Example devices and methods described herein generally relate to semiconductor devices. In one example, devices and methods described include one or more photonic devices.
Semiconductor devices that include one or more photonic dies are described. When a photonic die is attached to a substrate, transmitting and receiving an optical signal between a photonic die and external components is necessary. One or more turning mirrors are often used to route optical signals. Fabricating and aligning turning mirrors can be difficult. It is desired to have device components, arrangements and methods that address these concerns, and other technical challenges.
The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustrate specific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.
Optical signals, in the form of a beam 124, are sent and received by the photonic die. In the example of
The photonic die 102 is shown coupled to the glass substrate 104 through first bump connections 114. In one example the first bump connections 114 include solder. The glass substrate 104 is shown coupled to the circuit board 110 through second bump connections 116. In one example the second bump connections 116 include solder. The glass substrate 104 may include a silicate-based glass (e.g., lithium-silicate, borosilicate, aluminum silicate, etc.). In variations, the glass of the glass substrate 104 is a lower quality glass (e.g., glass made with soda lime), or a higher quality glass (e.g., quartz glass made with fused silica). In the example shown, one or more die side layers 111 and one or more land side layers 109 are coupled to opposing major surfaces of the glass substrate 104. One or more through glass vias are shown passing between the opposing major surfaces of the glass substrate 104. In the example shown, the through glass vias are filled with a metallic conductor 108 such as copper. The layers 111, 109 may be used to redistribute electrical pathways between the photonic die 102 and the circuit board 110.
The optical pathway between the photonic die 102 and the port 106 may include a number of interfaces between components. It is desirable to minimize any signal disruption that might be induced at an interface. In one example, an underfill 112 is included between the photonic die 102 and the glass substrate 104. In one example, the underfill 112 includes optically transparent underfill. Other properties such as index of refraction of the underfill 112 may be considered. In one example an index of refraction of the underfill 112 substantially matches an index of refraction of the glass substrate 104.
A beam interface 208 is shown between the photonic die 102 and the glass turning mirror base 202 of the first turning mirror 120. In one example, the beam interface 208 is a direct interface between the photonic die 102 and the glass turning mirror base 202. In other words, there are no intervening layers or adhesives between the photonic die 102 and the glass turning mirror base 202. By eliminating an intervening layer, index of refraction issues are eliminated, and a lower noise, higher quality beam interaction is provided at interface 208.
In one example the interface 208 includes silicon and oxygen bonding between adjacent surfaces at the direct interface. In one example, a process is used to directly attach the glass turning mirror base 202 to the exposed surface of the photonic die 102 to form the direct interface 208. In one example a solvent clean step is first performed. Solvents that may be used include, but are not limited to, H2O, H2O2, NH4OH, etc. In one example, a plasma activation is then performed. Suitable plasmas include oxygen or nitrogen plasma activation. In one example, a cleaning is performed after plasma activation with another solvent such as de-ionized water. After the plasma activation, the activated surface of the glass turning mirror base 202 is brought into contact with the photonic die 102. Due to the surface activation, direct bonding occurs. In one example the direct bonding includes silicon and oxygen bonding. In one example, a final anneal step is performed after the direct bonding. One example of an anneal process includes heating to between 300° C. and 400° C. although the invention is not so limited.
The process for forming interface 208 (cleaning, activating, annealing, etc.) may be performed on one or both surfaces of the glass turning mirror base 202 and the photonic die 102. In one example, the process is only performed on the glass turning mirror base 202.
Although a direct bonded interface 208 is shown within a cavity 103, the invention is not so limited.
