Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor packages and methods for producing microelectromechanical system sensor packages having a plurality of MEMS sensor chips

A sensor package comprises a MEMS sensor chip, a cover arranged over a first main surface of the MEMS sensor chip, said cover being fabricated from a mold compound, and an electrical through contact extending through the cover and to electrically couple the sensor package to a circuit board arranged over the cover.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102020108775.6, filed on Mar. 30, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to sensor packages and methods for producing sensor packages.

BACKGROUND

MEMS (microelectromechanical systems)-based sensor devices can detect pressures, accelerations, light or gas, for example. In one example, such sensor devices can be part of a tire pressure monitoring system for monitoring the tire pressure in motor vehicles. Accidents resulting from incorrect tire pressure can be avoided by way of the monitoring. Furthermore, with optimum tire pressure, fuel can be saved and unnecessary tire wear can be avoided. The components of the sensor devices can be arranged in a package (housing) in order to enable simple handling and mounting of the sensor device on circuit boards and to protect the components against damage. Manufacturers of sensor packages are constantly endeavoring to improve their products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Various aspects relate to a sensor package. The sensor package comprises a MEMS sensor chip. The sensor package furthermore comprises a cover arranged over a first main surface of the MEMS sensor chip, the cover being fabricated from a mold compound. The sensor package furthermore comprises an electrical through contact extending through the cover and configured to electrically couple the sensor package to a circuit board arranged over the cover.

Various aspects relate to a method for producing sensor packages. The method comprises providing a first semiconductor wafer having a plurality of MEMS sensor chips. The method furthermore comprises carrying out a molding process over a first main surface of the first semiconductor wafer, wherein a cover is formed over the plurality of MEMS sensor chips. The method furthermore comprises forming electrical through contacts extending through the cover. The method furthermore comprises singulating the first semiconductor wafer and the cover into a plurality of sensor packages, wherein each of the sensor packages comprises one of the electrical through contacts, which is configured to electrically couple the sensor package to a circuit board arranged over the cover of the sensor package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The FIGS. described below show sensor packages and methods for producing sensor packages in accordance with the disclosure. In this case, the methods and devices described may be illustrated in a general way in order to describe aspects of the disclosure qualitatively. The methods and devices described may have further aspects that may not be shown in the respective FIG. for the sake of simplicity. However, the respective example may be extended by aspects described in connection with other examples in accordance with the disclosure. Consequently, explanations concerning a specific FIG. may equally apply to examples of other figures.

The sensor package (or sensor housing)100inFIG.1can comprise a MEMS sensor chip2having a first main surface4and a second main surface6situated opposite. A cover8can be arranged over the first main surface4of the MEMS sensor chip2, which cover can be fabricated from a mold compound. One or more electrical through contacts10can extend through the cover8and can be configured to electrically couple the sensor package100to a circuit board (not shown) arranged over the cover8.

The MEMS sensor chip2can be a semiconductor chip having one or more MEMS structures that can be integrated into the MEMS sensor chip2. A MEMS structure12in the form of a membrane is illustrated by way of example in the example inFIG.1. The MEMS structures can comprise one or more of the following: bridges, membranes, cantilevers, spring beams, tongue structures, comb structures, etc. The MEMS sensor chip2can be configured to detect one or more physical variables, for example pressure, acceleration, temperature, air humidity, etc. Examples of sensors are pressure sensors, tire pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, gas sensors, air humidity sensors, etc. A thickness d1of the MEMS sensor chip2in the z-direction can be in a range of approximately 300 micrometers to approximately 500 micrometers, more precisely of approximately 350 micrometers to approximately 450 micrometers. One typical example value for the thickness d1of the MEMS sensor chip2can be approximately 400 micrometers.

The cover8can be fabricated using a molding process. In particular, the cover8can be produced on the basis of one or more of the following techniques: compression molding, injection molding, powder molding, liquid molding, etc. A mold compound that forms the cover8can comprise at least one from an epoxy, a filled epoxy, a glass-fiber-filled epoxy, an imide, a thermoplastic, a thermosetting polymer, a polymer mixture.

