dies that are heterogeneously integrated in the electronic package 300.
In an embodiment, an entirety of the first die 301 may be over the first plateau 321. In the illustrated embodiment, an edge of the first die 301 is substantially coplanar with an edge of the package substrate 305. However, in other embodiments, the first die 301 may overhang the edge of the package substrate. In an embodiment, the second die 302 may be over the second plateau 322 and extend over a portion of the first die 301. The first die 301 may be electrically coupled to the second die 302 by interconnects 315. As such, a direct coupling is provided between the first die 301 and the second die 302 without the need to pass over a bridge substrate. Additionally, the overlap between the first die 301 and the second die 302 reduces the combined footprint of the first die 301 and the second die 302, compared to when an EMIB architecture is used to connect the first die 301 to the second die 302. In an embodiment, the third die 303 is on the third plateau 323 and extends over a portion of the second die 302. The second die 302 may be electrically coupled to the third die 303 by interconnects 315. As such, a direct coupling is provided between the second die 302 and the third die 303 without the need to pass over a bridge substrate. Additionally, the overlap between the second die 302 and the third die 303 reduces the combined footprint of the second die 302 and the third die 303, compared to when an EMIR architecture is used to connect the second die 302 to the third die 303.
In
A more detailed illustration of an electronic package 400 is shown in the process flow depicted in
Referring now to
In the illustrated embodiment, three routing layers are shown above and below the core 406. However, it is to be appreciated that any number of routing layers may be provided above and/or below the core 406. Additionally, the number of routing layers above the core 406 may be different than the number of routing layers below the core 406.
Referring now to
The release layer 451 may be any suitable release layer material that allows for buildup material to be removed while not damaging the underlying pads 432. For example, the release layer material may be an organic layer which does not adhere to the stack-up. Laser skiving can then be done around the perimeter of the cavity, and buildup layers above the release layer 451 can be removed mechanically. In other embodiments, the release layer 451 may be a thin layer of copper or other metal. The release layer 451 then functions as a laser stop. The entire cavity is then skived to remove the buildup layers. The release layer 451 may then be etched to electrically separate the pads 432. In another embodiment the release layer 451 is a continuous pad layer. The full cavity can be skived. The release layer 451 is then patterned to form the separate pads 432.
Referring now to
In an embodiment, the buildup layers 431 above the release layer 451 are without conductive routing. This is because the buildup layers 431 above the release layer 451 will ultimately be removed to make the first plateau on which the first die will be placed. Conductive routing (e.g., pads 432, vias 433, and the like) may be provided in the buildup layers 431 adjacent to the release layer 451. In an embodiment, openings 441 may be provided through the buildup layers 431 to expose pads 432 that are buried below the top surface. The openings 441 may be used to connect the second die (added in a subsequent processing operation) to the pads 432.
Referring now to
In an embodiment, interconnects 452 may be provided through solder resist openings to connect to a top pad 432. The interconnect 452 may be a first level interconnect (FLI), such as a solder or the like. Similarly, interconnects 453 may be provided through the openings 441 in order to provide electrical connection to the buried pads 432. The interconnects 453 may be used to connect the package substrate 405 to a second die (added in a subsequent processing operation). The interconnects 453 may be FLI interconnects, such as solder or the like.
Referring now to
After the exposure of the release layer 451, three distinct regions 461, 462, and 463 are provided. The first region 461 includes a first plateau 421 at the bottom of the cavity, the second region 462 includes a second plateau 422, and the third region 463 includes a third plateau 423. In an embodiment, the first plateau 421 comprises the recessed buildup layers 431, the second plateau 422 comprises the top buildup layer 431, and the third plateau 423 comprises the solder resist layer 435.
As shown, the vertical distance between the plateaus 421, 422, and 423 may be non-uniform. For example, a vertical distance between the first plateau 421 and the second plateau 422 is greater than a vertical distance between the second plateau 422 and the third plateau 423. This is to accommodate dies with different Z-heights. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments, the vertical distances between plateaus 421, 422, and 423 may be substantially uniform, or the vertical distance between the first plateau 421 and the second plateau 422 may be smaller than the vertical distance between the second plateau 422 and the third plateau 423.
Referring now to
Referring now to
In an embodiment, an edge of the first die 401 may be substantially coplanar with an edge of the package substrate 405. In other embodiments, the first die 401 may extend out past an edge of the package substrate 405 so that an edge of the package substrate 405 is not substantially coplanar with the edge of the package substrate 405. In an embodiment, a z-position of the top surface of the first die 401 may be proximate to the z-position of the second plateau 422. However, it is to be appreciated that the top surface of the first die 401 need not be substantially coplanar with the second plateau 422. For example, in
In an embodiment, the first die 401 may be surrounded by an underfill material 455. The underfill material 455 may be any common underfill material typical of electronic packaging. In addition to providing support to the solder 454, the underfill material 455 may also be provided between a sidewall of the first die 401 and the vertical sidewall of the package substrate 405 between the first plateau 421 and the second plateau 422.
Referring now to
In an embodiment, pads 411 on the second die 402 may be coupled with interconnects 453 on the package substrate 405. That is, a bottom surface of the second die 402 may be electrically coupled to both the first die 401 and the package substrate 405. In an embodiment, pads 412 may be provided on a top surface of the second die 402. An underfill material 457 may also encapsulate the second die 402.
