High aspect ratio interconnects in air gap of antenna package

In conventional packaging strategies for mm wave applications, the size of the package is dictated by the antenna size, which is often much larger than the RFIC (radio frequency integrated circuit). Also, the operations are often limited to a single frequency which limits their utility. In addition, multiple addition build-up layers are required to provide the necessary separation between the antennas and ground layers. To address these issues, it is proposed to provide a device that includes an antenna package, an RFIC package, and an interconnect assembly between the antenna and the RFIC packages. The interconnect assembly may comprise a plurality of interconnects with high aspect ratios and configured to connect one or more antennas of the antenna package with an RFIC of the RFIC package. An air gap may be formed in between the antenna package and the RFIC package for performance improvement.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The field of the disclosed subject matter relates to device packaging. In particular, the field of the disclosed subject matter relates to high aspect ratio air gap antenna package for mm (millimeter) wave applications.

BACKGROUND

Fifth generation cellular networks, commonly referred to as 5G NR, are expected to include frequencies in the range of 24.25 to 86 GHz, with the lower 19.25 GHz (24.25-43.5 GHz) more likely to be used for mobile devices. For ease of reference, the waves in this range will be referred to as mm waves. It should be recognized that by definition, mm waves cover frequencies from 30 GHz to 300 GHz. Referring back to the expected 5G mm wave frequency range definition, the 19.25 GHz range that is more likely to be used in mobile devices can be divided into segments. Currently, each frequency segment is handled by an individual RFIC (radio frequency integrated circuit)/antenna package. Current packaging strategies used for the mm wave applications have several key issues (not exhaustive):The size of the package is dictated by the antenna size which is related to the frequency. The antenna size can be much larger than the RFIC.An LTCC (low temperature co-fired ceramic) package has good electrical performance, but is also more expensive relative to other packaging options.For an AOC (antenna-on-chip) package, the antenna is limited to the size of the chip which can limit performance, or increase cost if the chip size is increased to accommodate the antenna.For an FOWLP (fan-out wafer level package), the antenna package is aperture or proximity fed which can limit performance, e.g., relative to probe fed packages.For a POP (package-on-package), the antenna and the chip packages are connected using solder balls. The solder balls used for connecting the packages are isotopic in dimension so they limit the separation between packages. Additionally, the large solder balls also have large insertion losses (˜1 dB).Some of the current solutions are limited to operation at a single frequency which limits their utility. For a global smart phone, an antenna package that can function over large number of bands (frequencies) is desired.Current solutions using FCBGA (flip chip ball grid array) construction requires use of multiple additional build-up layers to achieve a symmetric structure and the required separation between the antenna and ground layers (˜400 μm). For larger separation between the antenna and the ground layer (˜1 mm or more), this type of package requires a prohibitive number of build-up layers which adds to cost and manufacturing complexity

SUMMARY

This summary identifies features of some example aspects, and is not an exclusive or exhaustive description of the disclosed subject matter. Whether features or aspects are included in, or omitted from this Summary is not intended as indicative of relative importance of such features. Additional features and aspects are described, and will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof.

An exemplary device is disclosed. The device may comprise an antenna package and an RFIC package below the antenna package. The antenna package may comprise one or more antennas and the RFIC package may comprise an RFIC. The device may also comprise an interconnect assembly in between the antenna package and the RFIC package. The interconnect assembly may comprise first and second supports configured to provide mechanical support to the antenna package. The interconnect assembly may also comprise a plurality of interconnects configured to electrically connect the one or more antennas with the RFIC. There may be an air gap in the device bounded by the first and second supports, a lower surface of the antenna package, and an upper surface of the RFIC package. The plurality of interconnects may be laterally in between the first and second supports within the air gap.

An exemplary method is disclosed. The method may comprise forming an antenna package and forming an RFIC package below the antenna package. The antenna package may comprise one or more antennas and the RFIC package may comprise an RFIC. The method may also comprise forming an interconnect assembly in between the antenna package and the RFIC package. The interconnect assembly may comprise first and second supports configured to provide mechanical support to the antenna package. The interconnect assembly may also comprise a plurality of interconnects configured to electrically connect the one or more antennas with the RFIC. An air gap may be formed in the device bounded by the first and second supports, a lower surface of the antenna package, and an upper surface of the RFIC package. The plurality of interconnects may be formed to be laterally in between the first and second supports within the air gap.

