Patent Publication Number: US-2023155273-A1

Title: Device comprising multi-directional antennas in substrates coupled through flexible interconnects

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation application to pending U.S. Application 16/810,621 and claims priority to pending U.S. Application 16/810,621, filed Mar. 5, 2020, and assigned to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Various features relate to devices with an antenna, but more specifically to a device that includes multi-directional antennas in substrates coupled through flexible interconnects. 
     BACKGROUND 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a package  100  that includes a substrate  102  and a die  103 . The die  103  is coupled to the substrate  102 . The substrate  102  includes a dielectric layer  120  and a plurality of interconnects  122 . The substrate  102  also includes a first antenna  150  and a second antenna  160 . Both the first antenna  150  and the second antenna  160  are embedded in the substrate  102 . The first antenna  150  is defined by a first plurality of interconnects  152 , and the second antenna  160  is defined by a second plurality of interconnects  162 . Both the first antenna  150  and the second antenna  160 , are pointed in the same direction, which may limit the overall performance of the package  100  because signals may come from different directions. There is an ongoing need to provide packages with improved transmission and reception performances. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various features relate to devices with an antenna, but more specifically to a device that includes multi-directional antennas in substrates coupled through flexible interconnects. 
     One example provides a device that includes a first substrate comprising a first antenna, an integrated device coupled to the first substrate, an encapsulation layer located over the first substrate and the integrated device, a second substrate comprising a second antenna, and a flexible connection coupled to the first substrate and the second substrate. 
     Another example provides an apparatus that includes a first substrate comprising a first antenna, an integrated device coupled to the first substrate, means for encapsulation located over the first substrate and the integrated device, a second substrate comprising a second antenna, and means for flexible connection coupled to the first substrate and the second substrate. 
     Another example provides a method for fabricating a device. The method provides a substrate that includes a first antenna and a second antenna. The method removes portions of the substrate to define (i) a first substrate comprising the first antenna, (ii) a second substrate comprising the second antenna, and (iii) a flexible connection coupled to the first substrate and the second substrate. The method couples an integrated device to the substrate. The method forms an encapsulation layer over the substrate and the integrated device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various features, nature and advantages may become apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a profile view of a package that includes a substrate with antennas embedded in the substrate. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a profile view of an exemplary device that includes substrates each having an embedded antenna, where the substrates are coupled through a flexible connection. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a profile view of an exemplary first substrate comprising a flexible connection and an embedded antenna. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a profile view of an exemplary second substrate comprising a flexible connection and an embedded antenna. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a profile view of an exemplary device that includes substrates each having an embedded antenna, where the substrates are coupled through a flexible connection. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a profile view of an exemplary device that includes substrates each having an embedded antenna, where the substrates are coupled through a flexible connection. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a profile view of an exemplary device that includes substrates each having an embedded antenna, where the substrates are coupled through a flexible connection. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a profile view of an exemplary device that includes substrates each having an embedded antenna, where the substrates are coupled through a flexible connection. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a profile view of an exemplary device that includes substrates each having an embedded antenna, where the substrates are coupled through a flexible connection. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a view of an exemplary configuration of a first substrate coupled to a second substrate through a flexible connection. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a view of an exemplary configuration of a first substrate coupled to a second substrate through a flexible connection. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a view of an exemplary configuration of a first substrate coupled to a second substrate through a flexible connection. 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a view of an exemplary configuration of a first substrate coupled to a second substrate through a flexible connection. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a view of an exemplary configuration of a first substrate coupled to a second substrate through a flexible connection. 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a view of an exemplary configuration of a first substrate coupled to a second substrate through a flexible connection. 
         FIG.  16    (comprising  FIGS.  16 A- 16 F ) illustrates an exemplary sequence for fabricating a device that includes several substrates each having an embedded antenna. 
         FIG.  17    illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method for fabricating a device that includes several substrates each having an embedded antenna. 
         FIG.  18    illustrates various electronic devices that may integrate a die, an integrated device, an integrated passive device (IPD), a passive component, a package, and/or a device package described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the aspects may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits may be shown in block diagrams in order to avoid obscuring the aspects in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the aspects of the disclosure. 
     The present disclosure describes a device that includes a first substrate comprising a first antenna, an integrated device coupled to the first substrate, an encapsulation layer located over the first substrate and the integrated device, a second substrate comprising a second antenna, and a flexible connection coupled to the first substrate and the second substrate. The flexible connection is embedded in the first substrate and the second substrate. The first antenna may be embedded in the first substrate. The second antenna may be embedded in the second substrate. The first antenna may be configured to be facing a first antenna direction. The second antenna may be configured to be facing a second antenna direction that is different than the first antenna direction. The device includes a shield formed over a surface of the encapsulation layer and a surface of the first substrate. The shield may be formed over a side surface of the first substrate. The shield includes an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield. The device described in the disclosure may provide an antenna device or an antenna in package (AiP) that has a smaller form factor and/or provides better performance (e.g., better transmission and reception performance) through the use of multi-directional antennas and the shielding of various components of the device and/or package. The device and/or AiP may include a radio frequency (RF) package. 
