Optoelectronic component device and method for producing an optoelectronic component device

An optoelectronic component device includes first and second electrodes; a first optoelectronic component electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes; and a first electrically conductive section electrically coupled to the first electrode, and a second electrically conductive section electrically coupled to the second electrode; wherein the first and second electrically conductive sections are arranged electrically in parallel with the first optoelectronic component; wherein the first and second electrically conductive sections are arranged and configured relative to one another such that, beyond a response voltage applied over the first and second conductive sections, a discharge path is formed between the first and second conductive sections; and wherein the response voltage has as its value a value formed greater than the threshold voltage value of the first optoelectronic component and less than or equal to the value of the breakdown voltage of the first optoelectronic component.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to an optoelectronic component device and a method of producing an optoelectronic component device.

BACKGROUND

Some applications in which light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are used require components which react insensitively to electrostatic discharges (ESDs). Newer high-efficiency chip technologies with light-emitting diodes, however, often have a relatively large sensitivity to ESDs, for example InGaN or GaN diodes, in which case the electrostatic discharges can lead to breakdown of the pn junction with irreversible damage. This means that the maximum voltage peak which may occur in the event of an ESD is becoming more important for newer chip technologies.

To be able to process such components, it is necessary to ensure processing in an ESD-free environment, which can entail high costs to equip the production lines. For reasons of costs for processors of electronic components, retrofitting of processing lines to produce an ESD-free environment can only be envisioned in exceptional cases.

In another conventional approach for the protection of an optoelectronic component with respect to electrostatic discharges, a back-to-back diode or an Li diode may, for example, be provided, which is formed with an orientation antiparallel to the forward-bias direction of the optoelectronic component. In this way, an ESD event can always be dissipated via the diode connected in the forward direction as a function of its polarity, i.e. either the ESD protection diode or the optoelectronic component. Abrupt discharges at a diode connected in the reverse-bias direction can be avoided in this way.

In another conventional approach for the protection of an optoelectronic component with respect to electrostatic discharges, a series resistor, for example, with a resistance of 330 ohms (Human Body Model HBM), may be connected in front of the optoelectronic component to be protected. With the aforementioned conventional approaches, the ESD-sensitive component to be protected can achieve an ESD stability which corresponds to that of components with conventional chip technology. Nevertheless, the maximum voltage peak of the ESD pulse may be limited in these conventional approaches since very high electric fields can nevertheless cause damage at the active layers of the ESD protection diode, as well as at the optoelectronic component.

Furthermore, these ESD protection components require an area, for example, of at least 200×200 μm2, which is lost in the miniaturization of the actual optoelectronic component to be protected. At the same time, the ESD protection component may absorb light which is emitted, for example, by an optoelectronic component to be protected and, therefore, reduce the efficiency of the optoelectronic component to be protected.

DE 10 2012 208 730.3, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein, describes an optoelectronic component device and a method of producing an optoelectronic component device.

We provide an optoelectronic component device and a method of producing an optoelectronic component device, wherein the component device saves on costs and the area for an additional ESD protection diode.

An organic material is a carbon compound existing in chemically uniform form and distinguished by characteristic physical and chemical properties, irrespective of the respective aggregate state. Furthermore, an inorganic material is a compound without carbon or a simple carbon compound, existing in chemically uniform form and distinguished by characteristic physical and chemical properties, irrespective of the respective aggregate state. An organic-inorganic material (hybrid substance) is a compound comprising compound parts which contain carbon and compound parts which are free of carbon, existing in chemically uniform form and distinguished by characteristic physical and chemical properties, irrespective of the respective aggregate state. The term “material” comprises all materials mentioned above, for example, an organic material, an inorganic material and/or a hybrid material. Furthermore, a material mixture may for instance consist of constituents of two or more different materials, the constituents of which are, for example, very finely distributed. A material class is a material or a material mixture consisting of one or more organic material(s), one or more inorganic material(s) or one or more hybrid material(s). The term “substance” may be used synonymously with the term “material”.

Our optoelectronic component device may comprise: a first electrode and a second electrode, a first optoelectronic component electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode; and a first electrically conductive section electrically coupled to the first electrode, and a second electrically conductive section electrically coupled to the second electrode; wherein the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section is arranged electrically in parallel with the first optoelectronic component; and wherein the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section are arranged, and configured relative to one another, such that, beyond a response voltage applied over the first conductive section and the second conductive section, a spark discharge occurs between the first conductive section and the second conductive section; wherein the response voltage has as its value a value which is formed greater than the threshold voltage value of the first optoelectronic component and less than or equal to the value of the breakdown voltage of the first optoelectronic component.