An exemplary device is disclosed. The device may comprise an antenna package and an RFIC package below the antenna package. The antenna package may comprise one or more antennas and the RFIC package may comprise an RFIC. The device may also comprise an interconnect assembly in between the antenna package and the RFIC package. The interconnect assembly may comprise first and second supports configured to provide mechanical support to the antenna package. The interconnect assembly may also comprise means for electrically connecting the one or more antennas with the RFIC. There may be an air gap in the device bounded by the first and second supports, a lower surface of the antenna package, and an upper surface of the RFIC package. The plurality of interconnects may be laterally in between the first and second supports within the air gap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the subject matter are provided in the following description and related drawings directed to specific examples of the disclosed subject matter. Alternates may be devised without departing from the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

As indicated above, the conventional packaging strategies for mm wave applications have several issues.FIGS. 1A and 1Billustrates an example of an antenna device100based on an existing technique using FCBGA (flip chip ball grid array) construction.FIG. 1Aillustrates a side view andFIG. 1Billustrates a bottom view. The device100includes antenna layers110, an RFIC routing layers130, and a core150. Typically the RFIC routing layer adjacent to the core is also a ground layer. An interconnect155in the core150is used to feed signals from a RFIC132to antennas112,114. In this conventional technique, multiple additional build-up layers can be required to achieve a symmetric structure and a necessary separation (e.g., 400 μm) between the antenna and ground layers. For example, the number of layers can be up to 14 or more (e.g., seeFIG. 1A).

It would be desirable to package devices that address some or all of the issues related to conventional packaging strategies. In an aspect, it is proposed to provide a high aspect ratio antenna package device. An example of a proposed device200is illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2C.FIG. 2Aillustrates a side view,FIG. 2Billustrates a top view, andFIG. 2Cillustrates a bottom view. It should be noted that terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “lateral”, “first”, “second” and so on are used merely as terms of convenience, and should not be taken to be limiting.

The illustrated device200may be a device for mm wave applications. While the 5G frequency range may be of particular interest, the device200is not limited to this range only. The aspects discussed herein may be applicable over wide ranges of frequencies. The device200may comprise an antenna package210. The antenna package210may comprise one or more antennas such as patch antennas212. For example, inFIG. 2B, the antenna package210is illustrated as comprising four patch antennas212.

The device200may also comprise an RFIC package230below the antenna package210. In an aspect, the RFIC package230may also comprise one or more other antennas such as dipole antennas214. For example, the RFIC package230is illustrated as comprising four dipole antennas214. The RFIC package230may also comprise an RFIC232, which may be overmolded with a mold234. The RFIC232may be configured to process mm waves received via the antennas212,214. The RFIC232may also be configured to transmit mm waves via the antennas212,214.

The device200may further comprise a plurality of interconnects255vertically positioned in between the antenna package210and the RFIC package230(e.g., seeFIG. 2A). Again, the term “vertical” is used merely for convenience, and is not meant to indicate an absolute direction. In an aspect, the vertical direction may be viewed as a direction of a line that intersects the antenna package210and the RFIC package230. In the figures, this corresponds to an up/down direction. The term “lateral” may then be viewed as indicating side-to-side direction as viewed in the figures.

The plurality of interconnects255may be configured to electrically connect the antenna package210with the RFIC package230. In particular, the plurality of interconnects255may electrically couple the patch antennas212with the RFIC232. For ease of description, the structure in between the antenna package210and the RFIC package230will be referred to as the “interconnect assembly”250. It then may be said that the interconnect assembly250, which is vertically positioned in between the antenna package210and the RFIC package230, may comprise the plurality of interconnects255.

The interconnect assembly250may also comprise a plurality of supports260(e.g., seeFIG. 2A). The plurality of supports260may be configured to provide mechanical support to the device200such that a desired distance between the antenna package210and the RFIC package230can be maintained. For example, for superset application, up to 3.0 mm of separation or more is possible. The supports260may be formed from electrically insulating materials.

An air gap270may be formed between the antenna package210and the RFIC package230(e.g., seeFIG. 2A) in the interconnect assembly250. This is unlike the conventional antenna device100in which a core is filled with a dielectric (e.g., seeFIG. 1A). The air gap270may be bounded on its sides by the supports260, above by a lower surface of the antenna package210, and below by an upper surface of the RFIC package230. The interconnects255within the air gap270may connect the lines on the antenna package210to the lines of the RFIC package230. The air gap270can enable the device200to have superior performance. For example, a bandwidth of the device200may be wider than that of the conventional antenna device100due to the air gap270.

