The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-059866 filed on Mar. 24, 2017 including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof, which can be used appropriately as a semiconductor device in which, e.g., two semiconductor chips having respective inductors formed therein are disposed to face each other and a manufacturing method thereof.
As a technique which transmits an electric signal between two circuits to which electric signals having different potentials are input, there is a technique using a photocoupler. The photocoupler has a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode and a light receiving element such as a phototransistor. The photocoupler converts the electric signal input thereto to light using the light emitting element and restores the light to the electric signal using the light receiving element to transmit the electric signal.
On the other hand, a technique which magnetically couples (inductively couples) two inductors to transmit an electric signal has been developed.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-54800 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique related to a semiconductor chip in which, in a first semiconductor chip and a second semiconductor chip, respective inductors are formed and signal transmission between the individual chips is performed using the inductive coupling of the inductors.
Each of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publications Nos. 2011-248188 (Patent Document 2) and 2002-162738 (Patent Document 3) discloses a technique related to a permanent resist.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-54800
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-248188
[Patent Document 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-162738
It is desired to improve the reliability of a semiconductor device in which two semiconductor chips are disposed to face each other.
Other problems and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from a statement in the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
According to an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor chip having a first photosensitive resin film having an adhesive property in an uppermost layer thereof and a second semiconductor chip having a second photosensitive resin film having an adhesive property in an uppermost layer thereof. The first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip are stacked such that the first photosensitive resin film of the first semiconductor chip and the second photosensitive resin film of the second semiconductor chip are in contact with each other.
According to the embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of providing a first semiconductor chip including a first photosensitive resin film having an adhesive property in an uppermost layer thereof and providing a second semiconductor chip including a second photosensitive resin film having an adhesive property in an uppermost layer thereof. The method of manufacturing the semiconductor device further includes the step of stacking the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip such that the first photosensitive resin film of the first semiconductor chip having the adhesive property and the second photosensitive resin film of the second semiconductor chip having the adhesive property come in contact with each other.
According to the embodiment, the reliability of the semiconductor device can be improved.
In each of the following embodiments, if necessary for the sake of convenience, the embodiment will be described by being divided into a plurality of sections or embodiments. However, they are by no means irrelevant to each other unless particularly explicitly described otherwise, but are in relations such that one of the sections or embodiments is a modification, details, supplementary explanation, and so forth of part or the whole of the others. Also, in each of the following embodiments, when the number and the like (including the number, numerical value, amount, range, and the like) of elements are referred to, they are not limited to specific numbers unless particularly explicitly described otherwise or unless they are obviously limited to specific numbers in principle. The number and the like of the elements may be not less than or not more than specific numbers. Also, in each of the following embodiments, it goes without saying that the components thereof (including also elements, steps, and the like) are not necessarily indispensable unless particularly explicitly described otherwise or unless the components are considered to be obviously indispensable in principle. Likewise, in each of the following embodiments, if the shapes, positional relationships, and the like of the components and the like are referred to, the shapes and the like are assumed to include those substantially proximate or similar thereto and the like unless particularly explicitly described otherwise or unless it can be considered that they obviously do not in principle. The same shall apply in regard to the foregoing numerical value and range.
The following will describe the embodiments of the present invention in detail on the basis of the drawings. Note that, throughout all the drawings for illustrating the embodiments, members having the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description thereof is omitted.
Also, in the drawings used in the following embodiments, hatching may be omitted even in a cross-sectional view for improved clarity of illustration, while even a plan view may be hatched for improved clarity of illustration.
<About Circuit Configuration>
The electronic device shown in
The transmission circuit TX1 and the reception circuit RX1 are circuits for transmitting a control signal from the control circuit CC to the drive circuit DR. The transmission circuit TX2 and the reception circuit RX2 are circuits for transmitting a signal from the drive circuit DR to the control circuit CC. The control circuit CC controls the drive circuit DR, while the drive circuit DR drives a load LOD. The load LOD is provided outside the semiconductor package PKG.
The circuits in the semiconductor chip CP1 including the transmission circuit TX1 and the reception circuit RX2 are supplied with a power supply voltage VCC1 and grounded with a ground voltage GND1. The circuits in the semiconductor chip CP2 including the transmission circuit TX2 and the reception circuit RX1 are supplied with a power supply voltage VCC2 and grounded with a ground voltage GND2. The power supply voltages VCC1 and VCC2 may be the same as or different from each other. Likewise, the ground voltages GND1 and GND2 may also be the same as or different from each other.
Between the transmission circuit TX1 and the reception circuit RX1, a transducer (converter) TR1 including magnetically coupled (inductively coupled) coils (inductors) CL1a and CL1b is interposed. A signal can be transmitted from the transmission circuit TX1 to the reception circuit RX1 via the transducer TR1. This allows the control circuit CC to transmit a signal to the drive circuit DR via the transmission circuit TX1, the transducer TR1, and the reception circuit RX1.
Between the transmission circuit TX2 and the reception circuit RX2, a transducer TR2 including magnetically coupled (inductively coupled) coils (inductors) CL2b and CL2a is interposed. A signal can be transmitted from the transmission circuit TX2 to the reception circuit RX2 via the transducer TR2. This allows the drive circuit DR to transmit a signal to the control circuit CC via the transmission circuit TX2, the transducer TR2, and the reception circuit RX2. Each of the coils CL1a, CL1b, CL2b, and CL2a can also be regarded as an inductor. Each of the transducers TR1 and TR2 can also be regarded as a magnetically coupled element.
The transducer TR1 is formed of the coil CL1a formed in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coil CL1b formed in the semiconductor chip CP2. The coils CL1a and CL1b are not connected via a conductor, but are magnetically coupled to each other. Accordingly, when a current flows in the coil CL1a in the semiconductor chip CP1, an induced electromotive force is generated in the coil CL1b in the semiconductor chip CP2 in response to the current change so that an induced current flows therein. The coil CL1a is a primary coil, while the coil CL1b is a secondary coil. Using the coils CL1a and CL1b, a signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit TX1 to the coil CL1a (primary coil) of the transducer TR1 to allow a current to flow, and the induced current (or induced electromotive force) generated in the coil CL1b (secondary coil) of the transducer TR1 in accordance with the current is sensed (received) by the reception circuit RX1. Thus, the signal corresponding to the signal transmitted by the transmission circuit TX1 can be received by the reception circuit RX1.
The transducer TR2 is formed of the coil CL2b formed in the semiconductor chip CP2 and the coil CL2a formed in the semiconductor chip CP1. The coils CL2b and CL2a are not connected via a conductor, but are magnetically coupled to each other. Accordingly, when a current flows in the coil CL2b in the semiconductor chip CP2, an induced electromotive force is generated in the coil CL2a in the semiconductor chip CP1 in response to the current change so that an induced current flows therein. The coil CL2b is a primary coil, while the coil CL2a is a secondary coil. Using the coils CL2b and CL2a, a signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit TX2 to the coil CL2b (primary coil) of the transducer TR2 to allow a current to flow, and the induced current (or induced electromotive force) generated in the coil CL2a (secondary coil) of the transducer TR2 in accordance with the current is sensed (received) by the reception circuit RX2. Thus, the signal corresponding to the signal transmitted by the transmission circuit TX2 can be received by the reception circuit RX2.
Using a path extending from the transmission circuit TX1 to the reception circuit RX1 via the transducer TR1 and a path extending from the transmission circuit TX2 to the reception circuit RX2 via the transducer TR2, signal transmission/reception is performed between the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2. The drive circuit DR can drive the load LOD in accordance with the signal transmitted from the transmission circuit TX1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 to the reception circuit RX1 of the semiconductor chip CP2 via the transducer TR1. As the load LOD, various loads can be used depending on an intended purpose. For example, a motor, an inverter for driving a motor, or the like can be used.
The semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 have different voltage levels (reference potentials). For example, the semiconductor chip CP1 is coupled to a lower voltage region having a circuit (e.g., the control circuit CC) which is operated or driven with a lower voltage (e.g., several to several tens of volts) via wires BW and leads LD each described later or the like. On the other hand, the semiconductor chip CP2 is coupled to a higher voltage region having a circuit (e.g., the load LOD) which is operated or driven with a voltage (e.g., not less than 100 V) higher than the lower voltage via the wires BW and the leads LD each described later or the like. However, since signal transmission between the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 is performed via the transducers TR1 and TR2, signal transmission between different-voltage circuits is possible.
In the case shown in
<About Example of Signal Transmission>
The transmission circuit TX extracts an edge portion from a square-wave signal SG1 input to the transmission circuit TX1 to generate a signal SG2 having a given pulse width and transmits the signal SG2 to the coil CL1a (primary coil) of the transducer TR1. When a current resulting from the signal SG2 flows in the coil CL1a (primary coil) of the transducer TR1, a signal SG3 corresponding thereto flows in the coil CL1b (secondary coil) of the transducer TR1 due to an induced electromotive force. The signal SG3 is amplified in the reception circuit RX1 and further modulated into a square wave so that a square-wave signal SG4 is output from the reception circuit RX1. Thus, the signal SG4 corresponding to the signal SG1 input to the transmission circuit TX1 can be output from the reception circuit RX1. In this manner, the signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit TX1 to the reception circuit RX1. Signal transmission from the transmission circuit TX2 to the reception circuit RX2 can also be similarly performed.