The actual response voltage of the spark gap for a component device may be dependent on the specific configuration of the electrically conductive sections and the dielectric between the electrically conductive sections so that a voltage range within which a spark discharge occurs between the electrically conductive sections at a particular spacing is often specified. For a spark gap, the typical breakdown strength of air as a dielectric may have a response voltage in a range of from approximately 1 kV/mm to approximately 3 kV/mm. In electrically conductive sections having a spacing of 1 mm, a spark can cross over, and a discharge can therefore take place when the potential difference between the electrically conductive sections has a value greater than approximately 3 kV. At the latest beyond this potential difference, the electrical resistance may be very small compared to the resistance of the optoelectronic component in the reverse-bias direction, for example, from approximately 0Ω to approximately 500Ω. Below approximately 1 kV, on the other hand, with a spacing of 1 mm and plane-parallel electrically conductive sections, a discharge is not to be expected.

For other dielectrics, the response voltage may be formed other than in air. With a constant spacing, the response voltage of the discharge path can be modified by the choice of the dielectric.

The electrically conductive terminals should be configured such that the value of the response voltage of the discharge path is formed between the threshold voltage of the electronic component to be protected and the breakdown voltage of the electronic component.

Up to the minimum value of the response voltage of the spark gap, the optoelectronic component should be able to operate regularly without a spark, i.e., a spark discharge, being formed between the electrically conductive terminals. A typical value of a threshold voltage of an optoelectronic component, for example, a GaN diode, may be formed from approximately 0 V to approximately 5 V. Below the response voltage, the spark gap may have a resistance which is as high as possible, for example, from approximately 1 MΩ to approximately 1 GΩ, and a small flow of current, for example, from approximately 10 μA to approximately 100 μA. The response voltage of the spark gap, i.e., the voltage which is necessary to form a spark discharge between the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section, therefore has at least a voltage value greater than the value of the threshold voltage of the optoelectronic component.

The voltage value of the discharge path, beyond which a spark discharge is formed, at the latest, i.e. the maximum response voltage of the discharge path at which the breakdown of the potential difference takes place should be formed below the breakdown voltage of the optoelectronic component since otherwise protection of the optoelectronic component against electrostatic discharges cannot be ensured. A typical breakdown voltage for such a component may, for example, be formed from approximately 170 V to approximately 200 V.

One configuration of the electrically conductive sections, which satisfy these conditions may, for example, have a spacing with a value of approximately 50 μm and an air dielectric. This configuration has the advantage that it can be produced, or configured, simply in terms of process technology.

In another configuration, the first electrode may comprise a different substrate and/or a different material than the second electrode, in which case a common substrate may also be understood as a common carrier.

In another configuration, the first electrode may be formed in a plane with the second electrode.

In another configuration, the first electrode may be formed in a different plane than the second electrode.

In another configuration, the first electrode or the second electrode may be grounded.

In another configuration, the optoelectronic component may be configured as an electromagnetic radiation-emitting component, for example, a light-emitting diode, a laser diode or a solar cell.

In another configuration, the optoelectronic component may be formed within an area of approximately 25 mm2, for example, in an area of approximately 1 mm2, for example, in an area of approximately 0.25 mm2, for example, in an area of approximately 0.09 mm2, for example, in an area of approximately 0.04 mm2, for example, in an area of approximately 0.01 mm2, for example, in an area of approximately 25×10−3mm2, for example, in an area of approximately 25×10−6mm2. The electronic component may in this case have a geometrical shape, for example, from the group of geometrical shapes: rectangular, square, hexagonal, polygonal or round.

In another configuration, the optoelectronic component may be formed on or over a lead frame, in which case the first electrically conductive section and/or the second electrically conductive section may be formed as part of the lead frame.

A lead frame may, for example, be understood as a metal structure which comprise one or more metal pieces and, for example, holds the metal pieces together by a metal frame. A lead frame may, for example, be formed by a flat metal plate, for example, by a chemical method, for example, etching, or by a mechanical method, for example, stamping. A lead frame may, for example, comprise a metal frame having a multiplicity of metal pieces subsequently forming electrodes which may be connected to one another and to the metal frame by metal webs. However, a lead frame may also be understood as the metal pieces formed by a metal frame as described above, which form electrodes, the metal pieces no longer being physically connected to one another by the metal, i.e., for example, after the metal webs have already been removed. The electrodes may therefore clearly form the lead frame itself or constitute separated parts of a lead frame.

A lead frame may in this case be understood as a conduction plane and/or metallization plane, in which case the conduction plane and/or metallization plane may even only be virtually, i.e. logistically, continuous, for example, as separated electrodes which geometrically lie on a plane and are formed to supply a component with electricity.

In another configuration, the optoelectronic component may be enclosed by a housing, in which case the housing may be formed as a package.

In another configuration, the first electrically conductive section and/or the second electrically conductive section may be formed inside the package.

In another configuration, the first electrically conductive section and/or the second electrically conductive section may be formed outside the package.

In another configuration, the first electrically conductive section may be formed as a region of the first electrode, and/or the second electrically conductive section may be formed as a region of the second electrode.

In another configuration, the optoelectronic component may comprise contacting, i.e. an electrical supply, from the group of contact arrangements: top contact, for example, a sapphire chip; bottom contact, for example, a flip chip; vertical contact, for example, a diode, the top contact and the bottom contact having a two-dimensional electrical supply configuration.