The cover8and the MEMS sensor chip2can be substantially congruent in a plan view of the first main surface4of the MEMS sensor chip2, e.g. as viewed in the z-direction. Such congruence can result naturally from the method for producing the sensor package100, as evident fromFIGS.2to5, for example. The sensor package100can thus correspond to a CSP (Chip-Scale Package or Chip-Size Package). Furthermore, the sensor package100can be a wafer-level package.

In the example inFIG.1, the sensor package100can comprise a logic chip14arranged between the MEMS sensor chip2and the cover8. In further examples, the logic chip14need not necessarily be part of the sensor package100, but rather can also be arranged as a separate electronic component alongside the sensor package100on an identical circuit board and be electrically connected to the sensor package100. The logic chip14or one or more circuits contained therein can be configured to logically process measurement signals provided by the MEMS sensor chip2. The logic chip14can be for example an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The electrical through contacts10can electrically contact the logic chip14and be configured to electrically couple the logic chip14to a circuit board (not shown). A thickness d2of the logic chip14in the z-direction can be in a range of approximately 80 micrometers to approximately 120 micrometers, more precisely of 90 micrometers to approximately 110 micrometers. One typical example value for the thickness d2of the logic chip14can be approximately 100 micrometers.

In one example, movements of the MEMS structure12can be converted into electrical signals on the basis of a piezoelectric effect. The measurement signals detected by the MEMS sensor chip2can be communicated by way of one or more electrical connection elements16to the logic chip14in order to be logically processed there. In the example inFIG.1, the electrical connection element16is represented by a wire by way of example. In further examples, the electrical connection element16can be embodied differently, for example in the form of a tape, a clip or a redistribution layer.

The sensor package100can comprise a first structure18arranged over the second main surface6of the MEMS sensor chip2. The first structure18can be fabricated from at least one from a glass material or a semiconductor material. In particular, the first structure18can result from a singulation of a substrate (e.g. a glass substrate and/or a semiconductor substrate), as described in association withFIGS.2A to5G. A thickness d3of the first structure18in the z-direction can be in a range of approximately 300 micrometers to approximately 500 micrometers, more precisely of 350 micrometers to approximately 450 micrometers. One typical example value for the thickness d3of the first structure18can be approximately 400 micrometers.

A gas opening20can be formed in the first structure18, the gas opening being arranged over the second main surface6of the MEMS sensor chip2. The gas opening20can provide a (fluidic) gas connection between the surroundings of the sensor package100and the MEMS sensor chip2or the membrane/MEMS structure12thereof. By this means, pressure changes that occur in the surroundings, in particular, can be detected by the MEMS sensor chip2. In the example inFIG.1, the gas connection can additionally have a cutout22formed in the semiconductor material of the MEMS sensor chip2. In the example side view inFIG.1, the gas opening20can have a conical shape. In further examples, the shape of the gas opening20can deviate therefrom and be rectangular, for example.

One or more depressions36can optionally be formed on the top side of the first structure18. When viewed in the z-direction, the depression36can have a closed shape, for example a circular shape. The depression36can be configured to receive a sealing ring (not shown). In one example, the sealing ring can provide a connection between the sensor package100and a valve.

The sensor package100can comprise a second structure24arranged over the first main surface4of the MEMS sensor chip2. The second structure24can be at least partly similar to the first structure18, in particular with regard to its material and its thickness d4in the z-direction. A thickness d5of the stack consisting of the first structure18, the second structure24and the MEMS sensor chip2can result from the already mentioned thicknesses of its stack components. One typical example value for a thickness d5of the stack can be approximately 1200 micrometers. A cavity26can be formed in the second structure24and under the membrane/MEMS structure12, which cavity can be configured as back volume of a pressure sensor, for example.