     Exemplary Device Comprising Substrates With Multi-Directional Antennas and Flexible Connection 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a profile view of a device  200  that includes a package  202 , a package  204 , and a flexible connection  206 . As will be further described below, the device  200  includes multi-directional antennas that help improve the performance of the device  200 . The device  200  may include an antenna in package (AiP). The device  200  may include a radio frequency (RF) package. The device  200  may be configured to provide Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) communication and/or cellular communication (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G). The device  200  may be configured to support Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), and/or Long-Term Evolution (LTE). The device  200  may be configured to transmit and receive signals having different frequencies and/or communication protocols. 
     The package  202  (e.g., first package) includes a substrate  220  (e.g., first substrate), one or more integrated devices (e.g.,  222 ,  224 ), one or more passive devices (e.g.,  226 ,  228 ), an encapsulation layer  210 , and a shield  230 . The substrate  220  includes one or more dielectric layers  221  and a plurality of interconnects  223 . The integrated devices may include a die (e.g., processor die, memory die). As will be further described below, some of the plurality of interconnects  223  may be configured as one or more antennas. 
     The package  204  (e.g., second package) includes a substrate  240  (e.g., second substrate), one or more integrated devices (e.g.,  242 ), one or more passive devices (e.g.,  246 ), an encapsulation layer  270 , and a shield  250 . The substrate  240  includes one or more dielectric layers  241  and a plurality of interconnects  243 . The integrated devices may include a die (e.g., processor die, memory die). As will be further described below, some of the plurality of interconnects  243  may be configured as one or more antennas (e.g., at least one interconnect from the plurality of interconnects  243  may define at least one antenna). 
     The package  202  is coupled to the package  204  though the flexible connection  206 . Thus, the flexible connection  206  may be coupled to the package  202  (e.g., first package) and the package  204  (e.g., second package). The flexible connection  206  may be embedded in the package  202  and the package  204 . The flexible connection  206  includes at least one dielectric layer  260  and at least one interconnect  262 . The at least one dielectric layer  260  may include polyimide or liquid crystal polymer. The flexible connection  206  may be configured to electrically couple the package  202  and the package  204 . The flexible connection  206  may be configured to allow different currents (e.g., signal, power, ground) to travel between the package  202  and the package  204 . For example, the flexible connection  206  may include (i) at least one first interconnect configured for a signal (e.g., input/output signal), (ii) at least one second interconnect configured for power, and (iii) at least one third interconnect configured for ground. The flexible connection  206  is bendable such that the package  204  may be positioned at an angle to the package  202 , and vice versa. The flexible connection  206  may be means for flexible connection. Although not shown, the flexible connection  206  may include a cover protective material or be covered with a protective material. In at least some implementations, the flexible connection  206  may be configured to be bendable up to 180 degrees without fracturing. Thus, for example, components of the flexible connection  206 , such as the at least one dielectric layer  260  and the at least one interconnect  262 , may bend up to 180 degrees without causing damage, a crack and/or a fracture in the flexible connection  206 . Various implementations of the flexible connection  206  may be bendable up to different degrees. For example, in at least some implementations, the flexible connection  206  may be configured to be bendable up to 90 degrees without fracturing and/or cracking. In at least some implementations, the flexible connection  206  may be configured to be bendable by at least 10 degrees (or more) without fracturing and/or cracking. The term “flexible” may mean that a component is (i) bendable by at least 10 degrees (or more) without fracturing and/or cracking, and/or (ii) bendable up to 180 degrees without fracturing and/or cracking. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the package  202  is positioned relative to the package  204  such that the antenna direction for the package  202  faces a first direction (e.g., along X direction, Y direction, Z direction), and the antenna direction for the package  204  faces a second direction (e.g., along Y direction, Y direction, Z direction) that is different than the first direction. For example, the package  202  may include a first antenna that includes a first antenna direction, and the package  204  may include a second antenna that includes a second antenna direction. This configuration and/or other configurations, may allow the device  200  to provide better transmission and/or reception performance, as the various antennas are aligned in multiple and different directions, instead of just one direction. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a profile close up view of the package  202  of the device  200 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , the package  202  includes the substrate  220 , the integrated device  222 , the integrated device  224 , the passive device  226 , the passive device  228 , the encapsulation layer  210 , and the shield  230 . The substrate  220  includes one or more dielectric layers  221  and a plurality of interconnects  223  (e.g., traces, pads, vias). The one or more dielectric layers  221  may include prepreg, Ajinomoto Build-up Film (ABF), polyimide, and/or combinations thereof. The substrate  220  includes a first surface (e.g., top surface) and a second surface (e.g., bottom surface). The integrated device  222 , the integrated device  224 , the passive device  226 , and the passive device  228  are coupled to the first surface of the substrate  220 . The encapsulation layer  210  is located over the first surface of the substrate  220 , such that the encapsulation layer  210  encapsulates the integrated device  222 , the integrated device  224 , the passive device  226 , and the passive device  228 . The encapsulation layer  210  may include a mold, a resin and/or an epoxy. The encapsulation layer  210  may be means for encapsulation. The shield  230  is located and formed over the outer surface of the encapsulation layer  210  and one or more surfaces of the substrate  220 . For example, the shield  230  may be formed and located over the first surface and/or a side surface of the substrate  220 . The shield  230  includes an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield. The shield  230  may be means for shielding (e.g., means for EMI shielding). 