In another configuration, the device may furthermore comprise at least one further optoelectronic component, the further optoelectronic component being electrically connected in parallel with the first optoelectronic component, with the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section, for example, as a “multi-die light engine”.

In another configuration, the first electrically conductive section may comprise a different material than the second electrically conductive section and/or the first electrode and/or the second electrode.

In another configuration, the first electrically conductive section may be formed oriented relative to the second electrically conductive section, for example complementarily, perpendicularly, parallel, concentrically or diverging. A diverging orientation of the electrically conductive sections may, for example, be configured as a horn curve and/or Jacob's ladder. In this way, the spark discharge can be quenched when the voltage falls below the response voltage.

In one configuration, the electrically conductive sections may have a mutually complementary arrangement, in which case the first electrically conductive section may be formed partially and/or fully perpendicularly and/or parallel to the second electrically conductive section.

In one configuration, the electrically conductive sections may have an overlapping arrangement, i.e. an arrangement offset with respect to one another and/or an arrangement displaced with respect to one another, in which case parts of the electrically conductive sections may be mutually parallel, for example, at a distance from one another. The electrically conductive sections may also be formed in different planes in the sense of the plane of the drawing, for example, in a similar way to a cross.

In one configuration, a parallel arrangement of the electrically conductive sections may, for example, be formed as a partially and/or fully concentric arrangement and/or coaxial arrangement of the electrically conductive sections.

The second electrically conductive section may in this case form the inner electrically conductive region of a concentric arrangement of electrically conductive sections, in which case the interior of the second electrically conductive section may, for example, be hollow or may, for example, comprise an electrically insulating material or, for example, the same material, a similar material or a different electrically conductive material than the first electrically conductive section.

In another configuration, the surface of the first electrically conductive section and/or the surface of the second electrically conductive section, between which the discharge path is formed, may have a surface geometry from the group of geometrical shapes: flat, round, rough, acute and/or mutually complementary.

The surfaces of the electrically conductive sections, for example, between which the discharge path are formed, may also locally and/or globally have combinations of individual geometrical shapes with one another.

The geometrical shapes may be configured regularly in such a way that they have a geometrical symmetry axis, in which case the symmetry axis may have mirror symmetry and/or additionally rotational symmetry.

The electrically conductive sections may, for example, have a planar shape or a tapering shape.

A surface of electrically conductive sections may, for example, be formed in a similar way to a rod or pin, or be formed in a similar way to a planar plane.

Electrically conductive sections with a tapering shape may, for example, be formed in a similar way to a point or in a similar way to a rounding. With the tapering shape, the minimum value of the response voltage can be reduced, since the tapering shapes can locally have a higher field strength than planar shapes.

The surface may however also be partially or fully arbitrarily shaped, for example, by roughness or a coarse manufacturing process, for example, when the difference between the breakdown voltage of the electronic component and the threshold voltage of the electronic component is very great, for example, more than 200 V.

In another configuration, the shortest distance between the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section, between which the discharge path is formed, may have a value of from approximately 1 μm to approximately 100 μm.

In another configuration, the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section may be surrounded by encapsulation, for example, enclosed in a cavity, may be part of a section plane of a carrier of the optoelectronic component, or may be surrounded by a casting material which comprises, for example, an electrically insulating, crosslinkable organic and/or inorganic compound, for example, an epoxy resin or a silicone.

The encapsulation may be formed as mechanical protection for the electrically conductive sections such that the distance between the surfaces of the electrically conductive sections and the shape of the surfaces of the electrically conductive sections are protected in respect of external actions of force, for example, a collision, impact, falling or bending, against changes, for example, an increase or decrease in the distance or a deformation of the surface of the electrically conductive sections.

In another configuration, the encapsulation may be configured such that the dielectric, for example, air, is protected against environmental influences, for example, a change in the air humidity and/or an incidence of ionizing radiation, for example, UV radiation, X-radiation. These environmental influences could modify the necessary voltage which should be applied via the electrically conductive sections, in such a way that the formation of a spark discharge are formed at a value of the applied voltage which takes place below the threshold voltage of the electronic component to be protected, or above the breakdown voltage of the electronic component to be protected, and can compromise the function of the component to be protected or the ESD protection.

In another configuration, the material between the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section may comprise a material, or be formed therefrom, from the group of materials of electrically insulating, crosslinkable organic and/or inorganic compound, for example, an epoxy resin, a silicone or a ceramic.

In another configuration, the material between the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section may comprise a vacuum, or a gas, or be formed therefrom, from the group of gases, for example, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, ozone or a noble gas.

In another configuration, the optoelectronic component device may be configured such that the optoelectronic component is protected against electrostatic discharges in the reverse-bias direction.

