PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12074077-B2
Application Number: US-202016952567-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Flexible package architecture concept in fanout

Abstract:
Flexible packages and electronic devices with integrated flexible packages are described. In an embodiment, a flexibly package includes a first die and a second die encapsulated in a molding compound layer. A compliant redistribution layer (RDL) spans the molding compound layer and both dies, and includes electrical routing formed directly on landing pads of the dies. A notch is formed in the molding compound layer between the dies to facilitate flexure of the compliant RDL.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a first landing area and a second landing area; and 
 a flexible package mounted on the first landing area and the second landing area, the flexible package comprising:
 a first die with a first face and a first back side opposite the first face, the first face including first landing pads; 
 a second die with a second face and a second back side opposite the second face, the second face including second landing pads; 
 wherein the first die and the second die encapsulated in a molding compound layer; 
 a compliant redistribution layer (RDL) spanning the molding compound layer, the first die, and the second die, wherein the compliant RDL includes electrical routing formed directly on the first landing pads of the first die and directly on the second landing pads of the second die; 
 a notch within the molding compound layer directly laterally between the first die and the second die and defining a region of the compliant RDL directly underneath the notch; 
 wherein the compliant RDL is twisted or bent out of plane in the region underneath the notch such that the first face and the second face are out of plane with one another; 
 a first vertical interconnect extending through the molding compound layer, and a second vertical interconnect extending through the molding compound layer, the first vertical interconnect including a first back side and the second vertical interconnect including a second back side; 
 wherein the notch separates the molding compound layer into a first molding compound region that encapsulates the first die and the first vertical interconnect and a second molding compound region that encapsulates the second die and the second vertical interconnect; 
 wherein the first back side of the first die, the first back side of the first vertical interconnect and a first back side of the first molding compound region form a first planarized surface; 
 wherein the second back side of the second die, the second back side of the second vertical interconnect and a second back side of the second molding compound region form a second planarized surface; and 
 wherein the first vertical interconnect is bonded to the first landing area with a first conductive bump, and the second vertical interconnect is bonded to the second landing area with a second conductive bump. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the notch is not filled with a rigid material. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the compliant RDL has a maximum thickness of 50 μm or less. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the RDL includes a plurality of terminal contact pads, and does not include a terminal contact pad located directly underneath the notch. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the first landing area and the second landing area are located on a same side of a routing substrate. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 5 , wherein the routing substrate first side is folded or is foldable inward such that the first landing area and the second landing area are at an angle of less than 180 degrees. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 5 , wherein the routing substrate first side is folded or foldable outward such that the first landing area and the second landing area are at an angle of greater than 180 degrees. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the first landing area is located in a first routing substrate, and the second landing area is located in a second routing substrate physically separate from the first routing substrate. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a first device bonded to a face side of the compliant RDL opposite the first die, and a second device bonded to a face side of the compliant RDL opposite the second die. 
     
     
       10. A flexible package comprising:
 a first die with a first face and a first back side opposite the first face, the first face including first landing pads; 
 a second die with a second face and a second back side opposite the second face, the second face including second landing pads; 
 wherein the first die and the second die encapsulated in a molding compound layer; 
 a plurality of vertical interconnects extending through the molding compound layer; 
 a compliant redistribution layer (RDL) spanning the plurality of vertical interconnects, the molding compound layer, the first die and the second die, wherein the compliant RDL includes electrical routing formed directly on the first landing pads of the first die and directly on the second landing pads of the second die; 
 a plurality of conductive bumps connected to the plurality of vertical interconnects; and 
 a notch within the molding compound layer directly laterally between the first die and the second die and defining a region of the compliant RDL directly underneath the notch; 
 wherein the notch separates the molding compound layer into a first molding compound region that encapsulates the first die and a second molding compound region that encapsulates the second die; 
 wherein the first back side of the first die and a first back side of the first molding compound region form a first planarized surface; 
 wherein the second back side of the second die and a second back side of the second molding compound region form a second planarized surface; and 
 wherein the notch is not filled with a rigid material, and the compliant RDL is bent out of plane in the region underneath the notch such that the first face and the second face are out of plane with one another. 
 
     
     