The sensor package100can comprise a redistribution layer28arranged on the underside of the cover8. The redistribution layer28can contain one or more conductor tracks30in in the form of metal layers or metal tracks, which can extend substantially parallel to the underside of the sensor package100. The conductor tracks30can be fabricated from copper or a copper alloy, for example. One or more dielectric layers32can be arranged between the conductor tracks30in order to electrically insulate the conductor tracks30from one another. The dielectric layers32can be fabricated from an oxide and/or a nitride, for example. Furthermore, metal layers arranged on different planes can be electrically connected to one another by a multiplicity of through contacts or vias. The conductor tracks30of the redistribution layer28can fulfil the function of redistribution or rewiring in order to electrically couple the electrical through contacts10to one or more peripheral connection elements34. In other words, the conductor tracks30can be configured to provide the electrical through contacts10or connections of the logic chip14at other positions of the sensor package100. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the conductor tracks30can be configured to provide one or more electronic components (or functional elements). The electronic components can comprise passive electronic components, in particular. A passive electronic component can comprise for example one or more of the following: resistor, capacitor, inductive component (e.g. inductance or coil), antenna (e.g. coil or patch antenna), etc.

The peripheral connection elements34can be arranged below the cover8and be electrically coupled to the electrical through contacts10. In the example inFIG.1, the peripheral connection elements34can be embodied in the form of solder deposits (or solder elements or solder balls). The peripheral connection elements34can be configured to electrically and mechanically couple the sensor package100to a circuit board. The sensor package100can be mounted on a circuit board by way of the peripheral connection elements34using a soldering process, for example.

In some examples, the sensor package100need not necessarily comprise the peripheral connection elements34and/or the redistribution layer28, but rather can be mechanically coupled to a circuit board directly by way of the electrical through contacts10. The electrical through contacts10can comprise at least one from a press-fit pin, a metal column, a clip or a bond wire. Various examples of electrical through contacts10are shown and described inFIGS.2to5. The electrical through contacts10can be embodied as electrical via (vertical interconnect access) connections. A dimension of the electrical through contacts10in the z-direction or a corresponding thickness d6of the cover8can be in a range of approximately 300 micrometers to approximately 500 micrometers, more precisely of 350 micrometers to approximately 450 micrometers. One typical example value for the thickness d6of the cover can be approximately 400 micrometers.

The sensor package100can optionally comprise a layer38that can be arranged on the cover8. The layer38can be arranged respectively between the cover8and the MEMS sensor chip2, between the cover8and the second structure24, and between the cover8and the logic chip14. The layer38can be configured to reduce mechanical stresses between the components mentioned. Alternatively or additionally, the layer38can be configured to provide or to reinforce an adhesion between the components mentioned. The layer38can be fabricated for example from a polymeric coating material, in particular parylene.

The sensor package100can optionally comprise a coating40that can be arranged on one or more sidewalls of the sensor package100. The coating40can be configured as a passivation layer, in particular. The coating40can be fabricated for example from a polymeric coating material, in particular parylene.

In the example inFIG.1, the MEMS sensor chip2can be configured to detect pressure signals. In other words, the sensor package100can be a pressure sensor, which can be part of a tire pressure monitoring system, for example. Pressure changes that occur in the surroundings in a gas (e.g. air) surrounding the sensor package100can lead, by way of the gas opening20, to a deflection of the membrane/MEMSs structure12and can be converted into electrical signals. The electrical signals can be forwarded to the logic chip14and be processed by the latter. The processed signals can be forwarded by way of the electrical through contacts10and the peripheral connection elements34to a circuit board or electrical components arranged on the circuit board.

It should be noted that the sensor package100is not restricted to a specific type of sensor. In further examples, the sensor package100can be configured for example to detect accelerations. The sensor package100can also be configured to detect not just one, but a plurality of physical variables. By way of example, the sensor package100can be configured both as a pressure sensor and as an acceleration sensor, as is shown and described inFIGS.6A-6B.

FIGS.2A to2Ishow a method for producing sensor packages200in accordance with the disclosure. By way of example, the sensor package100inFIG.1can be produced in accordance with the method inFIGS.2A-2I. The method steps described can be carried out at the wafer level, in particular. The sensor packages200produced can thus be wafer-level packages.