A method of producing an optoelectronic component device is provided, the method may comprise: formation of a first electrically conductive section electrically coupled to a first electrode, and of a second electrically conductive section electrically coupled to a second electrode; and coupling of a first optoelectronic component to the first electrode and to the second electrode; wherein the first optoelectronic component connects electrically in parallel with the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section; and wherein the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section are arranged, and configured relative to one another such that, beyond a response voltage applied over the first conductive section and the second conductive section, a spark discharge occurs between the first conductive section and the second conductive section; wherein the response voltage has as its value a value which is formed greater than the threshold voltage value of the first optoelectronic component and less than or equal to the value of the breakdown voltage of the first optoelectronic component.

In one configuration of the method, the first electrode may comprise a different material and/or a different substrate than the second electrode.

In another configuration of the method, the first electrode may be formed in a plane with the second electrode.

In another configuration of the method, the first electrode may be formed in a different plane than the second electrode.

In another configuration of the method, the first electrode or the second electrode may be formed to be grounded.

In another configuration of the method, the optoelectronic component may be configured as an electromagnetic radiation-emitting component, for example, a light-emitting diode, a laser diode or a solar cell.

In another configuration of the method, the optoelectronic component may have an external dimension of up to approximately 1000×1000 μl m2, for example, approximately 300×300 μm2, for example, approximately 250×250 m2.

In another configuration of the method, the optoelectronic component may be formed on or over a lead frame, the first electrically conductive section and/or the second electrically conductive section being formed as part of the lead frame.

In another configuration of the method, the optoelectronic component may be formed to be enclosed by a package.

In another configuration of the method, the first electrically conductive section and/or the second electrically conductive section may be formed inside the package.

In another configuration of the method, the first electrically conductive section and/or the second electrically conductive section may be formed outside the package.

In another configuration of the method, the first electrically conductive section may be formed as a region of the first electrode, and/or the second electrically conductive section may be formed as a region of the second electrode.

In another configuration of the method, the optoelectronic component may comprise contacting from the group of contact arrangements: top contact, for example, a sapphire chip; bottom contact, for example, a flip chip; vertical contact, for example, a diode, the top contact and the bottom contact having a two-dimensional electrical supply configuration.

In another configuration of the method, the device may furthermore comprise the coupling of at least one further optoelectronic component, the further optoelectronic component being electrically connected, or coupled, in parallel with the first optoelectronic component, with the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section.

In another configuration of the method, the first electrically conductive section may comprise a different material and/or a different substrate than the second electrically conductive section.

In another configuration of the method, the first electrically conductive section may be formed oriented relative to the second electrically conductive section in a perpendicular, parallel, concentric or diverging manner.

In another configuration of the method, the surface of the first electrically conductive section and/or the surface of the second electrically conductive section, between which the spark discharge occurs may be configured such that the surface has a surface geometry from the group of geometrical shapes: flat, round, rough, acutely tapering and/or mutually complementary.

In another configuration of the method, the first electrically conductive section may be formed with respect to the second electrically conductive section such that the shortest distance between the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section, between which the discharge path is formed, has a value of from approximately 1 μm to approximately 100 μm.

In another configuration of the method, an encapsulation is formed around the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section.

In another configuration of the method, the material between the first electrically conductive section and the second electrically conductive section may comprise a material, or be formed therefrom from the group of materials of electrically insulating, crosslinkable organic and/or inorganic compound, for example an epoxy resin, a silicone, a ceramic or a gas, for example, air, or a vacuum.

In another configuration of the method, the optoelectronic component device may be configured such that the optoelectronic component is protected against electrostatic discharges in the reverse-bias direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the appended drawings, which form part of this description and in which specific examples in which our devices and methods may be implemented are shown for illustration. In this regard, direction terminology such as “up”, “down”, “forward”, “backward”, “front”, “rear”, “etc. is used with reference to the orientation of the figure or figures being described. Since components of examples can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the direction terminology is used only for illustration and is in no way restrictive. It is to be understood that other examples may be used and structural or logical modifications may be carried out, without departing from the protective scope of the appended claims. It is to be understood that the features of the various examples described herein may be combined with one another, unless specifically indicated otherwise. The following detailed description is therefore not to be interpreted in a restrictive sense, and the protective scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

In the scope of this description, terms such as “connected” and “coupled” are used to describe both direct and indirect connection, and direct or indirect coupling. In the figures, elements which are identical or similar are provided with identical references, insofar as this is expedient.

FIG. 1shows a schematic arrangement of a discharge path100, according to various examples.

A first electrically conductive section102, which can be connected to a first electrode (not represented), and a second electrically conductive section104, which can be connected to a second electrode (not represented), are schematically represented; a spacing106may be formed between the surfaces112of the electrically conductive sections102,104. In this spacing106, a dielectric108, can be formed between the electrically conductive sections, for example, a gas, for example, air; an electrically insulating, crosslinkable organic and/or inorganic compound, for example, an epoxy resin, a silicone or a ceramic, or even a vacuum. The dielectric108and parts of the electrically conductive sections102,104may be enclosed by an encapsulation110, in which case the encapsulation110may be optional or comprise the same material, or be formed therefrom, as the dielectric. The encapsulation110may partially or fully enclose the electrically conductive sections102,104; for example, the electrically conductive sections102,104may be part of a cross section of a printed circuit board of an optoelectronic component device, in which case the encapsulation110may be further layers of the printed circuit board and a dielectric may be formed from air or an epoxide, for example, as a cavity in a layer plane of a the printed circuit board.