     As mentioned above, the substrate  220  includes a plurality of interconnects  223 , where some of the interconnects may be configured to operate as one or more antennas.  FIG.  3    illustrates antennas (e.g.,  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c ,  350   d ) formed in the substrate  220 . The antennas (e.g.,  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c ,  350   d ) may be embedded antennas that are formed based on interconnects from the plurality of interconnects  223 . The antennas (e.g.,  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c ,  350   d ) may be located (e.g., embedded) in the substrate  220  such that the antennas (e.g.,  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c ,  350   d ) face towards the second surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the substrate  220 . The direction in which the second surface of the substrate  220  faces may be considered the antenna direction (e.g., first antenna direction) for the antennas (e.g.,  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c ,  350   d ). The antennas (e.g.,  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c ,  350   d ) may be electrically coupled to one or more of the integrated devices (e.g.,  222 ,  224 ) through the plurality of interconnects  223 . 
       FIG.  3    also illustrates the flexible connection  206  coupled to the substrate  220 . The flexible connection  206  may be embedded in the substrate  220 . The flexible connection  206  may be considered part of the substrate  220 . The flexible connection  206  includes at least one dielectric layer  260  and at least one interconnect  262 . The at least one dielectric layer  260  may be part of the at least one dielectric layer  221  of the substrate  220 . The at least one interconnect  262  may be coupled to the plurality of interconnects  223 . The at least one dielectric layer  260  and the at least one interconnect  262  may be flexible and/or bendable. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a profile close up view of the package  204  of the device  200 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , the package  204  includes the substrate  240 , the integrated device  242 , the passive device  246 , the encapsulation layer  270 , and the shield  250 . The substrate  240  includes one or more dielectric layers  241  and a plurality of interconnects  243  (e.g., traces, pads, vias). The substrate  240  includes a first surface (e.g., top surface) and a second surface (e.g., bottom surface). The integrated device  242  and the passive device  246  are coupled to the first surface of the substrate  240 . The encapsulation layer  270  is located over the first surface of the substrate  240 , such that the encapsulation layer  270  encapsulates the integrated device  242  and the passive device  246 . The encapsulation layer  270  may include a mold, a resin and/or an epoxy. The encapsulation layer  270  may be means for encapsulation. The shield  250  is located and formed over the outer surface of the encapsulation layer  270  and one or more surfaces of the substrate  240 . For example, the shield  250  may be formed and located over the first surface and/or a side surface of the substrate  240 . The shield  250  includes an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield. The shield  250  may be means for shielding (e.g., means for EMI shielding). 
     As mentioned above, the substrate  240  includes a plurality of interconnects  243 , where some of the interconnects may be configured to operate as one or more antennas.  FIG.  4    illustrates antennas (e.g.,  450   a ,  450   b ,  450   c ,  450   d ) formed in the substrate  240 . The antennas (e.g.,  450   a ,  450   b ,  450   c ,  450   d ) may be embedded antennas that are formed based on interconnects from the plurality of interconnects  243 . The antennas (e.g.,  450   a ,  450   b ,  450   c ,  450   d ) may be located (e.g., embedded) in the substrate  240  such that the antennas (e.g.,  450   a ,  450   b ,  450   c ,  450   d ) face towards the second surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the substrate  240 . The direction in which the second surface of the substrate  240  faces may be considered the antenna direction (e.g., second antenna direction) for the antennas (e.g.,  450   a ,  450   b ,  450   c ,  450   d ). The antennas (e.g.,  450   a ,  450   b ,  450   c ,  450   d ) may be electrically coupled to one or more of the integrated devices (e.g.,  222 ,  224 ,  242 ) through the plurality of interconnects  243 . 
       FIG.  4    also illustrates the flexible connection  206  coupled to the substrate  240 . The flexible connection  206  may be embedded in the substrate  240 . The flexible connection  206  may be considered part of the substrate  240 . The flexible connection  206  includes at least one dielectric layer  260  and at least one interconnect  262 . The at least one dielectric layer  260  may be part of the at least one dielectric layer  241  of the substrate  240 . The at least one interconnect  262  may be coupled to the plurality of interconnects  243 . 
     As will be further described below, the substrate  220  and/or the substrate  240  may include interconnects that are configured as external input/output (I/O) terminals, which allow the substrate  220  and/or the substrate  240  to be coupled to external components. Moreover, as will be further described below, the substrate  220 , the substrate  240  and the flexible connection  206  may be fabricated concurrently as part of the same substrate. 