In
<About Example of Configuration of Semiconductor Package>
Next, a description will be given of an example of a configuration of the semiconductor package in the present embodiment. Note that the semiconductor package can also be regarded as a semiconductor device.
The semiconductor package PKG shown in
The semiconductor package PKG shown in
The sealing resin portion (sealing portion, sealing resin, or sealing body) MR as a sealing portion is made of a resin material such as, e.g., a thermosetting resin material or the like and can also include a filler or the like. By the sealing resin portion MR, the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2, the die pad DP, the plurality of leads LD, and the plurality of wires BW are sealed and electrically and mechanically protected. The two-dimensional shape (outer shape) of the sealing resin portion MR crossing the thickness thereof can be, e.g., a rectangular shape.
Over a top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 serving as the main surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 where elements are formed, a plurality of pads (pad electrodes or bonding pads) PD1 are formed. The plurality of pads PD1 are the external coupling terminals of the semiconductor chip CP1. Each of the pads PD1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 is electrically coupled to a semiconductor integrated circuit (such as, e.g., the foregoing transmission circuit TX1 or the foregoing reception circuit RX2) formed in the semiconductor chip CP1.
Over a top surface of the semiconductor chip CP2 serving as the main surface of the semiconductor chip CP2 where elements are formed, a plurality of pads PD2 are formed. The plurality of pads PD2 are the external coupling terminals of the semiconductor chip CP2. Each of the pads PD2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 is electrically coupled to a semiconductor integrated circuit (such as, e.g., the foregoing transmission circuit TX2, the foregoing reception circuit RX1, or the foregoing drive circuit DR) formed in the semiconductor chip CP2.
Note that, of the semiconductor chip CP1, the main surface where the pads PD1 are formed is referred to as the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the main surface opposite thereto is referred to as a back surface of the semiconductor chip CP1. Also, of the semiconductor chip CP2, the main surface where the pads PD2 are formed is referred to as the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP2 and the main surface opposite thereto is referred to as a back surface of the semiconductor chip CP2. Each of the top surfaces of the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 is formed mainly of the upper surface of insulating film ER.
The insulating film ER of the semiconductor chip CP1 which forms the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 is designated by the reference numeral ER1 and referred to as the insulating film ER1, while the insulating film ER of the semiconductor chip CP2 which forms the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP2 is designated by the reference numeral ER2 and referred to as the insulating film ER2.
The semiconductor chip CP1 is mounted (placed) over the upper surface of the die pad DP as a chip mounting portion such that the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 faces upward and the back surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 faces the upper surface of the die pad DP. The back surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 is bonded and fixed to the upper surface of the die pad DP via a die bonding material (adhesive material) DB.
The semiconductor chip CP2 is mounted (placed) over and fixed to the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 such that the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP2 faces the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1. That is, the semiconductor chip CP2 is mounted (placed) over the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 such that the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP2 faces the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the back surface of the semiconductor chip CP2 faces upward. Since the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP2 face each other, the upper surface of the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the upper surface of the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 face each other and are in contact with each other.
The insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 are each made of a resin film (photosensitive resin film) having an adhesive property, though the details thereof will be described later. Since the semiconductor chip CP2 is thus placed over the semiconductor chip CP1 such that the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 face each other and are in contact with each other, the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 is bonded and fixed to the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1. As a result, the semiconductor chip CP2 is bonded and fixed to the semiconductor chip CP1. Accordingly, each of the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 also has the function of bonding or fixing the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 to each other.
In plan view, the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 partially overlap each other. That is, in plan view, the entire top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 does not overlap the semiconductor chip CP2, and the entire top surface of the semiconductor chip CP2 does not overlap the semiconductor chip CP1. The semiconductor chip CP1 has a region overlapping the semiconductor chip CP2 and a region not overlapping the semiconductor chip CP2 in plan view.
Also, the semiconductor chip CP2 has a region overlapping the semiconductor chip CP1 and a region not overlapping the semiconductor chip CP1 in plan view. Note that the wording “in plan view” corresponds to the case where an object is viewed in a plane generally parallel with the main surface of the semiconductor chip, the main surface of the semiconductor chip CP2, or both of the respective main surfaces of the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2.
Note that the region of the semiconductor chip CP1 overlapping the semiconductor chip CP2 in plan view can also be regarded as the region thereof facing the semiconductor chip CP2. The region of the semiconductor chip CP1 not overlapping the semiconductor chip CP2 in plan view can also be regarded as the region thereof not facing the semiconductor chip CP2. The region of the semiconductor chip CP2 overlapping the semiconductor chip CP1 in plan view can also be regarded as the region thereof facing the semiconductor chip CP1. The region of the semiconductor chip CP2 not overlapping the semiconductor chip CP1 in plan view can also be regarded as the region thereof not facing the semiconductor chip CP1.
The semiconductor chip CP1 has the plurality of pads PD1 which are disposed over the region of the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 not overlapping the semiconductor chip CP2 in plan view. Consequently, the plurality of pads PD1 provided over the semiconductor chip CP1 are not covered with the semiconductor chip CP2. On the other hand, the semiconductor chip CP2 has the plurality of pads PD2 which are disposed over the region of the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP2 not overlapping the semiconductor chip CP1 in plan view. Consequently, the plurality of pads PD2 provided over the semiconductor chip CP2 are not covered with the semiconductor chip CP1.
Since the plurality of pads PD1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 do not overlap the semiconductor chip CP2, the wires BW can be coupled to the pads PD1. Also, since the plurality of pads PD2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 do not overlap the semiconductor chip CP1, the wires BW can be coupled to the pads PD2.
The leads LD are each formed of a conductor. Preferably, the leads LD are made of a metal material such as copper (Cu) or a copper alloy. Each of the leads LD includes an inner lead portion as the portion of the lead LD which is located in the sealing resin portion MR and an outer lead portion as the portion of the lead LD which is located outside the sealing resin portion MR. The outer lead portion of the lead LD protrudes from the side surface of the sealing resin portion MR to the outside of the sealing resin portion MR. The spaces between the inner lead portions of the adjacent leads LD are filled with the material forming the sealing resin portion MR. The outer lead portion of each of the leads LD can function as the external coupling terminal portion (external terminal) of the semiconductor package PKG. The outer lead portion of each of the leads LD has been bent such that the lower surface of the outer lead portion in the vicinity of the end portion thereof is located slightly below the lower surface of the sealing resin portion MR.
In another form, it is also possible not to bend the outer lead portion of each of the leads LD. In that case, the outer lead portion of each of the leads LD is allowed to protrude from the side surface of the sealing resin portion MR and extend in a direction parallel with the lower or upper surface of the sealing resin portion MR.
The pads PD1 over the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the pads PD2 over the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP2 are electrically coupled to the respective inner lead portions of the leads LD via the wires BW each as a conductive coupling member.
It is assumed herein that, of the plurality of leads LD of the semiconductor package PKG, the leads LD electrically coupled to the pads PD1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 via the wires BW are each designated by a reference numeral LD1 and referred to as the leads LD1. It is also assumed that, of the plurality of leads LD of the semiconductor package PKG, the leads LD electrically coupled to the pads PD2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 via the wires BW are each designated by a reference numeral LD2 and referred to as the leads LD2.
That is, the pads PD1 over the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 are electrically coupled to the respective inner lead portions of the leads LD1 via the wires BW, while the pads PD2 over the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP2 are electrically coupled to the respective inner lead portions of the leads LD2 via the wires BW. In short, the wires BW having one ends coupled to the individual pads PD1 over the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 have the other ends coupled to the respective upper surfaces of the inner lead portions of the leads LD1. Also, the wires BW having one ends coupled to the individual pads PD2 over the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP2 have the other ends coupled to the respective lower surfaces of the inner lead portions of the leads LD2.
Note that the leads LD1 coupled to the pads PD1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 via the wires BW are different from the leads LD2 coupled to the pads PD2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 via the wires BW. The pads PD1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 are not coupled to the pads PD2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 via the wires BW. Thus, the pads PD1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 are not coupled to the pads PD2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 via conductors.
In the rectangle (quadrilateral) forming the two-dimensional shape of the sealing resin portion MR, the plurality of leads LD1 and the plurality of leads LD2 are arranged along the sides (side surfaces) opposite to each other.
The wires (bonding wires) BW are the conductive coupling members (members for coupling). More specifically, the wires BW are conductive wires and made of metal wires (metal thin wires) such as, e.g., gold (Au) wires or copper (Cu) wires. The wires BW are sealed in the sealing resin portion MR and are not exposed from the sealing resin portion MR.