The encapsulation110may be formed as mechanical protection for the electrically conductive sections102,104such that the spacing106between the surfaces112of the electrically conductive sections102,104and the shape of the surfaces112of the electrically conductive sections102,104are protected in respect of external actions of force, for example, a collision, impact, falling or bending, against changes, for example, an increase or decrease in the spacing106or a deformation of the surface112of the electrically conductive sections102,104.

In another configuration, the encapsulation118may be configured such that the dielectric108, for example, air, is protected against environmental influences, for example, a change in the air humidity and/or an incidence of ionizing radiation, for example, UV radiation, X-radiation. These environmental influences could modify the necessary voltage, which should be applied via the electrically conductive sections102,104such that formation of a spark discharge occurs at a value of the applied voltage which can be formed below the threshold voltage of the electronic component to be protected, or above the breakdown voltage of the electronic component to be protected.

FIG. 2shows different shapes of the surfaces of electrically conductive sections, between which a spark discharge can occur according to various examples.

The section planes of different local and/or global geometrical configurations200of surfaces of electrically conductive sections, for example, fromFIG. 1the surfaces112of the first electrically conductive section102and/or of the second electrically conductive section104, are represented schematically.

The geometrical shapes202,204,206,208represented may, without restriction of generality, be surfaces of the electrically conductive sections102,104. The surfaces of the electrically conductive sections102,104, for example, between which the spark discharge can occur, may also locally and/or globally comprise combinations of the individual geometrical shapes202,204,206,208with one another.

The geometrical shapes202,204,206,208represented may regularly be configured such that they have a geometrical symmetry axis210, in which case the symmetry axis210may have mirror symmetry210and/or additional rotational symmetry for the plane which is not represented, i.e. out of the plane of the drawing. In the case of mirror symmetry, the geometrical shape202may be formed as an edge, for example, of a thin metal sheet, while rotational symmetry of the shape202can lead to formation of a cylinder, for example, a rod or pin.

The electrically conductive sections, for example,102,104, may, for example, have a planar surface202,208or a tapering surface204,206.

Electrically conductive sections102,104with planar surfaces202,208may, for example, be formed in a similar way to a rod202or pin202, or in a similar way to a planar plane208.

Electrically conductive sections102,104with a tapering surfaces204,206may, for example, be formed in a similar way to a point204or in a similar way to a rounding206. By the tapering shape, the necessary voltage for the formation of the spark discharge can be reduced since the tapering surfaces204,206can locally have a higher field strength than the planar surfaces202,208.

The surface may however also be partially or fully arbitrarily shaped, for example, by roughness or a coarse manufacturing process.

FIG. 3shows arrangements300of the electrically conductive sections with respect to one another according to various examples.

Different arrangements302,304,306,310of electrically conductive sections with respect to one another, for example, fromFIG. 1of the first electrically conductive section102relative to the second electrically conductive section104, are schematically represented; the surfaces of the electrically conductive sections102,104, between which a spark discharge can occur, may have surface shapes according to the examples ofFIG. 2.

The arrangements302,304,306,310represented may, without restriction of generality, be understood as representative alternative examples to the arrangement of the electrically conductive sections102,104ofFIG. 1.

The arrangements302,304,306,308may simultaneously be formed locally and/or globally on different regions of the electrically conductive sections102,104, i.e. they may also be combined with one another.

In one configuration, the electrically conductive sections102,104may have a mutually complementary arrangement302, in which case the first electrically conductive section102may be formed partially perpendicularly and/or parallel to the second electrically conductive section104.

In one configuration, the electrically conductive sections may have an overlapping arrangement304, i.e. an arrangement304offset with respect to one another and/or a displaced arrangement304of the electrically conductive sections102,104with respect to one another, in which case parts of the electrically conductive sections may be mutually parallel, for example, at a spacing106from one another. The electrically conductive sections102,104may also be formed in different planes in the sense of the plane of the drawing, for example, in a similar way to a cross.

In one configuration, a parallel arrangement of the electrically conductive sections102,104may, for example, be formed as a partially and/or fully concentric arrangement306and/or coaxial arrangement306of the electrically conductive sections102,104, in which case the interior308of the second electrically conductive section104may, for example, be hollow or may, for example, comprise an electrically insulating material or may, for example, comprise the same material, a similar material or a different electrically conductive material than the second electrically conductive section104.

In one configuration, the electrically conductive sections102,104may have a diverging arrangement310, for example, as a horn curve310, or as a Jacob's ladder310.

FIG. 4shows an overview400of response voltages according to various examples.

Values for response voltages404,406,408,410,412of a discharge path with plane-parallel electrically conductive sections102,104are represented, the spacing106of the electrically conductive sections102,104being represented in the left-most column402in the overview400.