InFIG.2A, a semiconductor wafer42can be provided, which can have a multiplicity of MEMS sensor chips2. The MEMS sensor chips2can be similar to the MEMS sensor chip2inFIG.1, for example. Only one MEMS sensor chip2of the semiconductor wafer42is shown inFIG.2Afor the sake of simplicity. However, the semiconductor wafer42can have hundreds of MEMS sensor chips2, for example. The MEMS sensor chip2can have on its top side one or more electrical terminals44, which can be configured as signal inputs and/or signal outputs.

A first substrate (or a first wafer)46can be arranged over the top side of the semiconductor wafer42and can be mechanically connected to the semiconductor wafer42or the upper main surface thereof. The first substrate46can be fabricated from at least one from a glass material or a semiconductor material, in particular silicon. The first substrate46and the semiconductor wafer42can be connected to one another using an anodic bonding process, for example. The first substrate46can have a plurality of cutouts, which can be similar to the cavity26inFIG.1, but are not illustrated inFIG.2Afor the sake of simplicity. Before the two components are connected, the cutouts can be aligned with MEMS structures of the MEMS sensor chips2of the semiconductor wafer42. By way of example, each MEMS sensor chip2can have a membrane over which a cutout is arranged (cf.FIG.1).

In an analogous manner, a second substrate (or a second wafer)48can be arranged over the underside of the semiconductor wafer42and can be mechanically connected to the semiconductor wafer42. The second substrate48can be at least partly similar to the first substrate46. The thicknesses of the substrates46and48can correspond to the thicknesses d3and d4of the structures18and24inFIG.1, for example. The second substrate48can have gas openings, which can be similar to the gas opening20inFIG.1, but are not explicitly illustrated. Before the two components are connected, the gas openings can be aligned with the MEMS sensor chips2of the semiconductor wafer42, as is shown by way of example inFIG.1.

FIG.2Bshows the semiconductor wafer42and the substrates46,48in an interconnected state. The components can form a stack, and so hereinafter reference may also be made to a wafer stack. In a plan view, each of the components42,46and48and thus the combined wafer stack can have a circular shape. In further examples, each of the components42,46and48can correspond to a panel and have a rectangular shape. It is evident fromFIG.2Bthat the first substrate46can be embodied such that the electrical terminals44of the MEMS sensor chip2can be exposed and can be contacted.

InFIG.2C, a multiplicity of logic chips14can be arranged over the upper main surface of the first substrate46. In particular, in this case, a logic chip14can be positioned over each of the MEMS sensor chips2of the semiconductor wafer42. The logic chips14can be at least partly similar to the logic chip14inFIG.1. In one example, the plurality of logic chips14can be provided individually and be arranged over the first substrate46using a pick-and-place process. In a further example, the plurality of logic chips14can be provided in the form of a semiconductor wafer that can be connected to the first wafer46, for example using an anodic bonding process.

InFIG.2D, the logic chips14can be electrically coupled to the MEMS sensor chips2of the semiconductor wafer42using electrical connection elements16. In particular, in this case, the electrical connection elements16can be connected to the electrical terminals44of the MEMS sensor chips2. In the example inFIG.2D, the electrical connection elements16are represented by wires by way of example. In further examples, the electrical connection elements16can be embodied differently, for example using clips or tapes.

InFIG.2E, a molding process can be carried out over the upper main surfaces of the semiconductor wafer42, of the first substrate46and of the logic chips14. A cover50can be formed over these components as a result. In this case, the cover50can cover the entire surface of the wafer stack, e.g. all the components thereof. The molding process can be based on one or more of the following techniques: compression molding, injection molding, powder molding, liquid molding, etc.

InFIG.2F, a plurality of through holes (or via holes)52can be formed in the cover50. Four through holes52are shown by way of example inFIG.2F. In further examples, the number of through holes52can be chosen differently. The through holes52can be produced for example using at least one from drilling, laser drilling, etching, etc.