The turning mirror assembly 410 of
A transmitting surface 414 of the turning mirror assembly 410 is further shown, wherein the transmitting surface 414 is parallel to a corresponding surface 406 of the glass substrate 404. As discussed above, intervening layers between components in a beam path may cause noise or signal degradation. In the example of
In the example of
The turning mirror assembly 430 of
A transmitting surface 434 of the turning mirror assembly 430 is further shown, wherein the transmitting surface 434 is parallel to a corresponding surface 426 of the glass substrate 424. In the example of
In the example of
The turning mirror assembly 450 of
A transmitting surface 454 of the turning mirror assembly 450 is further shown, wherein the transmitting surface 454 is parallel to a corresponding surface 446 of the glass substrate 444. In the example of
In the example of
In one example, the dispensing of the first polymer fill material 520 may be adjusted to either fill the first cavity 504 flush, or overfill the first cavity 504. Even with limited process control, this eliminates the possibility that the first cavity 504 will be underfilled, and results in a worst case scenario of the overfill amount 522 shown in
Because the second cavity 508 is included, the overfill amount 522 is still within a bottom surface 501 of the glass substrate 502, and does not require any grinding or chemical mechanical polishing.
In one example, the second polymer fill material 530 is different from the first polymer fill material 520. In one example, the second polymer fill material 530 is easier to remove/adjust as compared to the first polymer fill material 520. In the event that the Z-height 532 of the second polymer fill material 530 does need adjusting, the chosen second polymer fill material 530 may be selected for easier adjustment, such as easier griding. In one example the second polymer fill material 530 includes Ajinomoto Build-up Film (ABF). In one example the second polymer fill material 530 includes a photo-imageable dielectric.
The photonic die 602 is shown coupled to the glass substrate 604 through first bump connections 603. In one example the first bump connections 603 include solder. The glass substrate 104 may include a silicate-based glass (e.g., lithium-silicate, borosilicate, aluminum silicate, etc.). In variations, the glass of the glass substrate 104 is a lower quality glass (e.g., glass made with soda lime), or a higher quality glass (e.g., quartz glass made with fused silica). In the example shown, one or more die side layers 611 and one or more land side layers 609 are coupled to opposing major surfaces of the glass substrate 604. The die side layer 611 and land side layer 609 may be the same material, or they may be formed from different materials. In one example, both the die side layers and the land side layers 609 are laminated in one operation, therefore having the layers 611, 609 formed from the same material is advantageous. One or more through glass vias are shown passing between the opposing major surfaces of the glass substrate 604. In the example shown, the through glass vias are filled with a metallic conductor 608 such as copper. The layers 611, 609 may be used to redistribute electrical pathways between the photonic die 602, through the glass substrate 604 and to additional components such as a mother board (not shown). Solder connections 607 may be used to connect to a mother board.
In the Example of
In
As shown in
In
In one example, the mirror bases 802 are formed from a material with a similar coefficient of thermal expansion to the glass substrate 604. In one example, the mirror bases 802 are formed from glass. In one example, the mirror bases 802 are formed from silicon. By forming the mirror bases 802 first, it is easier to use materials with similar coefficient of thermal expansion to the glass substrate 604. In contrast, filling a cavity in a glass substrate 604 with a material that has a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to a glass substrate can be difficult. Such materials may not flow into a cavity easily. Having materials with similar coefficients of thermal expansion may reduce or eliminated cracking during thermal cycling.
The photonic die 902 is shown coupled to the glass substrate 904 through first bump connections 903. In one example the first bump connections 903 include solder. The glass substrate 904 may include a silicate-based glass (e.g., lithium-silicate, borosilicate, aluminum silicate, etc.). In variations, the glass of the glass substrate 904 is a lower quality glass (e.g., glass made with soda lime), or a higher quality glass (e.g., quartz glass made with fused silica). In the example shown, one or more die side layers 911 and one or more land side layers 909 are coupled to opposing major surfaces of the glass substrate 904. The die side layer 911 and land side layer 909 may be the same material, or they may be formed from different materials. In one example, both the die side layers 911 and the land side layers 909 are laminated in one operation, therefore having the layers 611, 609 formed from the same material is advantageous. One or more through glass vias are shown passing between the opposing major surfaces of the glass substrate 904. In the example shown, the through glass vias are filled with a metallic conductor 908 such as copper. The layers 911, 909 may be used to redistribute electrical pathways between the photonic die 902, through the glass substrate 904 and to additional components such as a mother board (not shown). Solder connections 907 may be used to connect to a mother board.