The response voltages are indicated for different dielectrics108(columns from left to right): air404,406; plastic: polyphthalamide (PPA—premolded LED)408, an epoxide410and a ceramic (Al2O3)412.

The actual response voltage of the spark gap for a component device may be dependent on the specific configuration of the electrically conductive sections102,104so that a voltage range within which a spark discharge can occur between the electrically conductive sections102,104at a particular spacing106,402, for example, air in a voltage range between the minimum value404and the maximum value406for a particular spacing106,402, is often specified. For the other dielectrics408,410,412represented, the average response voltage408,410,412is indicated. It can be seen that, with a constant spacing106,402, the response voltage of the spark gap can be modified by the choice of the dielectric108,408,410,412.

The electrically conductive terminals should be configured such that the value of the response voltage of the discharge path is formed between the threshold voltage of the electronic component to be protected and the breakdown voltage of the electronic component. A typical value for a threshold voltage of an optoelectronic component, for example, a GaN diode may be formed from approximately 0 V to approximately 5 V. A typical breakdown voltage may, for such a component, be formed, for example, from approximately 170 V to approximately 200 V.

One configuration of the electrically conductive sections102,104which satisfies these conditions may, for example, have a spacing414with a value of approximately 50 μm and a dielectric which comprises air or is formed therefrom. This configuration has the advantage that a spacing of 50 μm can be produced, or configured, simply in terms of process technology.

FIG. 5shows a schematic representation of an optoelectronic component with a vertical electrical supply according to various examples.

Represented by way of example is a light-emitting diode506, for example, an inorganic light-emitting diode506, for example, a GaN diode506or an InGaN diode506which can be connected by an electrically conductive side, for example, the electrically conductive lower side of the light-emitting diode, to a first electrode504and is, for example, adhesively bonded by electrically conductive adhesive or is soldered. The diode506can be electrically connected by a conductive region512, for example, a contact pad512on the upper side of the diode506by an electrical connection508, for example, a wire bond to a second electrode510. An electrical current can flow vertically through the diode506, in other words: an electrical current can flow between the electrically conductive lower side of the diode (not represented) and the electrically conductive upper side of the diode506. The vertical electrical supply of the diode506may be configured from the upper side of the diode506by a contact pad512. An electrical connection to the first electrode504may be formed from the lower side of the diode506by electrically conductive tin solder or an adhesive.

In one configuration, the first electrode504and the second electrode510may, for example, be formed on an electrically nonconductive carrier502.

In one configuration, the first electrode504and the second electrode510may be formed on an electrically conductive carrier502, for example, a printed circuit board comprising electrically conductive regions, in which case the conductive regions may have a different electrical potential.

In one configuration, the first electrode504and the second electrode510may not have a common carrier502. For example, the first electrode504and the second electrode510may be formed as separate electrodes504,540and be fixed relative to one another by a package (not shown)—i.e. the carrier502may be optional.

The discharge path100may connect electrically in parallel with the component device500.

FIG. 6shows a schematic representation of an optoelectronic component with a horizontal electrical supply according to various application examples.

Represented by way of example is a chip606comprising a light-emitting diode506, for example, a sapphire chip606, the sapphire chip606having a horizontal electrical supply, in which case the electrical supply may be formed by a two-dimensional electrical supply configuration616or a current bifurcation616. A part of the two-dimensional electrical supply configuration616may be electrically connected to a first electrical contact pad620, in which case the first electrical contact pad620may be connected by an electrical connection608, for example, a wire bond608, to a first electrode604. Another part of the two-dimensional electrical supply element616may electrically connect to a second electrical contact pad614, in which case the second electrical contact pad614may connect by an electrical connection610, for example, a wire bond610, to a second electrode612.

In one configuration, the first electrode604and the second electrode612may, for example, be formed on an electrically nonconductive carrier602.

In one configuration, the first electrode604and the second electrode612may be formed on an electrically conductive carrier602, for example, a printed circuit board comprising electrically conductive regions604,612, in which case the electrically conductive regions604,612may have a different electrical potential to one another.

In one configuration, the first electrode604and the second electrode612may not have a common carrier612. For example, the first electrode604and the second electrode612may be formed as separate electrodes604,612and be fixed relative to one another by a package (not shown).

The discharge path100may be connected electrically in parallel with the component device600.

FIG. 7shows a schematic representation of an optoelectronic component with a horizontal electrical supply according to various application examples.

Represented by way of example is a chip708comprising a light-emitting diode506(not represented), for example, a flip chip708, the flip chip708having a horizontal electrical supply, in which case the electrical supply may be formed by contact pads on the lower side of the chip708; a first electrical terminal716, for example, a solder bead716, may connect the chip708to a first electrode706, and a second electrical terminal718, for example, a solder bead706, may electrically connect the chip708to a second electrode704.

The chip708may furthermore comprise a two-dimensional electrical supply configuration (not represented) similar to the two-dimensional electrical supply configuration616from the description ofFIG. 6.

In one configuration, the first electrode706and the second electrode704may, for example, be formed on an electrically nonconductive carrier702.