The air gap270may be such that one or more antennas212of the antenna package210vertically overlap the air gap270. InFIG. 2B, an outline of the air gap270as viewed from above is shown as a dashed rectangle. In this example, all four patch antennas212of the antenna package210are illustrated as vertically overlapping the air gap270. Referring back toFIG. 2A, the RFIC232may also vertically overlap, at least partially, the air gap270and the antenna212. In this way, lengths of the interconnects255can be minimized.

The device200may also comprise an external connect290(e.g., seeFIG. 2C). The external connect290, which may be flexible, may be configured to electrically connect the device200with other packages and devices external to the device200.

FIG. 3Aprovides a magnified side view of the device200. InFIG. 3A, the antenna package210, the RFIC package230, and the interconnect assembly250are separated for enhanced understanding. As seen, the antenna package210may comprise a plurality of metal layers separated by a plurality of substrate layers. For example, the antenna package210may be a multi-layered antenna PCB (printed circuit board) package. In an aspect, low loss materials may be used with coarse line and space construction (e.g., 75 μm L/S). The materials may also be flexible materials. InFIG. 3A, the antenna package210is illustrated as a four-layer antenna PCB package, but more or less layers are contemplated in this disclosure.

The RFIC package230may comprise the RFIC232encapsulated in a mold234. The RFIC232may be attached to a substrate336.FIGS. 4A-4Dillustrate different stages of an example process for assembling the RFIC package230.FIG. 4Aillustrates a stage in which the substrate336may be provided. The substrate336may include one or more metal layers for signal routing. For example, the substrate336may be a package substrate, a laminate, an interposer, a PCB substrate, and LTCC substrate, or other planar multilayer structure. The substrate366may be organic or inorganic.

InFIG. 4A, the substrate336is illustrated as a four-layer substrate, but more or less layers are contemplated.FIG. 4Billustrates a stage in which the RFIC232may be attached to the substrate336. The RFIC232may be a flip chip die, a wafer level package (WLP) die, or a wafer level chip scale package (WLCSP) die. The RFIC232may be attached such that the conductive balls438of the RFIC232make electrical contacts with appropriate conductors in the substrate336. In addition, passive components (e.g., resistors, inductors, capacitors) may also be attached to the substrate336.FIG. 4Cillustrates a stage in which the mold234may be deposited on the substrate336to encapsulate the RFIC232. The RFIC232may be overmolded.FIG. 4Dillustrates a stage in which the RFIC package230may be flipped to a desired orientation.

Thereafter, referring back toFIG. 3A, solders339may be formed on the substrate336. The solders339may correspond to the plurality of supports260and to the plurality of interconnects255. Note that the antenna package210may include solders319on its lower surface also corresponding to the supports260and to the interconnects255.

The interconnect assembly250may comprise the plurality of interconnects255configured to electrically connect the antenna package210with the RFIC package230. In particular, the plurality of interconnects255may be configured to electrically connect the antennas212with the RFIC232. For example, the plurality of interconnects255may include one or more signal interconnects configured to carry signals between the RFIC232and the antennas212. Recall that in an embodiment, the antennas212may be probe-fed. For each probe-fed antenna212, one or more signal interconnects255may be used.

The plurality of interconnects255may also include one or more ground interconnects configured to electrically connect a ground layer of the RFIC package230with a ground layer of the antenna package210. It should be noted that the ground interconnects are optional, i.e., the interconnects255may comprise only the signal interconnects. However, when the ground interconnects are included, they may be constructed so as to shield the signal interconnects.

InFIG. 3A, two interconnects255are illustrated, and one may serve as the signal interconnect and the other may serve as the ground interconnect. The signal interconnect may be configured to carry signals between the RFIC232and the antenna212—e.g., from the RFIC232to the antenna212for transmit (Tx) and from the antenna212to the RFIC232for receive (Rx).