InFIG.2G, electrical through contacts10can be formed in the through holes52. The electrical through contacts10can extend from the top side of the cover50to the logic chips14, or the terminals thereof, situated under the cover50and can electrically contact these. In one example, the electrical through contacts10can be produced in the through holes52by press-fit pins being pressed into the through holes52. One example press-fit method that can be employed for this purpose is shown and described inFIG.7.

InFIG.2H, peripheral connection elements34can be arranged over the electrical through contacts10. The peripheral connection elements34can be configured to electrically and mechanically connect a respective sensor package to be produced from the wafer stack to a circuit board. In the example inFIG.2H, the peripheral connection elements34can be embodied for example as solder deposits for a soldering process to be carried out later. An arrangement of the peripheral connection elements34can be implemented in particular if the press-fit pins used have not already been plated with a solder material.

InFIG.2I, the wafer stack having the components42,46,48and the cover50can be singulated into a plurality of sensor packages200. The singulation process can comprise for example an etching process, a plasma dicing process, a mechanical ultrasonic dicing process, a laser dicing process, or a combination thereof. The sensor package200can be at least partly similar to the sensor package100ofFIG.1. For this reason, reference signs fromFIG.1are used inFIG.2I. Each of the sensor packages200produced can comprise one or more of the electrical through contacts10and/or peripheral connection elements34, which can be configured to electrically connect the sensor package200to a circuit board arranged over the cover8of the sensor package200.FIG.2Ishows a flipped sensor package200(cf. arrow), in the case of which a gas opening20is discernible. The gas opening20is formed in the structure18produced from the second substrate48.

The method inFIGS.2A-2Ican comprise further steps, which are not shown for the sake of simplicity. Such further steps enable additional components to be produced, for example, such as are shown inFIG.1, for example a redistribution layer, a sidewall coating, etc.

FIGS.3A to3Hshow a method for producing sensor packages300in accordance with the disclosure. The method inFIGS.3A-3Hcan be at least partly similar to the method inFIGS.2A-2I, for example.

The steps shown inFIGS.3A and3Bcan at least partly be similar or correspond to the steps inFIGS.2A and2B.

InFIG.3C, a multiplicity of logic chips14can be arranged over the upper main surface of the first substrate46, as was described in association withFIG.2C. In addition, the logic chips14can be electrically contacted with electrical contact elements54on their top side. In the example inFIG.3C, the electrical contact elements54can be metal columns (or pins), which can be fabricated from a metal and/or a metal alloy. In particular, the metal columns54can be produced from copper and/or a copper alloy. In the example inFIG.3C, the metal columns54are embodied in a cylindrical fashion. In further examples, the metal columns54can have a different shape, for example the shape of a parallelepiped. The metal columns54can be plated, for example with tin and/or NiPdAu.

In one example, firstly the metal columns54can be arranged on the logic chips14and then the logic chips14can be arranged on the first substrate46. In a further example, firstly the logic chips14can be arranged on the first substrate46and the metal columns54can then be arranged on the logic chips14. The metal columns54can be provided individually and be arranged on the logic chips14using a pick-and-place process. As an alternative thereto, the metal columns54can be part of a leadframe. The leadframe or the metal columns54can be aligned with electrical contacts of the logic chips14and be connected using a soldering and/or adhesive bonding process.

The steps shown inFIGS.3D and3Ecan at least partly be similar or correspond to the steps inFIGS.2D and2E.

It is evident fromFIG.3Ethat the metal columns54can be covered, in particular completely, by a cover50. InFIG.3F, material can be removed from the top side of the cover50. As a result, the metal columns54can be at least partly exposed. The material can be removed by employing at least one of the following techniques: grinding, chemical mechanical polishing, etching, etc. After the material has been removed, the mold compound of the cover50and the metal columns54can be arranged in a coplanar manner, e.g. can lie in a common plane. The metal columns54can extend from electrical contacts of the logic chips14as far as the top side of the cover50and can provide an electrical access to the logic chips14, which are otherwise embedded in the mold compound. The metal columns54extending through the cover50inFIG.3Fcan for example be similar to or be identified with the electrical through contacts10fromFIGS.1and2G.