As described above, the semiconductor chip CP1 and the semiconductor chip CP2 are stacked such that the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 face each other and are in contact with each other. In the semiconductor chip CP1, the coils CL1a and CL2a described above are formed while, in the semiconductor chip CP2, the coils CL1b and CL2b described above are formed. The coil CL1a formed in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coil CL1b formed in the semiconductor chip CP2 overlap each other in plan view. The coil CL2a formed in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coil CL2b formed in the semiconductor chip CP2 overlap each other in plan view. That is, the semiconductor chip CP1 and the semiconductor chip CP2 are stacked such that the coil CL1a formed in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coil CL1b formed in the semiconductor chip CP2 face each other and the coil CL2a formed in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coil CL2b formed in the semiconductor chip CP2 face each other.
The coil CL1a formed in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coil CL1b formed in the semiconductor chip CP2 are magnetically coupled (inductively coupled) to each other to form the foregoing transducer TR1. The coil CL2a formed in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coil CL2b formed in the semiconductor chip CP2 are magnetically coupled (inductively coupled) to each other to form the foregoing transducer TR2. Between the coil CL1a in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coil CL1b in the semiconductor chip CP2, the plurality of insulating films (including the insulating film ER1) of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the plurality of insulating films (including the insulating film ER2) of the semiconductor chip CP2 are interposed. Likewise, between the coil CL2a in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coil CL2b in the semiconductor chip CP2, the plurality of insulating films (including the insulating films ER1 and PA) of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the plurality of insulating films (including the insulating films ER2 and PA) of the semiconductor chip CP2 are interposed. Consequently, the coil CL1a in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coil CL1b in the semiconductor chip CP2 are not connected via a conductor. Also, the coil CL2a in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coil CL2b in the semiconductor chip CP2 are not connected via a conductor.
The transmission of an electric signal between the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 is performed only via the transducers TR1 and TR2. That is, only the signal transmitted from the circuit formed in the semiconductor chip CP1 by electromagnetic induction via the coil CL1a in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coil CL1b in the semiconductor chip CP2 is transmitted to the semiconductor chip CP2. Also, only the signal transmitted from the circuit formed in the semiconductor chip CP2 by electromagnetic induction via the coil CL2b in the semiconductor chip CP2 and the coil CL2a in the semiconductor chip CP1 is transmitted to the semiconductor chip CP1.
<About Manufacturing Process of Semiconductor Package>
Next, referring to
For example, the semiconductor package PKG can be manufactured as follows.
That is, first, as shown in
Next, as shown in
Next, as shown in
Each of the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 has an adhesive property. Accordingly, in the step in
The description has been given heretofore of the case where the semiconductor chip CP1 is mounted over the die pad DP of the lead frame via the die bonding material DB and then the semiconductor chip CP2 is mounted over the semiconductor chip CP1 mounted over the die pad DP. In other words, the description has been given of the case where, prior to the step of stacking the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2, the semiconductor chip CP1 is mounted over the die pad DP. In another embodiment, there may also be a case in which, after the step of stacking the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2, the semiconductor chip CP1 is mounted over the die pad DP. In this case, after the semiconductor chip CP1 and the semiconductor chip CP2 are bonded together such that the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 face each other, the semiconductor chip CP1 bonded to the semiconductor chip CP2 is mounted over the die pad DP of the lead frame via the die bonding material DB. It is possible to bond the back surface of the semiconductor chip CP1 bonded to the semiconductor chip CP2 to the die pad DP of the lead frame via the die bonding material DB.
The step in
Next, as shown in
Next, as shown in
Until the sealing resin portion MR is formed, the semiconductor chip CP2 has been fixed to the semiconductor chip CP1 owing to the adhesive property of each of the insulating films ER1 and ER2 of the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2. However, when the sealing resin portion MR is formed, the sealing resin portion MR allows the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 to be fixed to each other.
Next, the plurality of leads LD having the respective inner lead portions sealed in the sealing resin portion MR are cut from the framework of the lead frame. Then, as shown in
Note that the description has been given heretofore of the case where the semiconductor chip CP1 is mounted over the die pad DP in the semiconductor package PKG. However, in another form, it is also possible to switch the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 to each other in the semiconductor package PKG. In that case, over the die pad DP, the semiconductor chip CP2 is mounted.
Also, the description has been given heretofore of the case where, by way of example, the package form of the semiconductor package PKG is a SOP (Small Outline Package). However, the semiconductor package PKG is also applicable to a package form other than the SOP.
In either case, the manufacturing process of the semiconductor package includes the step of providing the semiconductor chip CP1, the step of providing the semiconductor chip CP2, and stacking the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2.
<About Electronic System Using Semiconductor Device>
Examples of the applications of a product in which the semiconductor package PKG is mounted include the motor control unit of an automobile or a household electrical appliance such as a washer, a switching power supply, an illumination controller, a solar power generation controller, a mobile phone, and a mobile communication device.
A description will be given herein of an electric automobile system as an example of an electronic system (electronic device) using the semiconductor package PKG in the present embodiment.
The electronic system (which is the electric automobile system herein) shown in
In the electronic system in
To the inverter INV, the control unit CTC is coupled via the semiconductor package PKG to be able to control the inverter INV. To the inverter INV, the motor MOT is also coupled. The dc voltage (dc power) supplied from the power supply BAT to the inverter INV via the converter CNV is converted to an ac voltage (ac power) by the inverter INV controlled by the control unit CTC and supplied to the motor MOT to be able to drive the motor MOT. The motor MOT can rotate the tires of an automobile or the like.
For example, in the case of a hybrid automobile, the output shaft of the motor MOT and the output shaft of the engine ENG are combined with each other in a power distribution mechanism BK and the torque thereof is transmitted to an axle SJ. The axle SJ operates in association with a drive wheel DTR via differentials DF. In such a case as where a large drive force is required, the motor MOT is driven in conjunction with the engine ENG. The output torques thereof are combined in the power distribution mechanism BK and transmitted to the drive wheel DTR via the axle SJ to drive the drive wheel DTR. In such a case as where the required drive force is not so large (such as, e.g., when the automobile runs at a given speed), it is possible to stop the engine ENG and drive the drive wheel DTR only with the motor MOT. In the case of a hybrid automobile, the engine ENG is also needed in addition to the motor MOT. However, in the case of an electric automobile having no engine, the engine ENG can be omitted.
The control unit CTC is formed of, e.g., an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and has an embedded control semiconductor chip such as an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The relay RY and the converter CNV can also be controlled by the control unit CTC.
However, the control unit CTC and the inverter INV do not directly perform signal transmission therebetween. Between the control unit CTC and the inverter INV, the foregoing semiconductor package PKG is interposed. That is, the signal transmission between the control unit CTC and the inverter INV is performed via the semiconductor package PKG. In the electronic system in
The inverter INV has power semiconductor elements (power transistors). Examples of the power semiconductor elements include IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) and the like. For example, in the case where the motor MOT is a 3-phase motor, the inverter INV has six IGBTs corresponding to the three phases. To each of the power semiconductor elements of the inverter INV, a signal is input from the drive circuit DR. In the case where the power semiconductor elements are IGBTs, the signal from the drive circuit DR is input to the gate electrode of each of the IGBTs. The control unit CTC controls the turning ON/OFF of the power semiconductor elements of the inverter INV via the semiconductor package PKG and can thus control the inerter INV and drive the motor MOT.
As described above, the semiconductor package PKG has the foregoing semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 embedded therein, but the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 have different voltage levels (reference potentials). For example, to drive or control the inverter INV, the drive circuit DR is coupled to the inverter INV, and the reference potential (voltage level) of the semiconductor chip CP2 may rise to a voltage substantially equal to the power supply voltage VCC of the inverter INV to be driven. The power supply voltage VCC is considerably high (e.g., about several hundreds of volts to several thousands of volts). The same applies also to the case where the drive circuit DR is embedded in a semiconductor chip other than the semiconductor chip CP2. This produces a large voltage level (reference potential) difference between the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2. That is, to the semiconductor chip CP2, a voltage (e.g., about several hundreds of volts to several thousands of volts) higher than the power supply voltage (e.g., about several volts to several tens of volts) supplied to the semiconductor chip CP1 may be supplied from the inverter INV.
However, as described above, what is electrically transmitted between the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 is the signal transmitted from the primary coil (CL1a) in the semiconductor chip CP1 to the secondary coil (CL1b) in the semiconductor chip CP2 by electromagnetic induction or the signal transmitted from the primary coil (CL2b) in the semiconductor chip CP2 to the secondary coil (CL2a) in the semiconductor chip CP1 by electromagnetic induction. Accordingly, even when the respective voltage levels (reference potentials) of the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 are different, it is possible to reliably prevent the voltage level (reference potential) of the semiconductor chip CP2 from being input to the semiconductor chip CP1 or prevent the voltage level (reference potential) of the semiconductor chip CP1 from being input to the semiconductor chip CP2. That is, even when the reference potential (voltage level) of the semiconductor chip CP2 has risen to a voltage substantially equal to the power supply voltage VCC (e.g., several hundreds of volts to several thousands of volts) of the inverter INV to be driven, it is possible to reliably prevent the reference potential of the semiconductor chip CP2 from being input to the semiconductor chip CP1. Therefore, it is possible to reliably transmit an electric signal between the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 having the different voltage levels (reference potentials).