In the example of
In
In
In
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In one embodiment, processor 1110 has one or more processor cores 1112 and 1112N, where 1112N represents the Nth processor core inside processor 1110 where N is a positive integer. In one embodiment, system 1100 includes multiple processors including 1110 and 1105, where processor 1105 has logic similar or identical to the logic of processor 1110. In some embodiments, processing core 1112 includes, but is not limited to, pre-fetch logic to fetch instructions, decode logic to decode the instructions, execution logic to execute instructions and the like. In some embodiments, processor 1110 has a cache memory 1116 to cache instructions and/or data for system 1100. Cache memory 1116 may be organized into a hierarchal structure including one or more levels of cache memory.
In some embodiments, processor 1110 includes a memory controller 1114, which is operable to perform functions that enable the processor 1110 to access and communicate with memory 1130 that includes a volatile memory 1132 and/or a non-volatile memory 1134. In some embodiments, processor 1110 is coupled with memory 1130 and chipset 1120. Processor 1110 may also be coupled to a wireless antenna 1178 to communicate with any device configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals. In one embodiment, an interface for wireless antenna 1178 operates in accordance with, but is not limited to, the IEEE 802.11 standard and its related family, Home Plug AV (HPAV), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), Bluetooth, WiMax, or any form of wireless communication protocol.
In some embodiments, volatile memory 1132 includes, but is not limited to, Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM), and/or any other type of random access memory device. Non-volatile memory 1134 includes, but is not limited to, flash memory, phase change memory (PCM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or any other type of non-volatile memory device.
Memory 1130 stores information and instructions to be executed by processor 1110. In one embodiment, memory 1130 may also store temporary variables or other intermediate information while processor 1110 is executing instructions. In the illustrated embodiment, chipset 1120 connects with processor 1110 via Point-to-Point (PtP or P-P) interfaces 1117 and 1122. Chipset 1120 enables processor 1110 to connect to other elements in system 1100. In some embodiments of the example system, interfaces 1117 and 1122 operate in accordance with a PtP communication protocol such as the Intel® QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) or the like. In other embodiments, a different interconnect may be used.
In some embodiments, chipset 1120 is operable to communicate with processor 1110, 1105N, display device 1140, and other devices, including a bus bridge 1172, a smart TV 1176, I/O devices 1174, nonvolatile memory 1160, a storage medium (such as one or more mass storage devices) 1162, a keyboard/mouse 1164, a network interface 1166, and various forms of consumer electronics 1177 (such as a PDA, smart phone, tablet etc.), etc. In one embodiment, chipset 1120 couples with these devices through an interface 1124. Chipset 1120 may also be coupled to a wireless antenna 1178 to communicate with any device configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals. In one example, any combination of components in a chipset may be separated by a continuous flexible shield as described in the present disclosure.
Chipset 1120 connects to display device 1140 via interface 1126. Display 1140 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) array, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) array, or any other form of visual display device. In some embodiments of the example system, processor 1110 and chipset 1120 are merged into a single SOC. In addition, chipset 1120 connects to one or more buses 1150 and 1155 that interconnect various system elements, such as I/O devices 1174, nonvolatile memory 1160, storage medium 1162, a keyboard/mouse 1164, and network interface 1166. Buses 1150 and 1155 may be interconnected together via a bus bridge 1172.
In one embodiment, mass storage device 1162 includes, but is not limited to, a solid state drive, a hard disk drive, a universal serial bus flash memory drive, or any other form of computer data storage medium. In one embodiment, network interface 1166 is implemented by any type of well-known network interface standard including, but not limited to, an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Express interface, a wireless interface and/or any other suitable type of interface. In one embodiment, the wireless interface operates in accordance with, but is not limited to, the IEEE 802.11 standard and its related family, Home Plug AV (HPAV), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), Bluetooth, WiMax, or any form of wireless communication protocol.
While the modules shown in
To better illustrate the method and apparatuses disclosed herein, a non-limiting list of embodiments is provided here:
Example 1 includes a semiconductor device. The device includes a photonic die coupled to a glass substrate, and a turning mirror assembly coupled between the photonic die and the glass substrate, wherein a transmitting surface of the turning mirror assembly is parallel to a corresponding surface of the glass substrate, and the transmitting surface is separated from the glass substrate by an amount of gas filled space.