     Having described an example of a device that includes substrates with multi-directional antennas, various other examples of devices that include substrates with multi-directional antennas are further illustrated and described below. 
     Exemplary Devices Comprising Substrates With Multi-Directional Antennas and Flexible Connection 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a profile view of a device  500  that includes the package  202 , the package  504 , and the flexible connection  206 . The package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  500  are similar to the package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  200 , and thus may include similar components as the package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  200 . The package  202  of the device  500  includes a connector  550  that is coupled to the substrate  220 . The connector  550  may be coupled to the plurality of interconnects  223 . The connector  550  may be configured as external input/output (I/O) terminals for the package  202 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates the package  504  is coupled to the package  202  through the flexible connection  206 . The package  504  is similar to the package  204  of the device  200 , and thus may include similar components as the package  204  of the device  200 . One difference between the package  504  and the package  204  is that the package  504  does not include an integrated device. The package  504  includes the substrate  240  and antennas (e.g.,  450   a ,  450   b ,  450   c ,  450   d ). The antennas (e.g.,  450   a ,  450   b ,  450   c ,  450   d ) may be coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to the package  202  through the flexible connection  206 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a profile view of a device  600  that includes the package  202 , the package  604 , and the flexible connection  206 . The package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  600  are similar to the package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  200 , and thus may include similar components as the package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  200 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates the package  604  is coupled to the package  202  through the flexible connection  206 . The package  604  is similar to the package  204  of the device  200 , and thus may include similar components as the package  204  of the device  200 . One difference between the package  604  and the package  204  is that the package  604  does not include an integrated device. The package  604  includes the substrate  240  and antennas (e.g.,  450   a ,  450   b ,  450   c ,  450   d ). The antennas (e.g.,  450   a ,  450   b ,  450   c ,  450   d ) may be coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to the package  202  through the flexible connection  206 . The substrate  240  of the package  604  also includes a plurality of interconnects  650  (e.g., land pad array) that is configured as external input/output (I/O) terminals for the substrate  240 . Thus, in some implementations, the antennas (e.g., (e.g.,  450   a ,  450   b ,  450   c ,  450   d ) may be coupled to external components (e.g., integrated devices) through the plurality of interconnects  650 . The plurality of interconnects  650  may be considered part of the plurality of interconnects  243 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a profile view of a device  700  that includes the package  202 , the package  204 , and the flexible connection  206 . The package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  700  are similar to the package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  200 , and thus may include similar components as the package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  200 . The package  202  includes a plurality of solder interconnects  750  that is coupled to the plurality of interconnects  223 . The plurality of solder interconnects  750  may enable the package  202  to be coupled to external components. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a profile view of a device  800  that includes the package  202 , the package  804 , and the flexible connection  206 . The package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  800  are similar to the package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  200 , and thus may include similar components as the package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  200 . The package  202  includes a plurality of interconnects  850  (e.g., landing pad array) that is coupled to the plurality of interconnects  223 . The plurality of interconnects  850  may enable the package  202  to be coupled to external components. The plurality of interconnects  850  may be considered part of the plurality of interconnects  223 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates the package  804  is coupled to the package  202  through the flexible connection  206 . The package  804  is similar to the package  204  of the device  200 , and thus may include similar components as the package  204  of the device  200 . The package  804  includes a plurality of interconnects  860  (e.g., landing pad array) that is coupled to the plurality of interconnects  243 . The plurality of interconnects  860  may enable the package  804  to be coupled to external components. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a profile view of a device  900  that includes the package  902 , the package  904 , and the flexible connection  206 . The package  902  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  900  are similar to the package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  200 , and thus may include similar components as the package  202  and the flexible connection  206  of the device  200 . The package  902  includes integrated devices (e.g.,  222 ,  224 ,  922 ) and passive devices (e.g.,  226 ,  228 ) that are coupled to the substrate  220 . The encapsulation layer  210  may be located over substantially the first surface of the substrate  220 . The encapsulation layer  210  may encapsulate the integrated devices (e.g.,  222 ,  224 ,  922 ) and the passive devices (e.g.,  226 ,  228 ). The shield  230  may be formed over the outer surface of the encapsulation layer  210  and portions of the substrate  220 . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates the package  904  is coupled to the package  902  through the flexible connection  206 . The package  904  is similar to the package  204  of the device  200 , and thus may include similar components as the package  204  of the device  200 . The package  904  includes the substrate  240 , a substrate  940 , the integrated device  242 , the passive device  246 , the encapsulation layer  270  and the shield  250 . The integrated device  242  and the passive device  246  are coupled to the substrate  940 . The substrate  940  may include one or more dielectric layers and a plurality of interconnects. The integrated device  242  and the passive device  246  are coupled to the substrate  240  through the substrate  940 . The encapsulation layer  270  may encapsulate the integrated device  242 , the passive device  246 , and the substrate  940 . The shield  250  may be located over the outer surface of the encapsulation layer  270 . 