The steps shown inFIGS.3G and3Hcan at least partly be similar or correspond to the steps inFIGS.2G and2H.

FIGS.4A to4F, which show a method for producing sensor packages400in accordance with the disclosure. The method inFIGS.4A-4Fcan be at least partly similar to one of the methods inFIGS.2A-3H, for example.

The steps shown inFIGS.4A to4Ccan at least partly be similar or correspond to the steps inFIGS.2A to2C.

InFIG.4D, the logic chips14can be electrically coupled to the MEMS sensor chips of the semiconductor wafer42using electrical connection elements16, as was described in connection withFIG.2D, for example. Furthermore, the logic chips14can be electrically contacted with electrical contact elements54on their top side, in a manner similar to that as already described in association withFIG.3C. In contrast toFIG.3C, in the example inFIG.4D, the electrical contact elements54can be clips that can be fabricated from a metal and/or a metal alloy. In particular, the clips54can be produced from copper and/or a copper alloy.

The clips54can be provided as part of a leadframe. The production of the leadframe can comprise a plurality of method steps, for example etching processes or 3D printing processes. In one example, the leadframe can be a plated leadframe (PPF, Pre Plated Frame). The leadframe or the clips54can be aligned with electrical contacts of the logic chips14and can be connected using a soldering and/or adhesive bonding process. A connection between the clips54and the electrical contacts of the logic chips14can be effected for example using one or more of welding, adhesive bonding or soldering. In one example, the leadframe can cover the entire main surface of the wafer stack. In further examples, the main surface of the wafer stack can be covered by a plurality of leadframe strips. In the example inFIG.4D, the clips54can have a substantially rectangular course with a horizontally extending section54A and a vertically extending section54B. Furthermore,FIG.4Dillustrates connection sections56, which indicate a connection of the clips54shown to further clips that are arranged over adjacent logic chips14and are likewise part of the leadframe.

The steps shown inFIGS.4E and4Fcan at least partly be similar or correspond to the steps inFIGS.3E,3F and3H. InFIG.4E, a molding process can be carried out over the upper main surfaces of the semiconductor wafer42, of the first substrate46and of the logic chips14, wherein a cover is formed. Afterward, material can be removed from the top side of the cover, as a result of which the clips54are at least partly exposed. The wafer stack and the cover can be singulated into a plurality of sensor packages400. It is evident fromFIG.4Ethat the connection sections56of the leadframe does not have to be contained in the finished produced sensor package400.FIG.4Fshows a bottom view of the sensor package400shown inFIG.4E.

FIGS.5A to5G, which show a method for producing sensor packages500in accordance with the disclosure. The method inFIGS.5A-5Gcan be at least partly similar to the method inFIGS.4A-4F, for example.

The steps shown inFIGS.5A to5Ccan at least partly be similar or correspond to the steps inFIGS.4A to4C.

The step shown inFIG.5Dcan at least partly be similar or correspond to the step inFIG.4D. In contrast toFIG.4D, in the example inFIG.5D, the electrical contact elements54can be wires (or bond wires). In some examples, the bond wires can have such high thicknesses that they can also be regarded as clips. In the example inFIG.5D, the bond wires54can be embodied in a substantially S-shaped fashion. In further examples, a different shape of the bond wires54can be chosen. The bond wires54can be provided individually or in an assemblage (e.g. in the form of a leadframe).

FIGS.5E to5Gshows steps such as have substantially already been described in previous figures. InFIG.5E, a molding process can be carried out over the wafer stack and the logic chips14, wherein a cover50is formed. Afterward, material can be removed from the top side of the cover50, as a result of which the bond wires (or clips)54are at least partly exposed. In an additional step (not shown), solderable material can be arranged on the exposed surfaces of the bond wires54, for example using plating or by arranging solder deposits. The wafer stack and the cover50can be singulated into a plurality of sensor packages500. It is evident fromFIG.5Fthat the bond wires54can be exposed both at the top side and at one or more side surfaces of the sensor package500. The bond wires54exposed at the side surfaces can simplify an LTI (Lead Tip Inspection) method to be carried out.FIG.5Gshows a bottom view of the sensor package500shown inFIG.5F.