<About Structure of Semiconductor Chip>
The semiconductor chip CP shown in
The semiconductor chip CP in the present embodiment is formed by using a semiconductor substrate SB made of monocrystalline silicon or the like.
As shown in
For example, in a semiconductor substrate SB, a p-type well PW and an n-type well NW are formed. Over the p-type well PW, a gate electrode G1 for an n-channel MISFET is formed via a gate insulating film GF while, over the n-type well NW, a gate electrode G2 for a p-channel MISFET is formed via the gate insulating film GF.
In the p-type well PW of the semiconductor substrate SB, source/drain n-type semiconductor regions NS of the n-channel MISFET are formed while, in the n-type well NW of the semiconductor substrate SB, source/drain p-type semiconductor regions PS of the p-channel MISFET are formed. The gate electrode G1, the gate insulating film GF under the gate electrode G1, and the n-type semiconductor regions NS (source/drain regions) on both sides of the gate electrode G1 form an n-channel MISFET Qn. On the other hand, the gate electrode G2, the gate insulating film GF under the gate electrode G2, and the p-type semiconductor regions PS (source/drain regions) on both sides of the gate electrode G2 form a p-channel MISFET Qp.
Note that, as examples of the semiconductor elements formed in the semiconductor substrate SB, the MISFETs have been described heretofore. However, it may also be possible to additionally form a capacitor element, a resistor element, a memory element, a transistor having another configuration, and the like. When the semiconductor chip CP is the foregoing semiconductor chip CP1, the semiconductor elements formed in the semiconductor substrate SB form the transmission circuit TX1 and the reception circuit RX2 each described above. When the semiconductor chip CP is the foregoing semiconductor chip CP2, the semiconductor elements formed in the semiconductor substrate SB form the transmission circuit TX2, the reception circuit RX1, and the drive circuit DR each described above. As an example of the semiconductor substrate SB, a monocrystalline silicon substrate has been described heretofore. In another form, a SOI (Silicon On Insulator) substrate or the like can also be used as the semiconductor substrate SB.
Over the semiconductor substrate SB, a wiring structure including one or more wiring layers is formed. Preferably, a multi-layer wiring structure is formed of a plurality of interlayer insulating films and a plurality of wiring layers.
That is, over the semiconductor substrate SB, a plurality of interlayer insulating films IL1, IL2, and IL3 are formed and, in the plurality of interlayer insulating films IL1, IL2, and IL3, plugs V1, via portions V2 and V3, and wires M1, M2, and M3 are formed.
Specifically, over the semiconductor substrate SB, the interlayer insulating film IL1 is formed as an insulating film so as to cover the foregoing MISFETs. Over the interlayer insulating film IL1, the wires M1 are formed. The wires M1 are in the first wiring layer (lowermost wiring layer). Over the interlayer insulating film IL1, the interlayer insulating film IL2 is formed as the insulating film so as to cover the wires M1. Over the interlayer insulating film IL2, the wires M2 are formed. The wires M2 are in the second wiring layer as the wiring layer immediately above the first wiring layer. Over the interlayer insulating film IL2, the interlayer insulating film IL3 is formed as the insulating film so as to cover the wires M2. Over the interlayer insulating film IL3, the wires M3 are formed. The wires M3 are in the third wiring layer as the wiring layer immediately above the second wiring layer. The third wiring layer is the uppermost wiring layer.
The plugs V1 are each made of a conductor and formed in the layer located under the wires M1. That is, the plugs V1 are formed in the interlayer insulating film IL1 so as to extend through the interlayer insulating film IL1. The plugs V1 have upper surfaces in contact with the lower surfaces of the wires M1 to thus be electrically coupled to the wires M1. The plugs V1 have bottom portions coupled to various semiconductor regions (such as, e.g., the n-type semiconductor regions NS and the p-type semiconductor regions PS) formed in the semiconductor substrate SB, the gate electrodes G1 and G2, and the like. As a result, the wires M1 are electrically coupled to the various semiconductor regions formed in the semiconductor substrate SB, the gate electrodes G1 and G2, and the like via the plugs V1.
The via portions V2 are each made of a conductor and formed between the wires M2 and the wires M1, i.e., formed in the interlayer insulating film IL2 to couple the wires M2 to the wires Ml. The via portions V2 can also be formed integrally with the wires M2. The via portions V3 are each made of a conductor and formed between the wires M3 and the wires M2, i.e., formed in the interlayer insulating film IL3 to couple the wires M3 to the wires M2. The via portions V3 can also be formed integrally with the wires M3.
In the semiconductor chip CP shown in
A pad (pad electrode or bonding pad) PD is formed of the third wiring layer as the uppermost wiring layer. In short, the pad PD is formed in the same layer as that of the wires M3. That is, the wires M3 and the pad PD are formed of the same conductive layer in the same step. Accordingly, similarly to the wires M3, the pad PD is also formed over the interlayer insulating film IL3.
The pad PD is electrically coupled to the internal wiring of the semiconductor chip CP. For example, by providing the wire M3 integrally formed with the pad PD and allowing the wire ME3 integrally formed with the pad PD to be coupled to the wire M2 via the via portion V3 provided immediately under the wire M3, the pad PD can electrically be coupled to the wire M2. It is also possible to provide the via portion V3 immediately under the pad PD and electrically couple the pad PD to the wire M2 via the via portion V3. Note that the internal wiring of the semiconductor chip CP is formed in the multi-layer wiring structure over the semiconductor substrate SB and includes the wires M1, M2, and M3 herein.
Also, the coils CL are formed of the wiring layer (which is the second wiring layer herein) immediately under the uppermost wiring layer (which is the third wiring layer herein). In short, the coils CL (the coil wires CW) are formed in the same layer as that of the wires M2. That is, the wires M2 and the coils CL (coil wires CW) are formed of the same conductive layer in the same step. Accordingly, similarly to the wires M2, the coils CL (coil wires CW) are also formed over the interlayer insulating film IL2.
In another form, the wiring layer in which the coils CL are formed can also be changed. For example, the coils CL can also be formed in the uppermost wiring layer (which is the third wiring layer herein). Alternatively, the coils CL can also be formed in the wiring layer (which is the first wiring layer herein) two layers below the uppermost wiring layer (which is the third wiring layer herein).
Thus, in the semiconductor chip CP in the present embodiment, the wiring structure including one or more wiring layers (preferably, a plurality of wiring layers) is formed over the semiconductor substrate SB. In the uppermost wiring layer (which is the third wiring layer herein) among the wiring layers included in the wiring structure, the pad PD is formed. In any (which is the second wiring layer herein) of the wiring layers of the wiring structure, the coils CL (col wires CW) are formed.
When the semiconductor chip CP is the foregoing semiconductor chip CP1, each of the coils CL corresponds to the foregoing coil CL1a or the foregoing coil CL2a, and the pad PD corresponds to the foregoing pad PD1. Accordingly, when the semiconductor chip CP is the foregoing semiconductor chip CP1, the coil CL serving as the foregoing coil CL1a and the coil CL serving as the foregoing coil CL2a are formed over the interlayer insulating film IL2. When the semiconductor chip CP is the foregoing semiconductor chip CP2, each of the coils CL corresponds to the foregoing coil CL1b or the foregoing coil CL2b, and the pad PD corresponds to the foregoing pad PD2. Accordingly, when the semiconductor chip CP is the foregoing semiconductor chip CP2, the coil CL serving as the foregoing coil CL1b and the coil CL serving as the foregoing coil CL2b are formed over the interlayer insulating film IL2.
Each of the coils CL is formed of the coil wire (coil-shaped wire) CW wound into a helical shape (coil shape or loop shape) in plan view over the interlayer insulating film IL2 (see
Each of the coils CL is electrically coupled to the internal wiring of the semiconductor chip CP and coupled to the circuit (transmission circuit or reception circuit) formed in the semiconductor chip CP via the internal wiring of the semiconductor chip CP. For example, it is possible to provide the via portion V2 immediately under one end portion of the coil CL and electrically couple the one end portion of the coil CL1 to the wire M1 via the via portion V2 and also provide another via portion V2 immediately under the other end portion of the coil CL and electrically couple the other end portion of the coil CL to another wire M1 via the via portion V2.
In the semiconductor chip CP in the present embodiment, a wiring structure including one or more layers (preferably, a plurality of wiring layers) is formed over the semiconductor substrate SB. Over the wiring structure, the insulating film PA is formed. Over the insulating film PA, the insulating film ER (photosensitive resin film) is formed.
That is, over the interlayer insulating film IL3, the insulating film PA is formed so as to cover the wires M3 and, over the insulating film PA, the insulating film ER is formed. That is, over the interlayer insulating film IL3, a multi-layer film LF including the insulating film PA and the insulating film ER over the insulating film PA is formed so as to cover the wires M3. The multi-layer film including the insulating film PA and the insulating film ER over the insulating film PA is designated herein by the reference numeral LF and referred to as the multi-layer film LF.
The insulating film PA functions as a passivation film, which is preferably an inorganic insulating film. As the insulating film PA, a silicon nitride film or a silicon oxynitride film can appropriately be used, and the silicon nitride film is particularly preferred. Since the silicon nitride film is an insulating film having low moisture absorbency, by using a silicon nitride film as the insulating film PA covering the wires M3 and the pad PD, it is possible to improve the moisture resistance of the semiconductor chip CP.