In one configuration, the first electrode706and the second electrode704may be formed on an electrically conductive carrier702, for example, a printed circuit board comprising electrically conductive regions, in which case the conductive regions may have a different electrical potential.

In one configuration, the first electrode706and the second electrode704may not have a common carrier702. For example, the first electrode706and the second electrode704may be formed as separate electrodes706,704and be fixed relative to one another by a package (not shown).

The discharge path100may connect electrically in parallel with the component device700.

FIG. 8shows a circuit diagram for a component, a “multi-die light engine”, comprising a plurality of chips and producing light according to various application examples.

Represented is an electrical circuit diagram800in which more than one optoelectronic component, for example, two, three, four, five, six or more optoelectronic components806,808,810,812can electrically connect in parallel with one another and supplied with electricity by a common voltage source802. The first electrically conductive section with the second electrically conductive section may connect in parallel as a discharge path804with the voltage source802and the optoelectronic components806,808,810,812. In this way, more than one individual optoelectronic component can be protected simultaneously against electrostatic discharges by one discharge path804.

FIG. 9shows an optoelectronic component having a discharge path according to various examples.

Represented is a side view900and a plan view910of an optoelectronic component according to one of the descriptions ofFIG. 5,FIG. 6andFIG. 7—without restriction of generality, a device500comprising a light-emitting diode506according to the description ofFIG. 5is represented.

The side view900shows a first electrode904, a second electrode902and a discharge path908, in which case the discharge path908may be formed outside a package906, or a housing906, as a part, in other words: from a region, of the first electrode904and of the second electrode902. An electrical supply of the optoelectronic component may, for example, be formed by an electrical connection of the electrodes904,902to an external voltage source (not represented).

The plan view910shows the package906has a reflector912cast in the package906. The reflector may be filled with a transparent material, for example, an epoxide. Filling the reflector can improve the mechanical stability of the component device900and form mechanical protection for the optoelectronic component506. The reflector912reflects the electromagnetic radiation emitted laterally by the optoelectronic component506, which could otherwise be lost to the illumination owing to the spatial dimensions of the package906.

On the other hand, by filling the reflector912, direct contacting of the LED can no longer be possible. The electrodes902,904may then be fed out from the package906and electrically coupled.

Also shown is the spacing910between the first electrically conductive section of the first electrode904and the second electrically conductive section of the second electrode902, which may, for example, have a value of approximately 50 μm. Air as a dielectric may be formed in the region908between the electrically conductive sections. In this configuration, electrostatic charges can already flow away by spark formation between the electrically conductive sections102,104from a voltage of from approximately 45 V to approximately 165 V.

If both electrodes are located on one component side, the electrically conductive sections102,104may be formed by lengthening a region of the electrodes904,902in the vicinity of the housing906.

The shape of the electrically conductive sections102,104should in this case be formed as acutely tapering as possible to form a response voltage in the lower voltage range404for a given spacing106of the electrically conductive sections102,104.

FIG. 10shows an optoelectronic component having a discharge path according to various examples.

An optoelectronic component according to one of the descriptions ofFIGS. 5, 6 and 7is represented in two side views1000,1010and a plan view1020—without restriction of generality, a device500comprising a light-emitting diode according to the description ofFIG. 5is represented.

One side view1000shows a first electrode904and a package906. The first electrode904may in this case be formed to electrically supply the optoelectronic component500inside the package906and, for example, electrically coupled to an external voltage source (not shown).

Another side view1010shows the first electrode904and a second electrode902, as well as a discharge path908outside the package906. The electrically conductive sections102,104may have a spacing910between them which has a value of approximately 50 μm, and air as a dielectric108may be formed between the electrically conductive section.

The plan view1020represents, in a similar way to the description ofFIG. 9, a package906comprising a cast reflector912, an optoelectronic component, for example, the component device500comprising an LED, the first electrode904and the second electrode902.

It can furthermore be seen that the discharge path908may be formed by the electrically conductive sections102,104through the package906and outside the package906. In this way, the dielectric108may, for example, comprise air. Furthermore, ozone possibly formed by electrostatic discharges across the discharge path908can be kept away from sensitive layers in the vicinity of the optoelectronic component. It can furthermore be seen from the plan view1020that the electrically conductive sections can be formed independently of the shape and position of the electrodes904,902since the electrically conductive sections are not formed as parts or regions of the electrodes.

The shape of the electrically conductive sections102,104should in this case be formed as acutely tapering as possible to form a response voltage in the lower voltage range404for a given spacing106of the electrically conductive sections102,104.

FIG. 11shows an optoelectronic component having a spark gap according to various examples.

Represented in a plan view1100is an optoelectronic component according to one of the descriptions ofFIGS. 5, 6 and 7—without restriction of generality, a device500comprising a light-emitting diode506according to the description ofFIG. 5is represented.

A device500according to the description ofFIG. 5is shown, the first electrode504and the second electrode510not having a common carrier502. Fastening of the first electrode502to the second electrode510may be formed by the package906. The first electrode502and the second electrode510may in the separated state also be regarded as a lead frame.