     Different implementations may couple the substrates through the flexible connection  206  differently.  FIGS.  10 - 15    illustrate various configurations and arrangements of substrates coupled through flexible connections.  FIG.  10    illustrates an example of a device  1000  that includes the substrate  220 , the substrate  240  and the flexible connection  206 , where the substrate  220  and the substrate  240  are coupled to the flexible connection  206  along the length of the substrate  220  and the length of the substrate  240 . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates an example of a device  1100  that includes the substrate  220 , the substrate  240  and the flexible connection  206 , where the substrate  220  and the substrate  240  are coupled to the flexible connection  206  along the width of the substrate  220  and the width of the substrate  240 . The flexible connection  206  may be considered part of the substrate  220  and the substrate  240 . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates an example of a device  1200  that includes the substrate  220 , the substrate  240  and the flexible connection  206 , where the substrate  220  and the substrate  240  are coupled to the flexible connection  206  along the width of the substrate  220  and the length of the substrate  240 . 
       FIG.  13    illustrates an example of a device  1300  that includes the substrate  220 , the substrate  240  and the flexible connection  206 , where the substrate  220  and the substrate  240  are coupled to the flexible connection  206  along the width of the substrate  220  and the length of the substrate  240 , such that the substrate  220  and the substrate  240  form a T shape. 
     In some implementations, more than two substrates may be coupled together through several flexible connections.  FIG.  14    illustrates an example of a device  1400  that includes the substrate  220 , the substrate  240   a , the substrate  240   b , the flexible connection  206   a  and the flexible  206   b , where the substrate  220  and the substrate  240   a  are coupled to the flexible connection  206   a  along the width of a first side of the substrate  220  and the length of the substrate  240   a . In addition, the substrate  220  and the substrate  240   b  are coupled to the flexible connection  206   b  along the width of a second side of the substrate  220  and the length of the substrate  240   b . The flexible connection  206   a  may be considered part of the substrate  220  and the substrate  240   a . The flexible connection  206   b  may be considered part of the substrate  220  and the substrate  240   b . 
       FIG.  15    illustrates an example of a device  1500  that includes the substrate  220 , the substrate  240   a , the substrate  240   b , the flexible connection  206   a  and the flexible  206   b , where the substrate  220  and the substrate  240   a  are coupled to the flexible connection  206   a  along the width of a first side of the substrate  220  and the length of the substrate  240   a . In addition, the substrate  220  and the substrate  240   b  are coupled to the flexible connection  206   b  along the length of a second side of the substrate  220  and the length of the substrate  240   b . The flexible connection  206   a  may be considered part of the substrate  220  and the substrate  240   a . The flexible connection  206   b  may be considered part of the substrate  220  and the substrate  240   b . 
     Different implementations may use substrates with different sizes and shapes. Different implementations may include a different number of substrates, a different number of flexible connections, that are coupled along different surfaces of the substrates. The relative angles between the different substrates may vary and is not limited to perpendicular angles. The relative locations and/or angles between substrates may be in a range of 0-360 degrees. Thus, the positions, shapes, sizes, angles of the substrates that are shown are merely exemplary. Moreover, various components (e.g., integrated device, passive device), encapsulation layer(s) and/or shield(s) may be coupled to and/or formed over the substrates. 
     Having described various configurations and arrangements of devices that include multi-directional antennas, a sequence for fabricating a device that includes multi-directional antennas will be further described below. 
     Exemplary Sequence for Fabricating a Device Comprising Substrates With Multi-Directional Antennas and Flexible Connection 
       FIG.  16    (which includes  FIGS.  16 A- 16 F ) illustrates an exemplary sequence for providing or fabricating a device that includes several substrates with multi-directional antennas. In some implementations, the sequence of  FIGS.  16 A- 16 F  may be used to provide or fabricate the device  200  of  FIG.  2   , or any of the devices (e.g.,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 ,  1000 ,  1100 ,  1200 ,  1300 ,  1400 ,  1500 ) described in the disclosure. 
     It should be noted that the sequence of  FIGS.  16 A- 16 F  may combine one or more stages in order to simplify and/or clarify the sequence for providing or fabricating the device. In some implementations, the order of the processes may be changed or modified. In some implementations, one or more of processes may be replaced or substituted without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. 
     Stage 1, as shown in  FIG.  16 A , illustrates a state after a carrier  1600  is provided. The carrier  1600 . The carrier  1600  may include a tape, a wafer and/or a substrate. 
     Stage 2 illustrates a state after several dielectric layers  1610  and a plurality of interconnects  1612  (e.g., traces, pads, vias) are formed over the carrier  1600 . A deposition process may be used to form the dielectric layers  1610 . Forming the plurality of interconnects  1612  may include forming a seed layer, performing a lithography process, a plating process, a stripping process and/or an etching process. In some implementations, the deposition, the lithography process, the plating process, the stripping process and/or the etching process may be performing iteratively. 