The insulating film ER is the uppermost-layer film (insulating film) of the semiconductor chip CP. That is, the insulating film ER forms the uppermost layer of the semiconductor chip CP, and the film located closest to the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP is the insulating film ER. The upper surface of the insulating film ER mainly forms the upper surface (top surface) of the semiconductor chip CP. When the semiconductor chip CP is the foregoing semiconductor chip CP1, the insulating film ER corresponds to the foregoing insulating film ER1. When the semiconductor chip CP is the foregoing semiconductor chip CP2, the insulating film ER corresponds to the foregoing insulating film ER2.
The insulating film ER is made of a photosensitive resin film and has an adhesive property. Since the insulating film ER has the adhesive property, when the foregoing semiconductor package PKG is manufactured, the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP1 can be stacked and fixed such that the insulating film ER2 (ER) of the semiconductor chip CP2 and the insulating film ER1 (ER) of the semiconductor chip CP1 come in contact with each other.
The multi-layer film LF has an opening OP exposing at least a portion of the pad PD. However, since the multi-layer film LF includes the insulating film PA and the insulating film ER, the opening OP of the multi-layer film LF is formed of an opening OP1 of the insulating film PA and an opening OP2 of the insulating film ER.
The pad PD is exposed from the opening OP of the multi-layer film LF. That is, by providing the opening OP over the pad PD, the pad PD is exposed from the opening OP of the multi-layer film LF. This allows a conductive coupling member such as the foregoing wire BW to be coupled to the pad PD exposed from the opening OP of the multi-layer film LF.
As shown in
The seal ring SR is formed of seal ring wires (metal pattern) M1a, M2a, and M3a and seal ring via portions (metal pattern) V1a, V2a, and V3a. The seal ring SR is formed of these seal ring wires M1a, M2a, and M3a and the sealing ring via portions V1a, V2a, and V3a which are vertically aligned to have a metal wall shape. The seal ring wires M1a, M2a, and M3a and the seal ring via portions V1a, V2a, and V3a are formed not to wire elements or circuits, but to form the seal ring SR.
<About Manufacturing Process of Semiconductor Chip>
Next, a description will be given of the manufacturing process of the semiconductor chip (semiconductor device) CP in the present embodiment. By the following manufacturing process, the semiconductor chip CP in
First, as shown in
Next, in the main surface of the semiconductor substrate SB, isolation regions ST are formed by, e.g., a STI (Shallow Trench Isolation) method or the like.
Next, as shown in
That is, using an ion implantation method, the p-type well PW and the n-type well NW are formed. Over the p-type well PW and the n-type well NW, the gate electrodes G1 and G2 are formed via the gate insulating films GF and, using an ion implantation method, the n-type semiconductor regions NS and the p-type semiconductor regions PS are formed. Thus, in the semiconductor substrate SB, the n-channel MISFET Qn and the p-channel MISFET Qp are formed.
Next, as shown in
Next, using the photoresist layer (not shown) formed over the interlayer insulating IL1 using a photolithographic technique as an etching mask, dry etching is performed on the interlayer insulating film IL1 to form contact holes (through holes) in the interlayer insulating film IL1. Then, by embedding a conductive film in the contact holes, the conductive plugs (coupling conductor portions) V1 are formed. At this time, the seal ring via portion Via is also formed.
To form the plugs V1, e.g., over the interlayer insulating film IL1 including the bottom portions and the side walls of the contact holes, a barrier conductor film (e.g., a titanium film, a titanium nitride film, or a multi-layer film thereof) is formed. Then, a main conductor film made of a tungsten film or the like is formed over the barrier conductor film so as to be embedded in the contact holes. Subsequently, the respective unneeded portions of the main conductor film and the barrier conductor film which are located outside the contact holes are removed by a CMP method, an etch-back method, or the like. As a result, the upper surface of the interlayer insulating film IL1 is exposed, and the plugs V1 are formed of the remaining barrier conductor film and the remaining main conductor film each embedded in the contact holes of the interlayer insulating film IL1.
Next, as shown in
The description has been given heretofore of the case where the wires M1 are formed by a method which patterns the conductive film. In another form, the wires M1 can also be formed by a damascene method. In this case, after an insulating film is formed over the interlayer insulating film IL1 in which the plugs V1 are embedded, wire trenches are formed in the insulating film and a conductive film is embedded in the wire trenches to be able to form the wires M1 as embedded wires (e.g., embedded copper wires). The same applies also to the wires M2 formed later.
Next, as shown in
Next, using the photoresist layer (not shown) formed over the interlayer insulating film IL2 using a photolithographic technique as an etching mask, dry etching is performed on the interlayer insulating film IL2 to form through holes (through openings) in the interlayer insulating film IL2. Then, by embedding the conductive film in the through holes, the conductive via portions (coupling conductor portions) V2 are formed. At this time, the seal ring via portion V2a is also formed. The via portions V2 can be regarded also as conductive plugs. The via portions V2 can be formed using the same method as used to form the plugs V1, but the material of the conductive film of the via portions V2 can also be different from that of the plugs V1. For example, the plugs V1 can be made mainly of a tungsten film, while the via portions V2 can be made mainly of an aluminum film.
Next, as shown in
Next, as shown in
Next, using the photoresist layer (not shown) formed over the interlayer insulating film IL3 using a photolithographic technique as an etching mask, dry etching is performed on the interlayer insulating film IL3 to form through holes in the interlayer insulating film IL3. Then, by embedding the conductive film in the through holes, the conductive via portions (coupling conductor portions) V3 are formed. At this time, the seal ring via portion Via is also formed. The via portions V3 can be regarded also as conductive plugs. The via portions V3 can be formed of the same conductive material as that of the via portions V2 using the same method as used to form the via portions V2.
Next, as shown in
The via portions V3 have lower surfaces in contact with the wires M2 to thus be electrically coupled to the wires M2 and have upper surfaces in contact with the wires M3 or the pad PD to thus be electrically coupled to the wires M3 or the pad PD. That is, the via portions V3 electrically couple the wires M2 to the wires M3 or electrically couple the wire M2 to the pad PD.
The description has been given heretofore of the case where the via portions V3 and the wires M3 are formed in different steps. In another form, the via portions V3 can also be formed in the same step of forming the wires M3 and the pad PD. In this case, each of the via portions V3 is formed integrally with the wire M3 or the pad PD. In this case, after the through holes for the via portions V3 are formed in the interlayer insulating film IL3, a conductive film for the third wiring layer may be formed appropriately over the interlayer insulating film IL3 so as to be embedded in the through holes and then patterned using a photolithographic technique and an etching technique to form the wires M3, the pad PD, and the seal ring wire M3a. The foregoing via portions V2 and the foregoing wires M2 can also be formed in the same step. In that case, the foregoing via portions V2 are formed integrally with the foregoing wires M2.
The pad PD can have a generally rectangular two-dimensional shape having sides each larger than, e.g., the wire width of each of the wires M3. The pad PD is preferably an aluminum pad containing aluminum as a main component. The wires M3 are preferably aluminum wires containing aluminum as a main component.
Next, as shown in
At the stage prior to the deposition of the insulating film PA, the wires M3, the pad PD, and the seal ring wire M3a are exposed. However, when the insulating film PA is deposited, the wires M3, the pad PD, and the seal ring wire M3a are covered with the insulating film PA to be in an unexposed state.
Next, over the insulating film PA, a photoresist pattern (not shown) is formed using a photolithographic technique. Then, using the photoresist pattern as an etching mask, the insulating film PA is etched (by dry etching) to be formed with the opening OP1, as shown in
Next, as shown in
The insulating film ER can also be formed by sticking a photosensitive resin sheet (permanent resist sheet) onto the main surface (entire main surface) of the semiconductor substrate SB, but the insulating film ER is more preferably formed by a coating method (spin coating method). By forming the insulating film ER by the coating method (spin coating method), it is possible to enhance the adhesion between the insulating film ER and an underlying film (which is the insulating film PA herein) and also enhance the planarity of the upper surface of the insulating film ER. The thickness (formed film thickness) of the insulating film ER is preferably larger than the thickness (formed film thickness) of the insulating film PA and can be set to, e.g., about 1 to 5 μm.
The spin coating method is a method which dropwise applies a chemical solution as a material for forming a thin film (which is a material for forming the insulating film ER herein) onto a rotating semiconductor wafer (which is the semiconductor substrate SB herein). After the chemical solution is applied onto the semiconductor wafer by the spin coating method, baking treatment (heat treatment) is preferably performed.
As a result of forming the insulating film PA and the insulating film ER, a state is achieved in which, over the interlayer insulating film IL3, the multi-layer film LF including the insulating film PA and the insulating film ER over the insulating film PA is formed so as to cover the wires M3, the pad PD, and the seal ring wire M3a. In the manufactured semiconductor chip CP, the insulating film ER is the uppermost-layer film. Over the portion of the pad PD which is exposed from the opening OP1 of the insulating film PA also, the insulating film ER is formed. Accordingly, when the insulating film ER is formed, a state is achieved in which the portion of the pad PD which is exposed from the opening OP1 of the insulating film PA is covered with the insulating film ER. As a result, when the insulating film ER is formed, not only the wires M3 and the sea ring wire M3a, but also the pad PD is no longer exposed.