The signal and/or the ground interconnects may vertically overlap with the antenna212at least partially. To maximize the amount of air space in the air gap270, it may be preferred that the plurality of interconnects255have a high aspect ratio, i.e., be long and thin. For example, a width (e.g., diameter) of an interconnect255may be as low as 0.05 mm (50 microns) (or even lower) and its height may be up to 3.0 mm (or even greater). The high aspect ratio allows for the desired separation between the antenna212and ground to occur and thereby improve performance.

In an aspect, the plurality of interconnects255may be formed as electrically conductive columns such as copper columns or pins. To state it another way, each signal interconnect may be a signal column. When provided, each ground interconnect may be a ground column. Compared to solder balls for example, the copper columns allow for a much greater aspect ratios (e.g., at least 1.2 and up to 40 or even higher) to be achieved.

While two interconnects255are illustrated inFIG. 3A, there can be many more interconnects255with one or more serving as the signal interconnects, and zero or more serving as the ground interconnects.FIG. 3Billustrates a top view of an example arrangement of the plurality of interconnects255. Recall that the ground interconnects, when provided, may be constructed to shield the signal interconnects. In the example arrangement ofFIG. 3B, a plurality of ground interconnects255G (e.g., plurality of ground columns) may surround a signal interconnect255S (e.g., signal column) for shielding. Another way to shield the signal interconnect255S is to provide the ground interconnect255G (e.g., ground column) that is shaped (e.g., semi-circle) to surround the signal interconnect255S (e.g., signal column) at least partially as illustrated inFIG. 3C.

Again referring back toFIG. 3A, the interconnect assembly250may also comprise the plurality of supports260configured to provide mechanical support to the device200such that a desired distance between the antenna package210and the RFIC package230can be maintained. The plurality of supports260may be formed from electrically insulating materials such as dielectric materials. The plurality of interconnects255may be laterally positioned in between the first and second supports260. In other words, the plurality of interconnects255may be within the air gap270bounded by the first and second supports260.

Optionally, one or both inner sidewalls of the first and second supports260may be covered with metal layers280using processes including electroless plating, electrolytic plating or vacuum deposition processes such as sputtering or evaporation. When the metal layers280are present, they may define the side boundaries of the air gap270. Conductive metals that can be used include any combination of copper, nickel, palladium and gold. The deposited metal layer280may be used as ground. For example, the deposited metal layer280may connected the ground layer of the RFIC package230and/or to the ground layer of the antenna package210. So as to minimize clutter, the metal layers280are not included in other figures that illustrate the interconnect assembly250. But it should be noted that any of the illustrated interconnect assembly250may include the metal layers280on the inner sidewalls of one or both of the first and second supports260.

First and second supports260are illustrated inFIG. 3A. In an aspect, the first and second supports260themselves can have high aspect ratios, which can help to minimize total package area. For performance reasons, it may be preferable to minimize any vertical overlap between the antenna212and the plurality of supports260.FIG. 3Aillustrates that the first and second supports260do not vertically overlap with the antenna212(see alsoFIG. 2A). Minimizing overlap between the antenna212and the supports260maximizes the air gap270that is below the antenna212.

In an aspect, the first and second supports260may be a part of one support structure. For example, a support structure may surround the plurality of interconnects255between the antenna package210and the RFIC package230. Recall that inFIG. 2B, the dashed rectangle represented an outline of the air gap270as viewed from above. It is recognized that a rectangular box-shaped air gap in 3D is bounded on six sides, and the dashed rectangle inFIG. 2Bmay correspond to the four inner sidewalls of the support structure. InFIG. 3A, the first and second supports260may be opposite sides of the support structure when viewed vertically (e.g., from top or bottom). It should be noted that the air gap270is not limited to the rectangular shape.

The interconnect assembly250may be attached to the antenna package210and to the RFIC package230(e.g., see alsoFIG. 2A). For example, a reflow solder process may be performed on the solders319and339. The attaching of the interconnect assembly250to the antenna package210and to the RFIC package230can define the boundaries of the air gap270on all sides. Thereafter, the external connect290may be attached.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a device500that differs from the device200in that the interconnect assembly250may include a via bar521for electrically connecting between the antenna package210and the RFIC package230. The via bar521may comprise a substrate553at least partially surrounding a plurality of through-board-vias (TBV)555. The substrate553can be formed from a variety of materials such as glass, ceramics, organic substrates, and so on.