     Stage 3 illustrates a state after a dielectric layer  1620  is formed over the dielectric layer  1610  and the plurality of interconnects  1612 . A deposition process may be used to form the dielectric layer  1620 . 
     Stage 4 illustrates a state after cavities  1621  are formed in the dielectric layer  1620 . An etching process may be used to form the cavities. 
     Stage 5, as shown in  FIG.  16 B , illustrates a state after a plurality of interconnects  1622  are formed over the cavities  1621  and the dielectric layer  1620 . The plurality of interconnects  1622  may include traces, pads, and/or vias. Forming the plurality of interconnects  1622  may include forming a seed layer, performing a lithography process, a plating process, a stripping process and/or an etching process. 
     Stage 6 illustrates a state after a dielectric layer  1630  and a plurality of interconnects  1632  are formed over the dielectric layer  1620  and the plurality of interconnects  1622 . A deposition process may be used to form the dielectric layer  1630 . Forming the plurality of interconnects  1632  may include forming a seed layer, performing a lithography process, a plating process, a stripping process and/or an etching process. 
     Stage 7 illustrates a state after the dielectric layer  1640  is formed over the dielectric layer  1630 . A deposition process may be used to form the dielectric layer  1640 . 
     Stage 8, as shown in  FIG.  16 C , illustrates a state after a plurality of interconnects  1642  are formed over the dielectric layer  1640 . Forming the plurality of interconnects  1642  may include forming cavities in the dielectric layer  1640 . Forming the plurality of interconnects  1642  may include forming a seed layer, performing a lithography process, a plating process, a stripping process and/or an etching process. It is noted that some of interconnects from the plurality of interconnects  1642 ,  1632  and/or  1622  may be used to form antennas (e.g.,  350   a ,  450   a ) for the substrate. 
     Stage 9 illustrates a state after the dielectric layer  1650  is formed over the dielectric layer  1640  and/or the plurality of interconnects  1642 . A deposition process may be used to form the dielectric layer  1650 . 
     Stage 10 illustrates a state after carrier  1600  is decoupled from the substrate  1670 . The substrate  1670  may include the dielectric layers (e.g.,  1610 ,  1620 ,  1630 ,  1640 ,  1650 ) and the plurality of interconnects (e.g.,  1612 ,  1622 ,  1632 ,  1642 ). Examples of processes for fabricating the substrate  1670  includes a semi additive process (SAP) and a modified semi additive process (mSAP). However, different implementations may fabricate the substrate  1670  differently. 
     Stage 11, as shown in  FIG.  16 D , illustrates a state after a saw process is used to remove portions of the substrate  1670 . An etching process, a mechanical process, and/or a laser process may be used to remove portions of the substrate  1670 . Portions of the substrate  1670  that are removed may include one or more dielectric layers. The saw process may leave a portion of the substrate  1670 , which exposes and/or defines the flexible connection  206 . The flexible connection  206  may include at least one dielectric layer  260  and at least one interconnect  262 . The at least one dielectric layer  260  may be formed from at least one of dielectric layers (e.g.,  1610 ,  1620 ,  1630 ,  1640 ,  1650 ). The at least one interconnect  262  may be formed from at least one of the interconnects (e.g.,  1612 ,  1622 ,  1632 ,  1642 ). The saw process may also define two substrates (e.g., substrate  220 , substrate  240 ) which may be coupled together through the flexible connection  206 . 
     Stage 12 illustrates a state after components are coupled to the substrate  1670 . In particular, the integrated devices (e.g.,  222 ,  224 ,  242 ) and the passive devices (e.g.,  226 ,  228 ,  246 ) are coupled to a first surface of the substrate  1670 . In some implementations, a pick and place operation may be used to couple the integrated devices and/or passive devices. The integrated devices and/or passive devices may be coupled to the substrates  220  and  240  through solder interconnects. 
     Stage 13, as shown in  FIG.  16 E , illustrates a state after an encapsulation layer  210  and an encapsulation layer  270  are formed over the integrated devices and passive devices. In some implementations, one encapsulation layer or separate encapsulation layers may be formed over the integrated devices and/or passive devices. The encapsulation layers  210  and  270  may be provided over the substrates  220  and  240  by using a compression and transfer molding process, a sheet molding process, or a liquid molding process. In some implementations, the encapsulation layer  210  and the encapsulation layer  270  may be considered part of the same encapsulation layer. 
     Stage 14 illustrates a state after the shield  230  and the shield  250  are formed. The shield  230  is formed over the encapsulation layer  210  coupled to the substrate  220 . The shield  250  is formed over the encapsulation layer  270  coupled to the substrate  240 . A sputtering process may be used to form the shield  230  and/or the shield  250 . The shield  230  may be formed and located over the outer surface of the encapsulation layer  210  and/or the surface (e.g., side surface) of the substrate  220 . The shield  250  may be formed and located over the outer surface of the encapsulation layer  270  and/or the surface (e.g., side surface) of the substrate  240 . In some implementations, a protective material may be disposed or formed over the flexible connection  206 . 