FIGS.6A and6Bshow a side view and a plan view, respectively, of a sensor package600in accordance with the disclosure. The sensor package600can be at least partly similar to the sensor package100inFIG.1, for example. Not all of the possible components of the sensor package600are illustrated inFIGS.6A-6Bfor the sake of simplicity. The sensor package600can be extended for example by one or more components of the sensor package100fromFIG.1.

The sensor package600can comprise a pressure sensor58, which can be configured to detect absolute pressures and/or relative pressures. Furthermore, the sensor package600can comprise an acceleration sensor, which can be configured to detect accelerations. The associated sensor cells are shown in the plan view inFIG.6B. Each of the two sensor cells can have sensor cavities and/or sensor openings. A gas opening20and a cavity26of the pressure sensor are shown by way of example in the side view inFIG.6A. The sensor package600can comprise one or more electrical terminals44.

A dimension1of the sensor package600in the x-direction can be in a range of approximately 2000 micrometers to approximately 2400 micrometers. One typical example value for the dimension1can be approximately 2200 micrometers. A dimension b of the sensor package600in the y-direction can be in a range of approximately 2200 micrometers to approximately 2600 micrometers. One typical example value for the dimension b can be approximately 2400 micrometers. With regard to the dimensions of the components of the sensor package600in the z-direction, reference is made toFIG.1.

FIG.7shows in a side view steps of a press-fit method such as can be employed for example in the method inFIGS.2A-2I(cf.FIG.2G, in particular). A press-fit pin62can be pressed into a through hole52of a cover50(cf. vertical arrow). The press-fit pin62can have a spring property in its central region, which spring property can provide a fixed positioning of the press-fit pin62in the through hole52(cf. horizontal arrows). A connection between the lower section of the press-fit pin62and an electrical contact of a logic chip14(not shown) can be provided for example by a conductive adhesive or a solder material. The press-fit pin62can be plated, for example with tin and/or NiPdAu. A section of the press-fit pin that projects from the upper main surface of the cover50can be configured to be connected to a circuit board (not shown). Only one press-fit pin62is shown inFIG.7for the sake of simplicity. A multiplicity of press-fit pins62can be provided in the form of a leadframe, wherein the arrangement of the press-fit pins62in the leadframe can be coordinated with the geometry of a plurality of through holes52.

EXAMPLES

Sensor packages and methods for producing sensor packages are explained below on the basis of examples.

Example 1 is a sensor package comprising: a MEMS sensor chip; a cover arranged over a first main surface of the MEMS sensor chip, the cover being fabricated from a mold compound; and an electrical through contact extending through the cover and configured to electrically couple the sensor package to a circuit board arranged over the cover.

Example 2 is a sensor package according to example 1, wherein the cover and the MEMS sensor chip are substantially congruent in a plan view of the first main surface of the MEMS sensor chip.

Example 3 is a sensor package according to example 1 or 2, furthermore comprising: a logic chip arranged between the MEMS sensor chip and the cover and configured to logically process measurement signals provided by the MEMS sensor chip, wherein the electrical through contact is configured to electrically couple the logic chip to the circuit board.

Example 4 is a sensor package according to any of the preceding examples, furthermore comprising: a gas opening arranged over a second main surface of the MEMS sensor chip, the second main surface being situated opposite the first main surface.

Example 5 is a sensor package according to example 4, furthermore comprising: a first structure arranged over the second main surface of the MEMS sensor chip, the first structure being fabricated from at least one from a glass material or a semiconductor material, wherein the gas opening is formed in the first structure.

Example 6 is a sensor package according to any of the preceding examples, furthermore comprising: a second structure arranged over the first main surface of the MEMS sensor chip, the second structure being fabricated from at least one from a glass material or a semiconductor material; and a cavity formed in the second structure and arranged over a MEMS structure of the MEMS sensor chip.