In an aspect, the TBVs555may be constructed by forming holes in the substrate553and filling the holes with conductive materials such as copper. In another aspect, the TBVs555may be formed first, and subsequently surrounded with the substrate553. The TBVs555can have high aspect ratios. For example, a TBV555with a diameter of 100 μm and a height of 400 μm (e.g., aspect ratio of 4) can be formed.

The plurality of TBVs555may serve the role of the plurality of interconnects255in the device500. That is, the plurality of TBVs555may be configured to electrically connect the antenna package210with the RFIC package230. For example, the plurality of TBVs555may include one or more signal TBVs configured to carry signals between the RFIC232and the antennas212. Preferably, the antennas212are probe-fed through the signal TB Vs. Of course, aperture-fed and proximity-fed antennas212are also contemplated. The plurality of TBVs555may also include one or more ground TBVs configured to electrically connect a ground layer of the RFIC package230with a ground layer of the antenna package210. When included, the ground TBVs may be constructed so as to shield the signal TBVs.

FIG. 5Billustrates an example of a variation of the device ofFIG. 5Aaccording to an aspect. InFIG. 5B, the substrate553(e.g., glass) may provide the mechanical support. That is, the first and second supports260may comprise the substrate553. More generally, the first and second supports260may be formed from the same material as the substrate553of the via bar521, i.e., the first and second supports260may comprise the substrate553.

FIGS. 6A and 6Billustrate different stages of an example process for assembling the device500ofFIG. 5A.FIG. 6Aillustrates a stage in which the antenna package210and the RFIC package230may be provided. The interconnect assembly250—the supports260and the via bar521—may also be provided in this stage.FIG. 6Billustrates a stage in which the interconnect assembly250may be attached to the antenna package210and to the RFIC package230, which can define the boundaries of the air gap270on all sides. For example, a reflow solder process may be performed. While not shown, the external connect290may be attached to enable connections with external devices.

In a variant (not shown), the interconnect assembly250ofFIG. 5Bmay be provided in a stage similar to that ofFIG. 6A. When the interconnect assembly250ofFIG. 5Bis subsequently attached to the antenna package210and to the RFIC package230, the substrate553may also provide mechanical support to the device500.

FIGS. 7A-7Cillustrate a device700that may use another mechanism for electrically connecting the antenna package210with the RFIC package230.FIG. 7Aillustrates a perspective view,FIG. 7Billustrates a top view, andFIG. 7Cillustrates a side view of the device700along the line “A-A” ofFIG. 7B. As seen inFIG. 7C, the interconnect assembly250may comprise a flex substrate721configured to physically route the plurality of interconnects255(e.g., wires755). The flex substrate721may include a flexible portion726and a rigid portion727. The flexible portion726may route the wires755laterally to electrically connect with the antenna package210. The rigid portion727may route the wires755vertically to electrically connect with the RFIC package230. The rigid portion727may be vertically positioned in between the antenna package210and the RFIC package230, i.e., in the air gap270. However, the rigid portion727need not overlap vertically with the antenna212. In this way, performance may be enhanced even further. Grounded shielding layers can be provided to surround the signal wires.

FIGS. 8A-8Dillustrate different stages of an example process for assembling the device700ofFIGS. 7A-7C.FIG. 8Aillustrates a stage in which the flex substrate721may be electrically connected with the antenna package210.FIG. 8Billustrates a stage in which the flexible portion726may be bent.FIG. 8Cillustrates a stage in which the supports260may be provided and attached to the antenna package210.FIG. 8Dillustrates a stage in which interconnect assembly250may be attached to the RFIC package230. For example, a reflow solder process may be performed. The attaching may define the boundaries of the air gap270on all sides. While not illustrated, the external connect290may be attached to enable connections with external devices.

FIG. 9illustrates a device900that uses another mechanism for electrically connecting the antenna package210with the RFIC package230. InFIG. 9, the plurality of interconnects255may comprise a plurality of wirebonds955.FIGS. 10A-10Iillustrate different stages of an example process for assembling the device900ofFIG. 9.FIG. 10Aillustrates a stage in which the antenna package210may be provided.FIG. 10Billustrates a stage in which the wirebonds955may be attached to the antenna package210.FIG. 10Cillustrates a stage in which the supports260may be placed on the antenna package210.FIG. 10Dillustrates a stage in which a cavity between the supports260(area corresponding to the air gap270) may be filled with a wirebond support material1050.FIG. 10Eillustrates a stage in which lapping may be performed. Note the differences in the lengths the wirebonds955betweenFIGS. 10D and 10E.FIG. 10Fillustrates a stage in which the wirebond support material1050may be removed.FIG. 10Gillustrates a stage the antenna package210may be flipped such that the supports260and the wirebonds955are in alignment with the RFIC package230.FIG. 10Hillustrates a stage in which the interconnect assembly250may be attached to the RFIC package230. For example, a reflow solder process may be performed. The attaching may define the boundaries of the air gap270on all sides. While not illustrated, the external connect290may be attached to enable connections with external devices.