In the case of forming the insulating film ER by the coating method (spin coating method), the insulating film ER can be formed by performing, only once, each of film formation using the coating method (spin coating method) and the baking treatment (heating treatment) of the formed film. However, the insulating film ER can also be formed by performing the film formation using the coating method (spin coating method) and the baking treatment (heat treatment) of the formed film in a plurality of cycles. In that case, since the material of the films formed in the plurality of cycles is the same, the insulating film ER is formed of a multi-layer film including a plurality of photosensitive resin films made of the same material.
For example, after the structure in
Since the coating method (spin coating method) allows a planar film to be formed, the coating method (spin coating method) is appropriate as a method for forming the insulating film ER. When the film formation using the coating method (spin coating method) and the baking treatment of the formed film are performed in a plurality of cycles, the film formed later is more likely to have an upper surface with higher planarity. Accordingly, by forming the insulating film ER by performing the film formation using the coating method (spin coating method) and the baking treatment of the formed film in a plurality of cycles, the planarity of the upper surface of the insulating film ER can more reliably be enhanced. In addition, by performing the film formation using the coating method (spin coating method) and the baking treatment of the formed film in a plurality of cycles, the thickness of the insulating film ER can be increased. This can increase the breakdown voltage (dielectric strength voltage) between the coil CL in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coil CL in the semiconductor chip CP2 in the semiconductor package PKG.
After the structure in
That is, using a photomask for forming the opening OP2, the insulating film ER made of the photosensitive resin is exposed, as shown in
After the development treatment, the insulating film ER is preferably subjected to baking treatment (heat treatment). By the baking treatment, the insulating film ER is cured to have increased (higher) hardness. By performing the baking treatment after the development treatment, it is easier to perform the subsequent steps. For example, since the insulating film ER is hardened to a degree by the baking treatment, the handling of the semiconductor wafer is improved. The baking treatment of the insulating film ER after the development treatment is performed prior to the step of cutting the semiconductor substrate SB described later.
Thus, as shown in
Note that, in the case where the pad PD is formed of the multi-layer film including the barrier conductor film, the aluminum film over the barrier conductive film, and the barrier conductor film over the aluminum film as described above, when the opening OP1 is formed in the insulating film PA, it is also possible to remove the barrier conductor film (upper-layer barrier conductive film) exposed from the opening OP1 by etching and expose the aluminum film forming the pad PD from the opening OP1. After the aluminum film forming the pad PD is exposed from the opening OP1, an underlying metal film (not shown) can also be formed over the aluminum film exposed from the opening OP1. The underlying metal film is made of a multi-layer film including, e.g., a nickel (Ni) film and a gold (Au) film over the nickel (Ni) film or the like. The formation of the underlying metal film leads to the coupling of the foregoing wires BW to the underlying metal film. As a result, the foregoing wires BW can easily be coupled.
Thereafter, the back surface of the semiconductor substrate SB is ground or polished as necessary to reduce the thickness of the semiconductor substrate SB. Then, the semiconductor substrate SB is subjected to dicing (cutting) together with the multi-layer structure over the semiconductor substrate SB. At this time, as also shown in
In this manner, the semiconductor chip (semiconductor device) CP can be manufactured.
<About Stacking of Semiconductor Chips>
In
As shown in
<About Study by Present Inventors>
In the semiconductor package PKG101 in the studied example in
That is, in each of the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2, the uppermost layer is the insulating film ER while, in each of the semiconductor chips CP101 and CP102, the uppermost layer is an insulating film PL101. That is, in each of the semiconductor chips CP101 and CP102, the insulating film ER is not used. Over the insulating film PA, the insulating film PL101 is formed to serve as the uppermost-layer film of the semiconductor chip. The insulating film PL101 used in each of the semiconductor chips CP101 and CP102 is a typical polyimide film (polyimide resin film) and has no adhesive property.
The manufacturing process of the semiconductor package PKG101 in the studied example is performed as follows. That is, first, a lead frame, the semiconductor chip CP101 having the uppermost layer made of the insulating film PL101, and the semiconductor chip CP102 having the uppermost layer made of the insulating film PL101 are provided. Then, by performing a die bonding step, the semiconductor chip CP101 is mounted over the die pad DP of the lead frame via the die bonding material DB and bonded thereto. Then, the semiconductor chip 102 is mounted over the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP101 via the insulating sheet ZS and fixed thereto such that the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP102 faces the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP101. The insulating sheet ZS has an adhesive property. As the insulating sheet ZS, e.g., a DAF (Die Attach Film) can be used. One surface of the insulating sheet ZS is bonded to the insulating film PL101 of the semiconductor chip CP101, while the other surface of the insulating sheet ZS is bonded to the insulating film PL101 of the semiconductor chip CP102. Thus, the semiconductor chip CP101 and the semiconductor chip CP102 are fixed via the insulating sheet ZS. Then, a wire bonding step is performed to couple the plurality of pads PD1 of the semiconductor chip CP101 and the plurality of pads PD2 of the semiconductor chip CP102 to the plurality of leads LD using the plurality of wires BW. Then, a resin sealing step is performed to form the sealing resin portion MR sealing therein the semiconductor chips CP101 and CP102, the die pad DP, the insulating sheet ZS, the plurality of leads LD, and the plurality of wires BW. Then, by cutting the leads LD and bending the leads LD, the semiconductor package PKG101 in the studied example in
When the semiconductor package PKG101 in the studied example is manufactured, after the semiconductor chips CP101 and CP102 are manufactured, the semiconductor chips CP101 and CP102 need to be stuck to each other via the insulating sheet ZS having the adhesive property. For example, it is appropriate to stick one surface of the insulating sheet ZS to the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP101 and then stick the semiconductor chip CP102 to the other surface of the insulating sheet ZS. Alternatively, it is appropriate to stick one surface of the insulating sheet ZS to the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP102 and then stick the other surface of the insulating sheet ZS to the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP101. That is, when the semiconductor package PKG101 in the studied example is manufactured, it is necessary to stick the semiconductor chip CP101 to the insulating sheet ZS and stick the semiconductor chip CP102 to the insulating sheet ZS.
However, as a result of conducting study, the present inventors have found that, when the semiconductor package PKG101 in the studied example is manufactured, the following problem arises.
That is, when the insulating sheet ZS is stuck to the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP101 or when the insulating sheet ZS is stuck to the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP102, air bubbles or a defect may develop between the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP101 and the insulating sheet ZS or between the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP102 and the insulating sheet ZS. When air bubbles or a defect has developed between the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP101 and the insulating sheet ZS or between the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP102 and the insulating sheet ZS, the reliability of the manufactured semiconductor package PKG101 deteriorates. For example, starting from the air bubbles or defect that has developed between the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP101 (or the semiconductor chip CP102) and the insulating sheet ZS, delamination between the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP101 (or the semiconductor chip CP102) and the insulating sheet ZS may proceed. When delamination has occurred between the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP101 (or the semiconductor chip CP102) and the insulating sheet ZS, the delaminated portion serves as a leakage path or the like to degrade the reliability of the semiconductor package PKG101. In particular, in the semiconductor package PKG101 having a configuration in which the coils in the semiconductor chip CP101 are magnetically coupled to the coils in the semiconductor chip CP102 and a signal is transmitted between the semiconductor chips CP101 and CP102 using these coils, the proceeding of the foregoing delamination may reduce the breakdown voltage (dielectric strength voltage) between the coil in the semiconductor chip CP101 and the coil in the semiconductor chip CP102.
Accordingly, in the semiconductor package in which the two semiconductor chips are stacked also, it is desired to inhibit or prevent the occurrence of delamination at a position between the stacked semiconductor chips and improve the reliability of the semiconductor package.
<About Main Characteristic Features and Effects>
The semiconductor package PKG in the present embodiment is a semiconductor package (semiconductor device) which includes the semiconductor chip CP1 (first semiconductor chip) and the semiconductor chip CP2 (second semiconductor chip) and in which the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 are stacked.
One of the main characteristic features of the present embodiment is that, as the insulating film ER1 (first photosensitive resin film) as the uppermost-layer film of the semiconductor chip CP1, a photosensitive resin film having an adhesive property is used and, as the insulating film ER2 (second photosensitive resin film) as the uppermost-layer film of the semiconductor chip CP2, a photosensitive resin film having an adhesive property is used. The semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 are stacked such that the insulating film ER1 (photosensitive resin film having the adhesive property) of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 (photosensitive resin film having the adhesive property) of the semiconductor chip CP2 are in contact with each other.