In the illustrated embodiment, a thickness of the second die 402 is smaller than a thickness of the first die 401. However, it is to be appreciated that the second die 402 may have a similar thickness to the first die 401 or have a thickness that is greater than the first die 401. In instances where the second die 402 is thicker than what is shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
As will be described in greater detail below, the electronic package 400 in
Referring now to
In contrast to the embodiments described above, the first die 501 may be attached to the buildup layer 531 by an adhesive 565, such as a die attach film (DAF). That is, there may not be an electrical connection between the bottom surface of the first die 501 and the package substrate 505, as is described above. Instead, the first die 501 may only include pads on a top surface that are coupled to the second die 502.
Referring now to
In an embodiment, a first die 601 may be directly coupled to the board 691 by interconnects 692. The second die 602 may extend over the first die 601. Additionally, the second die 602 is directly coupled to the first die 601 by interconnects. That is, the first die 601 may not be on the package substrate 605 in some embodiments. In an embodiment, an optical fiber 670 is coupled to the first die 601.
Referring now to
In an embodiment, the first die 701 may be a PIC, the second die 702 may be an EIC, and the third die 703 may be a logic die. Though it is to be appreciated that embodiments are not limited to such die types. In an embodiment, an optical fiber 770 is coupled to the first die 701.
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 package that comprises a stepped top surface with a plurality of dies on different plateaus that are directly coupled to each other, 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 package that comprises a stepped top surface with a plurality of dies on different plateaus that are directly coupled to each other, 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 with a stepped top surface; a first die on a first plateau of the stepped top surface; a second die on a second plateau of the stepped top surface, wherein the second die extends over the first die; and a third die on a third plateau of the stepped top surface, wherein the third die extends over the second die.
Example 2: the electronic package of Example 1, wherein the first die is a photonics integrated circuit, the second die is an electrical integrated circuit, and the third die is a logic die.
Example 3: the electronic package of Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the third die is communicatively coupled to the second die, and wherein the second die is communicatively coupled to the first die.
Example 4: the electronic package of Examples 1-3, wherein the first die is coupled to the package substrate by a solder.
Example 5: the electronic package of Examples 1-3, wherein the first die is attached to the package substrate by a die attach film.
Example 6: the electronic package of Examples 1-5, wherein the second die comprises through substrate vias.
Example 7: the electronic package of Example 6, wherein the through substrate vias are positioned over the first die.
Example 8: the electronic package of Example 6, wherein the through substrate vias are positioned below the third die.
Example 9: the electronic package of Examples 1-8, wherein a thickness of the second die is greater than one routing layer in the electronic package.
Example 10: the electronic package of Examples 1-9, further comprising: an optical fiber coupled to the first die.
Example 11: the electronic package of Examples 1-10, further comprising a fourth die on a fourth plateau of the stepped top surface, wherein the fourth die extends over the third die.
Example 12: an electronic system, comprising: a board; a package substrate coupled to the board, wherein the package substrate comprises a bottom surface and a stepped top surface; a first die coupled to the board and adjacent to the package substrate; a second die on a first plateau of the stepped top surface of the package substrate, wherein the second die extends over the first die; and a third die on a second plateau of the stepped top surface of the package substrate, wherein the third die extends over the second die.
Example 13: the electronic system of Example 12, wherein the first die is a photonics integrated circuit, the second die is an electrical integrated circuit, and the third die is a logic die.
Example 14: the electronic system of Example 12 or Example 13, further comprising: an optical fiber coupled to the first die.
Example 15: the electronic system of Examples 12-14, wherein the package substrate comprises a core.
Example 16: the electronic system of Examples 12-15, wherein the third die is communicatively coupled to the second die, and wherein the second die is communicatively coupled to the first die.
Example 17: the electronic system of Examples 12-16, wherein a thickness of the second die is greater than one routing layer in the electronic package.
Example 18: a method of forming an electronic package, comprising: forming first routing layers over a package core; disposing a release layer over a portion of a topmost first routing layer; forming second routing layers over the first routing layers; forming a solder resist layer over a portion of a topmost second routing layer; opening a cavity through the second routing layers, wherein a cavity bottom is at the release layer; positioning a first die in the cavity; positioning a second die over the first die and over a topmost second routing layer; and positioning a third die over the second die and over the solder resist layer.
Example 19: the method of Example 18, wherein the first die is a photonics integrated circuit, the second die is an electrical integrated circuit, and the third die is a logic die.
Example 20: the method of Example 18 or Example 19, wherein the first die is connected to the package substrate by solder.
Example 21: the method of Examples 18-20, wherein the first die is attached to the package substrate by a die attach film.
Example 22: the method of Examples 18-21, wherein the electronic package is coupled to a board.
Example 23: an electronic system, comprising: a board; and an electronic package coupled to the board, wherein the electronic package comprises: a package substrate with a stepped top surface; a first die on a first plateau of the stepped top surface; a second die on a second plateau of the stepped top surface, wherein the second die extends over the first die; and a third die on a third plateau of the stepped top surface, wherein the third die extends over the second die.
Example 24: the electronic system of Example 23, wherein the first die is a photonics integrated circuit, the second die is an electrical integrated circuit, and the third die is a logic die.
Example 25: the electronic system of Example 23 or Example 24, wherein a thickness of the second die is greater than one routing layer in the electronic package.
This invention was made with Government support under Agreement No. HR0011-19-3-0003, awarded by DARPA. The Government has certain rights in the invention.