FIG. 11Aillustrates a device1100that uses another mechanism for electrically connecting the antenna package210with the RFIC package230. InFIG. 11A, the interconnect assembly250may comprise an interconnect board1121with a plurality of through-board-vias (TBVs)1126within a board substrate1123. An example of the board substrate1123may be a PCB substrate.

The interconnect assembly250may also comprise a plurality of upper interconnects1127between the antenna package210and the interconnect board1121. The plurality of upper interconnects1127may correspond to the plurality of TBVs1126such that each interconnect255may comprise an upper interconnect1127and its corresponding TBV1126. That is, the plurality of interconnects255may comprise the plurality of upper interconnects1127and the plurality of TBVs1126. The plurality of upper interconnects1127may electrically connect the antenna package210with the plurality of TBVs1126. In particular, for each upper interconnect1127, an upper end of the upper interconnect1127may be electrically connected to the antenna package210, and a lower end of the upper interconnect1127may electrically connected to an upper end of the corresponding TBV1126.

Alternatively or in addition thereto, the interconnect assembly250may comprise a plurality of lower interconnects1128between the interconnect board1121and the RFIC package230. The plurality of lower interconnects1128may correspond to the plurality of TBVs1126such that each interconnect255may comprise a lower interconnect1128and its corresponding TBV1126. That is, the plurality of interconnects255may comprise the plurality of TBVs1126and the plurality of lower interconnects1128. The plurality of lower interconnects1128may electrically connect the RFIC package230with the plurality of TBVs1126. In particular, for each lower interconnect1128, a lower end of the lower interconnect1128may be electrically connected to the RFIC package230, and an upper end of the lower interconnect1128may electrically connected to a lower end of the corresponding TBV1126.

InFIG. 11A, two upper interconnects1127, two TBVs1126and two lower interconnects1128are illustrated. A signal interconnect may be formed by one of the upper interconnects1127, one of the TBVs1126, and one of the lower interconnects1128. A ground interconnect may be formed by the other of the upper interconnects1127, the other of the TBVs1126, and the other of the lower interconnects1128.

The upper signal interconnect may be configured such that an upper end thereof is electrically connected to the antenna212, and a lower end thereof is electrically connected to an upper end of the signal TBV. The upper ground interconnect may be configured such that an upper end thereof is electrically connected to the ground layer of the antenna package210, and a lower end thereof is electrically connected to an upper end of the ground TBV.

The lower signal interconnect may be configured such that a lower end thereof is electrically connected to the RFIC232, and an upper end thereof is electrically connected a lower end of the signal TBV. The lower ground interconnect may be configured such that a lower end thereof is electrically connected to the ground layer of the RFIC package230, and an upper end thereof is electrically connected to a lower end of the ground TBV.

Of course, there can be many more upper interconnects1127, TBVs1126and lower interconnects1128combining to serve as signal and ground interconnects. For shielding purposes, a plurality of ground TBVs may be provided to surround the signal TBV. A plurality of upper and lower ground interconnects may also be provided.

Note that in an aspect, it is not necessary to include both the plurality of upper interconnects1127and the plurality of lower interconnects1128.FIG. 11Billustrates an example of a variation of the device1100ofFIG. 11Ain which only the plurality of lower interconnects1128are not included, i.e., the plurality of interconnects255may comprise the plurality of upper interconnects1127and the plurality of TBVs1126. In this instance, the lower ends of the TBVs1126may be electrically connected to the RFIC package230.

While not illustrated, it is relatively straightforward to arrive at a device variation in which the plurality of upper interconnects1127are not included, i.e., the plurality of interconnects255may comprise the plurality of lower interconnects1128and the plurality of TBVs1126. In this instance, the upper ends of the TBVs1126may be electrically connected to the antenna package210.

