Chip-last Embedded Actives and Passives in Ultra-Miniaturized Organic Packages with Chip-First Benefits

Abstract

Embedded actives and passives are being pursued by chip-first and wafer-level fan-out approaches to address high functionality and miniaturization. A next generation embedding alternative- “chip-last embedding”, which retains all the benefits of chip-first, has been demonstrated at Georgia Tech for complex multi-component heterogeneous systems. This paper presents detailed results from the first demonstration of this novel technology called Embedded MEMS, Actives and Passives (EMAP) with Chip-Last (CL) interconnections. This technology is targeted at highly integrated modules and systems with multiple 2D and 3D ICs for RF, Digital, Analog, MEMS and passive devices. Ultra-thin (55μm) silicon test dies were embedded in a 60μm deep cavity within 6-metal layer substrates yielding a total module thickness of 0.22mm. The robustness of substrate materials and processes was demonstrated using thermal cycling of the blind-vias and through-holes. The embedded IC was bonded to the substrate at 160°C by ultra-fine pitch (30–50μm) and low-profile (10–15μm) Cu-to-Cu interconnections with polymer adhesives. Two different die-sizes 3mm × 3mm and 7mm × 7mm were investigated for reliability performance of these interconnections, which passed 1000 thermal cycles, in addition to Highly Accelerated Stress Test (HAST) and High Temperature Storage Test (HTS). Comprehensive analysis of new materials and processes used in the chip-last embedding technology has been carried out demonstrating the advantages and robustness of this promising technology. Due to manufacturing process simplicity and unparalleled set of benefits, the chip-last technology provides the benefits of chip-first while enabling highly miniaturized, multi-band, high performance modules with embedded actives and passives.