Example 2 includes the semiconductor device of example 1, wherein the glass substrate includes one or more through glass vias filled with a metallic conductor.
Example 3 includes the semiconductor device of any one of examples 1-2, further including one or more solder connections between the photonic die and the metallic conductors in the through glass vias.
Example 4 includes the semiconductor device of any one of examples 1-3, further including an underfill between the photonic die and the glass substrate.
Example 5 includes the semiconductor device of any one of examples 1-4, wherein the transmitting surface of the turning mirror assembly is located within a cavity in the glass substrate.
Example 6 includes the semiconductor device of any one of examples 1-5, wherein the underfill does not fill the cavity.
Example 7 includes the semiconductor device of any one of examples 1-6, further including a polymeric seal around a periphery of the transmitting surface, between the transmitting surface and the corresponding surface of the glass substrate.
Example 8 includes the semiconductor device of any one of examples 1-7, wherein the polymeric seal includes silicone.
Example 9 includes the semiconductor device of any one of examples 1-8, wherein the polymeric seal includes polyurethane.
Example 10 includes the semiconductor device of any one of examples 1-9, further including an anti-reflective coating on the transmitting surface and the corresponding surface of the glass substrate.
Example 11 includes a computing system. The system includes an electronic die coupled to a glass substrate, a photonic die coupled to the glass substrate and in communication with the electronic die, and a turning mirror assembly coupled between the photonic die and the glass substrate, wherein a transmitting surface of the turning mirror assembly is parallel to a corresponding surface of the glass substrate, and the transmitting surface is separated from the glass substrate by an amount of gas filled space. The system also includes an optical fiber positioned to receive optical signals from the turning mirror.
Example 12 includes the computing system of example 11, wherein the glass substrate includes fused silica.
Example 13 includes the computing system of any one of examples 11-12, further including a polymeric seal around a periphery of the transmitting surface, between the transmitting surface and the corresponding surface of the glass substrate.
Example 14 includes the computing system of any one of examples 11-13, wherein the transmitting surface of the turning mirror assembly is located within a cavity in the glass substrate.
Example 15 includes the computing system of any one of examples 11-14, further including a polymeric seal around a periphery of the transmitting surface, within the cavity between the transmitting surface and the corresponding surface of the glass substrate.
Example 16 includes the computing system of any one of examples 11-15, further including an antenna coupled to the electronic die.
Example 17 includes a method of forming a semiconductor device. The method includes coupling a turning mirror within a cavity in the photonic die, coupling the photonic die to a surface of a glass substrate, and spacing the turning mirror apart from the glass substrate, such that a transmitting surface of the turning mirror is parallel to a corresponding surface of the glass substrate, and the transmitting surface is separated from the glass substrate.
Example 18 includes the method of example 17, further including placing a polymeric seal around a periphery of the transmitting surface to enclose an amount of gas filled space between the transmitting surface and the glass substrate.
Example 19 includes the method of any one of examples 17-18, further including forming a cavity within the glass substrate, and locating the transmitting surface within the cavity in the glass substrate.
Example 20 includes the method of any one of examples 17-19, further including applying an underfill epoxy between the photonic die and the glass substrate, and wherein the cavity channels the underfill epoxy around the cavity to keep the underfill epoxy out of the cavity.
Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.
Although an overview of the inventive subject matter has been described with reference to specific example embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of embodiments of the present disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single disclosure or inventive concept if more than one is, in fact, disclosed.
The embodiments illustrated herein are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed. Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
As used herein, the term “or” may be construed in either an inclusive or exclusive sense. Moreover, plural instances may be provided for resources, operations, or structures described herein as a single instance. Additionally, boundaries between various resources, operations, modules, engines, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in a context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within a scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate resources in the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or resource. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single resource may be implemented as separate resources. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within a scope of embodiments of the present disclosure as represented by the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
The foregoing description, for the purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific example embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the possible example embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The example embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles involved and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various example embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
It will also be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” and so forth may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the scope of the present example embodiments. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact.
The terminology used in the description of the example embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the example embodiments and the appended examples, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.