As in the semiconductor package PKG101 in the foregoing studied example, when the semiconductor chips CP101 and CP102 are stacked with the insulating sheet ZS having the adhesive property being interposed therebetween unlike in the present embodiment, air bubbles or a defect may develop between the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP101 and the insulating sheet ZS or between the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP102 and the insulating sheet ZS. This leads to delamination between the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP101 and the insulating sheet ZS or the delamination between the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP102 and the insulating sheet ZS and consequently degrades the reliability of the semiconductor package PKG101.
By contrast, in the present embodiment, each of the insulating film ER1 as the uppermost-layer film of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 as the uppermost-layer film of the semiconductor chip CP2 is the photosensitive resin film having the adhesive property. This allows the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 to be brought into direct contact with each other and bonded to each other without using an equivalent to the foregoing insulating sheet ZS. That is, by stacking the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 such that the adhesive insulating film ER1 (photosensitive resin film) of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the adhesive insulating film ER2 (photosensitive resin film) of the semiconductor chip CP2 come in contact with each other, the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 can be bonded and fixed to each other.
In the present embodiment, the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 are stacked such that the adhesive insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 is in direct contact with the adhesive insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 without using an equivalent to the foregoing insulating sheet ZS. As a result, the present embodiment is free from delamination between either of the semiconductor chips and the insulating sheet ZS which may occur in the semiconductor package PKG101 in the foregoing studied example.
The insulating sheet ZS is a member separate from the semiconductor chips CP101 and CP102. As a result, when the semiconductor chips CP101 and CP102 are stacked with the insulating sheet ZS being interposed therebetween, air bubbles or a defect is likely to develop between the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP101 and the insulating sheet ZS or between the top surface of the semiconductor chip CP102 and the insulating sheet ZS and cause delamination therebetween. By contrast, in the present embodiment, each of the insulating film ER1 as a part of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 as a part of the semiconductor chip CP2 is imparted with the adhesive property. By bringing the insulating film ER1 as the part of the semiconductor chip CP1 into contact with the insulating film ER2 as the part of the semiconductor chip CP2, the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 are bonded together using the adhesive property of each of the insulating films ER1 and ER2. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, it is possible to easily and reliably bond the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 to the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 and enhance the adhesion between the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2, i.e., the adhesion between the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2. This can inhibit or prevent the occurrence of delamination at a position between the stacked semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 and improve the reliability of the semiconductor package PKG.
The semiconductor chip CP1 is formed by forming the insulating film ER1 (ER) and then cutting and singulating the semiconductor substrate SB by dicing. Likewise, the semiconductor chip CP2 is formed by forming the insulating film ER2 (ER) and then cutting and singulating the semiconductor substrate SB by dicing. Accordingly, at the stage where the insulating film ER1 (ER) is formed, the semiconductor substrate SB has not been cut yet and is in a wafer state. Likewise, at the stage where the insulating film ER2 (ER) is formed, the semiconductor substrate SB has not been cut yet and is in a wafer state. Therefore, when the insulating film ER1 (ER) is formed, it is possible to enhance the adhesion between the insulating film ER1 (ER) and the underlying insulating film PA. Likewise, when the insulating film ER2 (ER) is formed, it is possible to enhance the adhesion between the insulating film ER2 (ER) and the underlying insulating film PA.
When the semiconductor package PKG101 in the studied example is manufactured, it is necessary to stick the adhesive insulating sheet ZS to each of the semiconductor chips not in a wafer state, but in the form of a chip. Since it is difficult to stick the adhesive insulating sheet ZS to the semiconductor chip, the adhesion between the semiconductor chip and the insulating sheet ZS is likely to be reduced, and air bubbles or a defect is likely to develop between the semiconductor chip and the insulating sheet ZS. By contrast, in the present embodiment, at the stage where the insulating film ER is formed, the semiconductor substrate SB before being formed into chips is in a wafer state. When a resin sheet (adhesive resin sheet) is to be stuck to a chip or a wafer, the resin sheet is more easily stuck to the wafer than to the chip, and the adhesion between the resin sheet and the underlie is more likely to be improved when the wafer is the underlie than when the chip is the underlie. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the insulating film ER is formed before the semiconductor substrate SB (semiconductor wafer) is cut. Therefore, even when the insulating film ER is formed by sticking a photosensitive resin sheet onto the entire main surface (i.e., onto the insulating film PA) of the wafer (semiconductor substrate SB), it is possible to improve the adhesion between the photosensitive resin sheet (insulating film ER) and the underlying insulating film PA. Also, in the present embodiment, the insulating film ER is formed before the semiconductor substrate SB (semiconductor wafer) is cut. This allows the insulating film ER to be easily and reliably formed using a coating method (preferably, a spin coating method). By forming the insulating film ER using the coating method (preferably, the spin coating method), the adhesion between the formed insulating film ER and the underlying insulating film PA can further be improved.
Thus, in the present embodiment, the insulating film ER is formed before the semiconductor substrate SB (semiconductor wafer) is cut. This can enhance the adhesion between the insulating film ER and the underlying insulating film PA. In addition, by directly bonding the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 together using the adhesive property of the insulating film ER formed before the semiconductor substrate SB (semiconductor wafer) is cut, it is possible to inhibit or prevent the occurrence of a problem (such as delamination) resulting from the bonding together of the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2. This can improve the reliability of the semiconductor package PKG. Moreover, since the insulating film ER is made of the photosensitive resin film, the opening OP2 for exposing the pad PD can be formed easily and reliably in the insulating film ER.
The insulating film ER can also be formed by sticking a photosensitive resin sheet to the main surface (entire main surface) of the semiconductor substrate SB, i.e., onto the insulating film PA, but the insulating film ER is more preferably formed by a coating method (preferably, a spin coating method). By forming the insulating film ER by the coating method (spin coating method), it is possible to enhance the adhesion between the insulating film ER and the underlying film (which is the insulating film PA herein) and also enhance the planarity of the upper surface of the insulating film ER. Consequently, it is possible to enhance the adhesion between the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2. This can more reliably inhibit or prevent the occurrence of delamination at a position between the stacked semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 and more reliably improve the reliability of the semiconductor package PKG.
The insulating film ER is the photosensitive resin film having the adhesive property. However, as the insulating film ER, a permanent resist (permanent photoresist or photosensitive permanent film) can be used appropriately. Permanent resists are photosensitive resin materials and, among them, there is a permanent resist having an adhesive property. Accordingly, the permanent resist can appropriately be used as the insulating film ER. Examples of a liquid-type permanent resist material (permanent resist material for which a coating method is used) include TMMR-S2000™ available from Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd. and KI-1000-T4™ available from Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. Examples of a film-type (sheet-type) permanent resist material include TMMF-S2000™ available from Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd., KI-1000-T4F™ available from Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd., and SRF-SS-8000™ available from Toagosei Co., Ltd.
Examples of the material of a permanent resist that can be used for the insulating film ER include a photosensitive resin composition containing the following components A, B, C, D, and E.
The component A is a photo-radical-reactive resin having at least one or more ethylenic unsaturated groups and a carboxyl group in a molecule.
The component B is a photopolymeric monomer having at least one or more ethylenic unsaturated groups and a tricyclodecane structure in a molecule.
The component C is a photopolymerization initiator.
The component D is an epoxy resin.
The component E is a silica filler.
Note that the specific examples of the permanent resist usable for the insulating film ER are shown herein, but the permanent resist usable for the insulating film ER is not limited thereto.
A semiconductor package PKG2 in Embodiment 2 is different from the semiconductor package PKG in Embodiment 1 described above in the following point.
That is, the semiconductor chip CP1 used in the semiconductor package PKG2 in Embodiment 2 has the alignment portions AL1 (first alignment portions) each made of a projecting or depressed portion of the insulating film ER1. The semiconductor chip CP2 used in the semiconductor package PKG2 in Embodiment 2 has the alignment portions AL2 (second alignment portions) each made of a projecting or depressed portion of the insulating film ER2. The semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 are stacked such that the alignment portions AL1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the alignment portions AL2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 fit together.
That is, in the step in
One of each of the fitting pairs of alignment portions AL1 and AL2 is a projecting portion, while the other thereof is a depressed portion. That is, when the alignment portion AL1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 is the projecting portion of the insulating film ER1, the alignment portion AL2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 which fits together with the alignment portion AL1 is the depressed portion of the insulating film ER2. When the alignment portion AL1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 is the depressed portion of the insulating film ER1, the alignment portion AL2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 which fits together with the alignment portion AL1 is the projecting portion of the insulating film ER2.
Thus, the fitting pair of alignment portions AL1 and AL2 is formed of the projecting portion of the insulating film ER1 and the depressed portion of the insulating film ER2 or formed of the depressed portion of the insulating film ER1 and the projecting portion of the insulating film ER2. This allows the alignment portions AL1 and AL2 to easily and reliably fit together. When the projecting portion of the fitting pair of alignment portions AL1 and AL2 is formed in a tapered shape (shape which tapers toward the tip of the projecting portion) and the depressed portion of the fitting pair of alignment portions AL1 and AL2 is also formed in a tapered shape (shape having an area which gradually decreases toward the bottom of the depressed portion), the projecting portion is more easily fit into the depressed portion.
