Ultra-fine pitch Package on Package solution for high bandwidth mobile applications

Abstract

Existing Package-on-Package (PoP) solutions are rapidly approaching the logic memory bandwidth capacity in the multi-core mobile processor packages. Package on Package stack using the conventional solder balls has a serious pitch limitation below 400um. The through mold via interconnects may reduce the pitch to 300um; however, this technology is believed to reach a limitation below 300 um. Other approaches including the use of PCB interposers between the Logic and the memory face similar challenges; however, they are cumbersome in the assembly process and expensive. Although Through Silicon Via stacking is expected to achieve the ultimate high bandwidth required to support multi-core mobile processors, the technology must overcome the challenges in process, infrastructure, supply chain and cost. Bond Via Array (BVA) technology addresses all of these issues while enabling high bandwidth PoP stacking of more than 1000 high aspect ratio interconnects at less than 200um within the standard package footprint. BVA is a cost effective, ultra-fine pitch, high density PoP stacking solution that will assist in driving high logic-memory bandwidth applications with standard assembly equipment and processes. This is achieved by encapsulating the logic package after forming free-standing wire bonds along the periphery of its flip chip substrate. The wire protrusions formed above the mold cap at the top of the package are then connected to the BGA at the bottom of the memory package during a standard reflow operation. In this work, the initial evaluation test vehicle with 432 PoP interconnects at 240um pitch within a standard 14 x 14mm package foot print is demonstrated. The important technological challenges we overcame to fabricate the first prototypes will be discussed. The reliability performance describing the temperature cycling, high temperature storage, autoclave and drop testing will be discussed. Finite element analysis modeling used to optimize the package structure will be presented.