The upper interconnects1127, the lower interconnects1128, and the TBVs1126may be conductive columns such as copper columns. The upper and/or the lower interconnects1127,1128may also be formed of other conductive materials such as wirebonds. This is illustrated inFIG. 11C. The device1100inFIG. 11Cis similar to that ofFIG. 11Bexcept that the plurality of upper connectors1127may comprise wirebonds. While not illustrated, it is relatively straightforward to arrive at a device variation in which only the plurality of lower interconnects1128may be formed from wirebonds.

FIGS. 12A-12Eillustrate different stages of an example process for assembling the device ofFIG. 11A.FIG. 12Aillustrates a stage in which the antenna package210may be provided.FIG. 12Billustrates a stage in which the interconnect board1121along with the plurality of interconnects255(e.g., TBVs1126and upper and/or lower interconnects1127,1128) may be provided and attached to the antenna package210. For example, soldering may be performed.FIG. 12Cillustrates a stage in which the supports260may be placed on the antenna package210.FIG. 12Dillustrates a stage in which the antenna package210may be flipped such that the supports260and the interconnects255(e.g., TBVs1126and upper and/or lower interconnects1127,1128) are in alignment with the RFIC package230.FIG. 12Eillustrates a stage in which the interconnect assembly250may be attached to the RFIC package230. For example, the interconnects255may be joined to the RFIC package230through soldering. The attaching may define the boundaries of the air gap270on all sides. While not illustrated, the external connect290may be attached to enable connections with external devices.

FIG. 13illustrates a flowchart1300of an example method of fabricating a device such as the devices200,500,700,900,1100discussed above and their variants. It should be noted that not all illustrated blocks ofFIG. 13need to be performed, i.e., some blocks may be optional. Also, the numerical references to the blocks of these figures should not be taken as requiring that the blocks should be performed in a certain order.

In block1310, the antenna package210may be formed. Recall that the antenna package210may comprise one or more antennas212. In block1320, the RFIC package230may be formed below the antenna package210. Recall that the RFIC package230may comprise the RFIC232.FIGS. 4A-4Dillustrate one example process to form the RFIC package230.

In block1330, the interconnect assembly250may be formed in between the antenna package210and the RFIC package230. Recall that the interconnect assembly250may comprise a plurality of supports260including the first and second supports260, and may also comprise the plurality of interconnects255. The air gap270may be formed in the device200,500,700,900,1100in which the air gap270is bounded by the first and second supports260, a lower surface of the antenna package210, and an upper surface of the RFIC package230. The plurality of interconnects255may be formed to be laterally positioned in between the first and second supports260within the air gap270.FIGS. 6A-6B, 8A-8D, 10A-10G, and 12A-12Eillustrate different example processes to from the interconnect assembly250.

FIG. 14illustrates various electronic devices that may be integrated with any of the aforementioned devices200,500,700,900and1100. For example, a mobile phone device1402, a laptop computer device1404, a terminal device1406as well as wearable devices, portable systems, that require small form factor, extreme low profile, may include a device/package1400that incorporates the devices200,500,700,900and1100as described herein. The device/package1400may be, for example, any of the integrated circuits, dies, integrated devices, integrated device packages, integrated circuit devices, device packages, integrated circuit (IC) packages, package-on-package devices, system in package devices described herein. The devices1402,1404,1406illustrated inFIG. 14are merely exemplary. Other electronic devices may also feature the device/package1400including, but not limited to, a group of devices (e.g., electronic devices) that includes mobile devices, hand-held personal communication systems (PCS) units, portable data units such as personal digital assistants, global positioning system (GPS) enabled devices, navigation devices, set top boxes, music players, video players, entertainment units, fixed location data units such as meter reading equipment, communications devices, smartphones, tablet computers, computers, wearable devices, servers, routers, electronic devices implemented in automotive vehicles (e.g., autonomous vehicles), or any other device that stores or retrieves data or computer instructions, or any combination thereof.

Accordingly, an aspect can include a computer-readable media embodying a method of forming a semiconductor device. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosed subject matter is not limited to illustrated examples and any means for performing the functionality described herein are included.

While the foregoing disclosure shows illustrative examples, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the disclosed subject matter as defined by the appended claims. The functions, processes and/or actions of the method claims in accordance with the examples described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, although elements of the disclosed subject matter may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.