Spatially and electrically in parallel with the device500, according to the description ofFIG. 5, inside the package906the first electrode504may comprise a first electrically conductive section102and the second electrode506may comprise a second electrically conductive section104. The electrically conductive sections102,104may, for example, have a shape204tapering to a point. The electrically conductive sections102,104may, however, also be formed, for example, as in the configurations of the description ofFIG. 2and in the configurations of the descriptions ofFIG. 3.

The spacing of the electrically conductive sections102,104may, depending on the selected dielectric, for example, air, have a value of approximately 50 μm. The parallel connection of the electrically conductive sections102,104can protect the optoelectronic component506against electrostatic discharges in the reverse-bias direction in relation to the optoelectronic component506.

This design1100may, for example, be formed when the package906is not intended to be cast with an epoxy resin or silicone, for example, when a window i.e. solid transparent mechanical protection, is applied on or over the optoelectronic component device1100represented.

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11therefore show optoelectronic component devices900,1010,1100in different variants. Each of the optoelectronic component devices900,1010,1100comprises a package906, which may also be referred to as a housing, and a light-emitting diode506or another optoelectronic semiconductor chip. The package906may respectively comprise an electrically insulating material, for instance a plastic material.

For each optoelectronic component device900,1010,1100, the package906comprises a first electrode904and a second electrode902, which serve as electrical terminals of the respective optoelectronic component device900,1010,1100.

The electrodes904,902of the package906of the optoelectronic component devices900,1010,1100are always at least partially embedded in the material of the package906. The electrodes904,902may, for example, be formed as lead frame sections, which are embedded in a plastic material of the package. Embedding of the electrodes904,902in the material of the package906may, for example, be carried out by an injection-compression process, an injection molding process or another molding process. The electrodes904,902of the optoelectronic component devices900,1010,1100then respectively comprise sections which extend inside the package906, as well as sections which extend outside the package906.

The electrodes904,902of the optoelectronic component devices900,1010,1100each preferably comprise and is not covered by the material of the package906, which are used for electrical contacting of the respective electronic component devices900,1010,1100. For example, the optoelectronic component devices900,1010,1100may be formed as surface-mountable component devices (SMD component devices) suitable for surface mounting, for example, for surface mounting by reflow soldering.

The light-emitting diode506of each optoelectronic component device900,1010,1100comprises two electrical terminal surfaces, which are electrically conductively connected to the electrodes904,902of the respective optoelectronic component device900,1010,1100. The electrical terminal surfaces of the light-emitting diode506may be arranged both on the same side of the light-emitting diode506, i.e., for example, on the upper side of the light-emitting diode506or on the lower side of the light-emitting diode506, or on different sides of the light-emitting diode506. The electrically conductive connections between the terminal surfaces of the light-emitting diode506and the electrodes904,902of the respective optoelectronic component device900,1010,1100may, for example, be formed as represented in one ofFIGS. 5, 6 and 7. The electrically conductive connections may respectively be produced for example by a solder, an electrically conductive adhesive or by bonding wires.

For each of the optoelectronic component devices900,1010,1100, the electrodes904,902comprise sections on which the electrodes904,902are brought so close together that a potential discharge path908is formed. These sections of the electrodes904,902correspond to the sections102,104of the schematic representations ofFIGS. 1 and 3. In these sections, the electrodes904,902of the optoelectronic component devices900,1010,1100, respectively, have a spacing910which corresponds to the spacing106ofFIGS. 1 and 3and is so small that the potential discharge path908is formed. The spacing910may, for example, be approximately 50 μm.

The sections, forming the discharge path908, of the electrodes904,902of the optoelectronic component devices900,1010,1100are, respectively, formed by sections not covered by the material of the package906or by another material, of the electrodes904,902. Air as a dielectric is preferably arranged in the region of the spacing910forming the discharge path908between the electrodes904,902.

For the optoelectronic component device900ofFIG. 9, the discharge path908is formed between sections of the electrodes904,902which are arranged next to the sections of the electrodes904,902used for the electrical contacting of the optoelectronic component device900and on an outer side of the package906. For the optoelectronic component device1010ofFIG. 10, the discharge path908is formed by sections of the electrodes904,902specially fed out of the material of the package906of the optoelectronic component device1010for this purpose and are arranged on an outer side of the package906. For the optoelectronic component device1100ofFIG. 11, the discharge path908is formed by sections of the electrodes904,902which are also used for the electrical contacting of the light-emitting diode506and are arranged in an inner region of the package906, in which the light-emitting diode506is also arranged.

For the optoelectronic component devices900,1010,1100, the discharge path908formed between the electrodes904,902is electrically connected in parallel with the light-emitting diode506.

In various examples, an optoelectronic component device and a method of producing an optoelectronic component device are provided, the component device saving on the costs and the area for an additional ESD protection diode. At the same time, reliable ESD protection can be ensured for potential differences of more than 2 kV, without the possibility that the LED chip will be damaged.