     Stage 15, as shown in  FIG.  16 F , illustrates a state after the flexible connection  206  is bent so that the substrate  220  is aligned in such a way that the antenna direction for the substrate  220  and the antenna(s) in the substrate  220  faces a first direction (e.g., first antenna direction), and the substrate  240  is aligned in such a way that the antenna direction for the substrate  240  and the antenna(s) in the substrate  240  faces a second direction (e.g., second antenna direction) that is different than the first direction. It is noted that the flexible connection  206  may be flexible or bent in any number of ways, in any number of angles. It is noted that stages 13, 14 and/or 15 may illustrate the device  200  that includes the package  202 , the package  204 , and the flexible connection  206 . 
     Exemplary Flow Diagram of a Device Comprising Substrates With Multi-Directional Antennas and Flexible Connection 
     In some implementations, fabricating a device that includes several substrates with multi-directional antennas includes several processes.  FIG.  17    illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method  1700  for providing or fabricating a device that includes several substrates with multi-directional antennas. In some implementations, the method  1700  of  FIG.  17    may be used to provide or fabricate the device  200  of  FIG.  2    described in the disclosure. However, the method  1700  may be used to provide or fabricate any of the devices (e.g.,  300 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 ,  1000 ,  1100 ,  1200 ,  1300 ,  1400 ,  1500 ) described in the disclosure. 
     It should be noted that the sequence of  FIG.  17    may combine one or more processes in order to simplify and/or clarify the method for providing or fabricating a device that includes several substrates with multi-directional antennas. In some implementations, the order of the processes may be changed or modified. 
     The method forms (at  1705 ) a substrate (e.g.,  1670 ) that include at least one dielectric layer (e.g.,  221 ) and interconnects (e.g.,  223 ). Some of the interconnects may form one or more antennas in the substrate. The fabrication of the substrate may include a lamination process and a plating process. Examples of processes for fabricating a substrate includes a semi additive process (SAP) and a modified semi additive process (mSAP). However, different implementations may fabricate a substrate differently. Stages 1-10 of  FIGS.  16 A- 16 C  illustrate an example of fabricating a substrate that may include antennas (e.g., embedded antennas). 
     The method removes (at  1710 ) portions of the substrate (e.g.,  1670 ) to expose and/or define a flexible connection  206  between a first substrate (e.g.,  220 ) and a second substrate (e.g.,  240 ). An etching process, a mechanical process, and/or a laser process may be used to remove portions of the substrate  1670 . Portions of a substrate that are removed include at least one dielectric layer. In some implementations, at least one metal layer (e.g., interconnects) may be removed. Stage 11 of  FIG.  16 D  illustrates an example of portions of a substrate that have been removed to form a flexible connection  206 . 
     The method couples (at  1715 ) integrated device(s) (e.g.,  222 ,  224 ,  242 ) and/or passive device(s) (e.g.,  226 ,  228 ,  246 ) to a first surface of at least one substrate (e.g.,  220 ,  240 ). Solder interconnects may be used to couple the integrated device(s) and/or passive device(s) to the substrate. A reflow process may be used to couple the integrated devices and passive devices to the substrate. Stage 12 of  FIG.  16 D  illustrates an example of integrated device(s) and/or passive device(s) coupled to at least one substrate. 
     The method encapsulates (at  1720 ) the integrated device(s) and the passive device(s) with at least one encapsulation layer (e.g.,  210 ,  270 ). For example, the encapsulation layer  210  may be provided such that the encapsulation layer  210  encapsulates the integrated devices and/or passive devices located over the substrate. Different implementations may provide the encapsulation layer  210  over the substrate by using various processes. For example, the encapsulation layer  210  may be provided over the substrate by using a compression and transfer molding process, a sheet molding process, or a liquid molding process. Stage 13 of  FIG.  16 E  illustrates an example of at least one encapsulation layer formed over at least one substrate. 
     The method forms (at  1725 ) a shield (e.g.,  230 ,  250 ) over the encapsulation layer (e.g.,  210 ,  270 ) and over a side portion of the substrate  220  and the substrate  240 . The shield  212  may include one or more metal layers (e.g., patterned metal layer(s)). The shield  212  may be configured to operate as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield. A plating process, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, a sputtering process, and/or a spray coating may be used to form the shield. Stage 14 of  FIG.  16 E  illustrates an example of forming a shield over the encapsulation layer and/or the substrate. 
     The method bends (at  1730 ) the flexible connection (e.g.,  206 ) to position the substrate  240  relative to the substrate  220  such that the substrate  220  faces a first antenna direction, and the substrate  240  faces a second antenna direction that is different than the first antenna direction. Stage 15 of  FIG.  16 F  illustrates an example of bending the flexible connection that couples two substrates. In some implementations, the method may provide a protective material around the flexible connection  206 . 