Example 7 is a sensor package according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the electrical through contact comprises an electrical via connection.

Example 8 is a sensor package according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the electrical through contact comprises at least one from a press-fit pin, a metal column, a clip or a bond wire.

Example 9 is a sensor package according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the electrical through contact is configured to mechanically couple the sensor package to the circuit board.

Example 10 is a sensor package according to any of examples 1 to 8, furthermore comprising: a peripheral connection element arranged over the cover and electrically coupled to the electrical through contact, wherein the peripheral connection element is configured to electrically and mechanically couple the sensor package to the circuit board.

Example 11 is a sensor package according to example 10, furthermore comprising: a redistribution layer arranged between the cover and the peripheral connection element, the redistribution layer electrically coupling the electrical through contact and the peripheral connection element.

Example 12 is a sensor package according to example 11, wherein the redistribution layer comprises at least one conductor track, wherein the at least one conductor track is configured to provide an electronic component.

Example 13 is a sensor package according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the MEMS sensor chip is configured to detect pressure signals.

Example 14 is a method for producing sensor packages, wherein the method comprises: providing a first semiconductor wafer having a plurality of MEMS sensor chips; carrying out a molding process over a first main surface of the first semiconductor wafer, wherein a cover is formed over the plurality of MEMS sensor chips; forming electrical through contacts extending through the cover; and singulating the first semiconductor wafer and the cover into a plurality of sensor packages, wherein each of the sensor packages comprises one of the electrical through contacts, which is configured to electrically couple the sensor package to a circuit board arranged over the cover of the sensor package.

Example 15 is a method according to example 14, furthermore comprising: before carrying out the molding process, arranging a plurality of logic chips over the first main surface of the first semiconductor wafer using a pick-and-place process; and electrically coupling the logic chips to the MEMS sensor chips.

Example 16 is a method according to example 14, furthermore comprising: before carrying out the molding process, arranging a second semiconductor wafer having a plurality of logic chips over the first main surface of the first semiconductor wafer; and electrically coupling the logic chips to the MEMS sensor chips.

Example 17 is a method according to example 15 or 16, furthermore comprising: after carrying out the molding process, forming a plurality of through holes in the cover; and forming the electrical through contacts in the through holes, wherein the electrical through contacts electrically contact the logic chips.

Example 18 is a method according to example 17, wherein forming the electrical through contacts in the through holes comprises pressing press-fit pins into the through holes.

Example 19 is a method according to example 15 or 16, furthermore comprising: before carrying out the molding process, electrically contacting the logic chips with electrical contact elements, wherein the electrical contact elements comprise at least one from metal columns, clips or bond wires; and after carrying out the molding process, at least partly removing material of the cover at a main surface of the cover facing away from the first semiconductor wafer, wherein the electrical contact elements are at least partly exposed as a result of the material being removed.

Example 20 is a method according to example 19, wherein electrically contacting the logic chips with the electrical contact elements comprises: arranging a leadframe over the logic chips, wherein the leadframe comprises the electrical contact elements.

Example 21 is a method according to any of examples 14 to 20, furthermore comprising: before carrying out the molding process, connecting a first substrate to the first main surface of the first semiconductor wafer, wherein the first substrate is fabricated from at least one from a glass material or a semiconductor material, wherein the first substrate comprises a plurality of cutouts that are aligned with MEMS structures of the MEMS sensor chips before the connecting.

Example 22 is a method according to any of examples 14 to 21, furthermore comprising: before carrying out the molding process, connecting a second substrate to a second main surface of the first semiconductor wafer, the second main surface being opposite the first main surface, wherein the second substrate is fabricated from at least one from a glass material or a semiconductor material, wherein the second substrate comprises a plurality of gas openings that are aligned with the MEMS sensor chips before the connecting.

Although specific implementations have been illustrated and described herein, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art that a multiplicity of alternative and/or equivalent implementations can replace the specific implementations shown and described, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover all adaptations or variations of the specific implementations described herein. Therefore, the intention is for this disclosure to be restricted only by the claims and the equivalents thereof