As also shown in
In Embodiment 2, in the semiconductor chip CP1, at least one alignment portion AL1 is provided and, in the semiconductor chip CP2, at least one alignment portion AL2 is provided. However, each of the number of the alignment portions AL1 provided in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the number of the alignment portions AL2 provided in the semiconductor chip CP2 may be a plural number (two or more). When the plurality of alignment portions AL1 are provided in the semiconductor chip CP1, the plurality of alignment portions AL1 are spaced apart from each other in plan view. Likewise, when the plurality of alignment portions AL2 are provided in the semiconductor chip CP2, the plurality of alignment portions AL2 are spaced apart from each other in plan view.
When the plurality of alignment portions AL1 are provided in the semiconductor chip CP1, the plurality of alignment portions AL1 may also include the projecting portion and the depressed portion in mixed relation. Likewise, when the plurality of alignment portions AL2 are provided in the semiconductor chip CP2, the plurality of alignment portions AL2 may also include the projecting portion and the depressed portion in mixed relation. In such a case also, a relationship between the fitting pair of alignment portions AL1 and AL2 such that one of the alignment portions AL1 and AL2 is the projecting portion and the other thereof is the depressed portion is maintained.
Preferably, the number of the alignment portions AL1 provided in the semiconductor chip CP1 is the same as the number of the alignment portions AL2 provided in the semiconductor chip CP2. For example, when the number of the alignment portions AL1 provided in the semiconductor chip CP1 is 3, it is preferable that the number of the alignment portions AL2 provided in the semiconductor chip CP2 is also 3. This can prevent a projecting portion not used for alignment from being formed in either of the insulating films ER1 and ER2 of the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 and thus reliably improve the adhesion between the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2.
Each of the number of the alignment portions AL1 provided in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the number of the alignment portions AL2 provided in the semiconductor chip CP2 is preferably 3 or more. That is, it is more preferable that, in the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1, the alignment portions AL1 each made of the depressed portion or the projecting portion are formed at three or more locations and, in the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2, the alignment portions AL2 each made of the depressed portion or the projecting portion are formed at three or more locations. In this case, the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 are stacked such that the alignment portions AL1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the alignment portions AL2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 fit together. As a result, the total of three or more fitting pairs of the alignment portions AL1 and AL2 are provided. This allows the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 to be reliably aligned and stacked and allows an improvement in alignment accuracy when the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 are stacked. Consequently, the relative positional relationship between the coils CL in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coils CL in the semiconductor chip CP can accurately be defined as designed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the coupling coefficient of the magnetic coupling between the coils CL in the semiconductor chip CP1 and the coils CL in the semiconductor chip CP2.
Next, an example of a method of forming the alignment portions AL1 will be described with reference to
First, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1 described above, the insulating film ER is formed to provide the structure in
Then, in Embodiment 2, using a first photomask, the insulating film ER is exposed. The first photomask has an opening through which the region of the insulating film ER where a depressed portion is to be formed is exposed. Accordingly, when the insulating film ER is exposed using the first photomask, the region of the insulating film ER where the depressed portion is to be formed is selectively exposed, as shown in
Then, using a second photomask, the insulating film ER is exposed. The second photomask covers the region of the insulating film ER where a projecting portion is to be formed and has an opening which exposes the surface layer portion (upper layer portion) of the insulating film ER except for the region thereof where the projecting portion is to be formed. Consequently, when the insulating film ER is exposed using the second photomask, as shown in
Then, using a third photomask, the insulating film ER is exposed. The third photomask has an opening which exposes the region of the insulating film ER where the opening OP2 is to be formed. Accordingly, when the insulating film ER is exposed using the third photomask, the region of the insulating film ER where the opening OP2 is to be formed is selectively exposed, as shown in
Then, development treatment is performed to remove the exposed regions of the insulating film ER. Thus, from the insulating film ER, the region exposed in the exposure step using the first photomask, the region exposed in the exposure step using the second photomask, and the region exposed in the exposure step using the third photomask are removed. In short, the exposed region EP4 shown in
The subsequent steps are the same in Embodiment 2 as in Embodiment 1 described above. After the back surface of the semiconductor substrate SB is ground or polished as necessary to reduce the thickness of the semiconductor substrate SB, the semiconductor substrate SB is diced (cut) together with the multi-layer structure over the semiconductor substrate SB. Thus, from the individual chip regions of the semiconductor substrate SB (semiconductor wafer), semiconductor chips are acquired.
In Embodiment 3, referring to
First, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1 described above, the insulating film ER is formed to provide the structure in
For example, when the insulating film ER is made of a positive photosensitive resin, as shown in
Thus, as also shown in
Then, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1 described above, in Embodiment 3 also, the back surface of the semiconductor substrate SB is ground or polished as necessary to reduce the thickness of the semiconductor substrate SB. Then, the semiconductor substrate SB is diced (cut) together with the multi-layer structure over the semiconductor substrate SB. At this time, as also shown in
In Embodiment 3, before the dicing step is performed, the insulating film ER over the scribe region SC of the semiconductor substrate SB is removed therefrom. Accordingly, in the dicing step, the insulating film ER need not be cut. Since the insulating film ER has an adhesive property, when the insulating film ER also needs to be cut in the dicing step, the adhesive insulating film ER undesirably adheres to the dicing saw DS. As a result, the dicing step is hard to perform and, e.g., the number of times the dicing saw DS needs to be cleaned or replaced may be increased.
However, in Embodiment 3, before the dicing step is performed, the insulating film ER over the scribe region SC of the semiconductor substrate SB is removed therefrom. Consequently, in the dicing step, the insulating film ER need not be cut, and therefore it is possible to prevent the adhesive insulating film ER from adhering to the dicing saw DS. This allows the dicing step to be easily performed and can reduce, e.g., the number of times the dicing saw needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Next, a description will be given of planarization treatment for the insulating film ER with reference to
In the semiconductor package PKG, the semiconductor chip CP1 and CP2 are stacked such that the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 are in contact with each other. To enhance the adhesion between the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2, it is preferable to enhance the planarity of the upper surface of each of the insulating films ER1 and ER2 of the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 when the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 are manufactured. In Embodiment 4, when the semiconductor chip CP (CP1 or CP2) is manufactured, the planarization treatment for the insulating film ER is performed as follows to enhance the planarity of the upper surface of the insulating film ER (ER1 or ER2) of the semiconductor chip CP (CP1 or CP2). The following is a specific description thereof.
In Embodiment 4 also, the insulating film ER is formed in the same manner as in Embodiment 1 described above to provide the structure in
Then, as shown in
Then, by subjecting the insulating film ER to development treatment, the exposed region EP6 of the insulating film ER is removed. As a result, a structure in which the upper surface of the insulating film ER is planarized as shown in
In the case of
The subsequent steps are the same in Embodiment 4 as in Embodiment 1 described above. The foregoing opening OP2 is formed in the insulating film ER, and the back surface of the semiconductor substrate SB is ground or polished as necessary to reduce the thickness of the semiconductor substrate SB. Then, the semiconductor substrate SB is diced (cut) together with the multi-layer structure over the semiconductor substrate SB, but the illustration thereof is omitted herein.
Embodiment 4 can also be combined with one or both of
Embodiments 2 and 3 described above. In the case of combining Embodiment 4 and Embodiment 2 described above, after the planarization for the insulating film ER is performed, the alignment portions (AL1 and AL2) and the opening OP2 may be formed appropriately in the insulating film ER, as in Embodiment 2 described above.
In Embodiment 5 also, the insulating film PA is formed in the same manner as in Embodiment 1 described above to provide the structure in
Then, as shown in
Next, as shown in
The subsequent steps are the same in Embodiment 5 as in Embodiment 1 described above. As shown in
In the case of Embodiment 5, the insulating film under the insulating film ER (ER1 or ER2) as the photosensitive resin film having the adhesive property is made of the multi-layer film including the insulating film PA and the polyimide film PL over the insulating film PA. Since the insulating film ER needs to have an adhesive property, the range of choices for the material thereof is limited so that the insulating film ER is likely to have a certain degree of hardness. On the other hand, the polyimide film PL need not have an adhesive property such as that of the insulating film ER, and is therefore a soft film.
In Embodiment 5, under the insulating film ER, the polyimide film PL which is softer than the insulating film ER is formed and, over the soft polyimide film PL, the insulating film ER harder than the polyimide film PL is formed. This allows the stress applied to the insulating film ER (ER1 or ER2) to be reduced using the polyimide film PL under the insulating film ER (ER1 or ER2). That is, it is possible to allow the polyimide film PL to function as a stress relief layer (buffer layer). Thus, in the semiconductor package PKG in which the semiconductor chips CP1 and CP2 are stacked such that the insulating film ER1 of the semiconductor chip CP1 and the insulating film ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP2 are in contact with each other, it is possible to inhibit or prevent a crack or the like from being formed in the insulating film ER1 or ER2 of the semiconductor chip CP1 or CP2.
Embodiment 5 can also be combined with one or more of Embodiments 2, 3, and 4 described above.
While the invention achieved by the present inventors has been specifically described heretofore on the basis of the embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made in the invention within the scope not departing from the gist thereof.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2017-059866 | Mar 2017 | JP | national |