     Exemplary Electronic Devices 
       FIG.  18    illustrates various electronic devices that may be integrated with any of the aforementioned device, integrated device, integrated circuit (IC) package, integrated circuit (IC) device, semiconductor device, integrated circuit, die, interposer, package, package-on-package (PoP), System in Package (SiP), or System on Chip (SoC). For example, a mobile phone device  1802 , a laptop computer device  1804 , a fixed location terminal device  1806 , a wearable device  1808 , or automotive vehicle  1810  may include a device  1800  as described herein. The device  1800  may be, for example, any of the devices and/or integrated circuit (IC) packages described herein. The devices  1802 ,  1804 ,  1806  and  1808  and the vehicle  1810  illustrated in  FIG.  18    are merely exemplary. Other electronic devices may also feature the device  1800  including, but not limited to, a group of devices (e.g., electronic devices) that includes mobile devices, hand-held personal communication systems (PCS) units, portable data units such as personal digital assistants, global positioning system (GPS) enabled devices, navigation devices, set top boxes, music players, video players, entertainment units, fixed location data units such as meter reading equipment, communications devices, smartphones, tablet computers, computers, wearable devices (e.g., watches, glasses), Internet of things (IoT) devices, servers, routers, electronic devices implemented in automotive vehicles (e.g., autonomous vehicles), or any other device that stores or retrieves data or computer instructions, or any combination thereof. 
     One or more of the components, processes, features, and/or functions illustrated in  FIGS.  2 - 15 ,  16 A- 16 F, and/or  17 - 18    may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component, process, feature or function or embodied in several components, processes, or functions. Additional elements, components, processes, and/or functions may also be added without departing from the disclosure. It should also be noted  FIGS.  2 - 15 ,  16 A- 16 F, and/or  17 - 18    and its corresponding description in the present disclosure is not limited to dies and/or ICs. In some implementations,  FIGS.  2 - 15 ,  16 A- 16 F, and/or  17 - 18    and its corresponding description may be used to manufacture, create, provide, and/or produce devices and/or integrated devices. In some implementations, a device may include a die, an integrated device, an integrated passive device (IPD), a die package, an integrated circuit (IC) device, a device package, an integrated circuit (IC) package, a wafer, a semiconductor device, a package-on-package (PoP) device, a heat dissipating device and/or an interposer. 
     It is noted that the figures in the disclosure may represent actual representations and/or conceptual representations of various parts, components, objects, devices, packages, integrated devices, integrated circuits, and/or transistors. In some instances, the figures may not be to scale. In some instances, for purpose of clarity, not all components and/or parts may be shown. In some instances, the position, the location, the sizes, and/or the shapes of various parts and/or components in the figures may be exemplary. In some implementations, various components and/or parts in the figures may be optional. 
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The term “coupled” is used herein to refer to the direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then objects A and C may still be considered coupled to one another—even if they do not directly physically touch each other. The term “electrically coupled” may mean that two objects are directly or indirectly coupled together such that an electrical current (e.g., signal, power, ground) may travel between the two objects. Two objects that are electrically coupled may or may not have an electrical current traveling between the two objects. The use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth” (and/or anything above fourth) is arbitrary. Any of the components described may be the first, second, third or fourth. For example, a component that is referred to a second component, may be the first component, the second component, the third component or the fourth component. The term “encapsulating” means that the object may partially encapsulate or completely encapsulate another object. It is further noted that the term “over” as used in the present application in the context of one component located over another component, may be used to mean a component that is on another component and/or in another component (e.g., on a surface of a component or embedded in a component). Thus, for example, a first component that is over the second component may mean that (1) the first component is over the second component, but not directly touching the second component, (2) the first component is on (e.g., on a surface of) the second component, and/or (3) the first component is in (e.g., embedded in) the second component. The term “about ‘value X’”, or “approximately value X”, as used in the disclosure means within 10 percent of the ‘value X’. For example, a value of about 1 or approximately 1, would mean a value in a range of 0.9-1.1. 
     In some implementations, an interconnect is an element or component of a device or package that allows or facilitates an electrical connection between two points, elements and/or components. In some implementations, an interconnect may include a trace, a via, a pad, a pillar, a redistribution metal layer, and/or an under bump metallization (UBM) layer. In some implementations, an interconnect is an electrically conductive material that may be configured to provide an electrical path for a signal (e.g., a data signal), ground and/or power. An interconnect may be part of a circuit. An interconnect may include more than one element or component. An interconnect may be defined by one or more interconnects. Different implementations may use different processes and/or sequences for forming the interconnects. In some implementations, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, a sputtering process, a spray coating, and/or a plating process may be used to form the interconnects. 
     Also, it is noted that various disclosures contained herein may be described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed. 
     The various features of the disclosure described herein can be implemented in different systems without departing from the disclosure. It should be noted that the foregoing aspects of the disclosure are merely examples and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. The description of the aspects of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. As such, the present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.