       11. The flexible package of  claim 10 , wherein the compliant RDL has a maximum thickness of 50 μm or less. 
     
     
       12. The flexible package of  claim 10 , wherein the compliant RDL includes a plurality of terminal contact pads on a face side of the compliant RDL, and the terminal contact pads are fanned out closer to side edges of the flexible package than the first landing pads and the second landing pads.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Embodiments described herein relate to electronic packaging, and more particularly to flexible packages. 
     Background Information 
     The current market demand for portable and mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, portable players, gaming, wearables, and other mobile devices requires the integration of more performance and features into increasingly smaller spaces where available module substrate area may be restricted. 
     Flexible printed circuit boards (PCB) are becoming more common, where unlike traditional rigid PCBs, the flexible PCBs (flex boards, or flexible printed circuits) can be bent, folded or twisted during use or to meet design objectives. Such flex boards commonly include a flexible substrate (e.g. polymer such as polyimide, polyester, polyethylene nphthalate, etc.) with printed circuit pattern (e.g. metal pattern such as copper) on one or both sides of the flexible substrate. Various chips can be mounted on the printed circuit pattern. Multilayer flex boards can also be formed. Another solution includes rigid-flex PCBs, where a flex connector connects to another board with use of sockets spring pins, etc. Chips may be mounted only on the boards, or also on the flex connector, which can include insulated routing layers, for example, alternating metal and insulator layers. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments describe flexible packages, their method of fabrication, and manners for integrating the flexible packages into electronic devices, such as bonding to other flexible routing substrates or non-planar landing areas. In an embodiment, a flexible package includes a first die and a second die encapsulated in a molding compound layer. A compliant redistribution layer (RDL) spans the molding compound layer and both dies, and includes electrical routing formed directly on landing pads of the dies. A notch (recess) is formed in the molding compound layer between the dies to facilitate flexure of the compliant RDL. 
     The flexible packages can include additional devices, such as dies or components bonded to either the face side of the RDL or back side of the flexible package to from three dimensional (3D) flexible packages with multiple package levels. Furthermore, either the face side or back side of the flexible packages, or both, can be bonded to corresponding landing areas. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustration of a general building block for a flexible package in accordance with embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    is a process flow for a method of forming a flexible package in accordance with embodiments. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 F  are schematic cross-sectional side view illustrations for a method of forming a flexible package in accordance with embodiments. 
         FIGS.  4 - 5    are a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrations of 3D flexible packages with the package back sides mounted on multiple landing areas in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustration of a flexible package with both face and back sides mounted to multiple landing areas in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustration of a 3D flexible package with the package face side mounted on multiple landing areas in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustration of a 3D flexible package with the package with side edges mounted to multiple landing areas in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustration of a 3D flexible package that is back side mounted to multiple landing areas in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  9 B  is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustration of a 3D flexible package that is face side mounted to multiple landing areas in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic side view illustration of a flexible package mounted to an L-shaped enclosure in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic side view illustration of a flexible package mounted around an obtuse enclosure in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic side view illustration of a flexible package mounted to two routing substrates with an attached back side enclosure in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments describe flexible packages, methods of fabricating flexible packages, and electronic devices with integrated flexible packages. The flexible packages in accordance with embodiments may include a first die and a second die encapsulated in a molding compound layer, and a compliant redistribution layer (RDL) spanning the molding compound layer, the first die, and the second die. Specifically, the compliant RDL may include electrical routing formed directly on first landing pads of the first die and directly on landing pads of the second die. A notch (recess) can be formed within the molding compound layer between the first die and the second die. This may facilitate use of the compliant RDL for providing the package flexibility. 
     In one aspect, embodiments describe flexible package structures in which a compliant RDL is used to provide package flexibility. Thus, unlike traditional flex boards or flexible printed circuits, embodiments do not rely upon a flexible substrate. 
     In another aspect, embodiments can leverage traditional embedded wafer level processing (eWLP) techniques for manufacturing, thus integrating simple and reliable process flows to create thin and flexible package profiles. For example, the primary package thickness can be primarily due to a thinned die thickness, with minimal contribution of the compliant RDL. An exemplary manufacturing sequence can include placing a first die and a second die face down on a carrier substrate, encapsulating the first die and the second die in a molding compound layer, removing the carrier substrate and optionally thinning the molded surface, forming a compliant RDL on the first die, the second die, and the molding compound layer, and forming a notch in the molding compound layer between the first die and the second die. 
     The general building block of the flexible package structure can be subjected to additional packaging sequences depending upon application. For example, the additional packaging can be performed to form multiple package levels for 3D system in package (SiP) configurations, and the integration of additional components, including dies and passives, etc. Additionally, double side RDLs may be included. The flexible packages in accordance with embodiments can be mounted in various electronic structures, including onto traditional flex boards, onto multiple routing substrates, or other structures and enclosures. 
     In various embodiments, description is made with reference to figures. However, certain embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or in combination with other known methods and configurations. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as specific configurations, dimensions and processes, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. In other instances, well-known semiconductor processes and manufacturing techniques have not been described in particular detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, configuration, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, configurations, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
     The terms “above”, “over”, “to”, “between”, “spanning” and “on” as used herein may refer to a relative position of one layer with respect to other layers. One layer “above”, “over”, “spanning” or “on” another layer or bonded “to” or in “contact” with another layer may be directly in contact with the other layer or may have one or more intervening layers. One layer “between” layers may be directly in contact with the layers or may have one or more intervening layers. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1    a cross-sectional side view illustration is provided of a general building block for a flexible package  100  in accordance with embodiments. As shown, the package  100  includes a plurality of dies  102  encapsulated in a molding compound layer  110 , and a compliant redistribution layer (RDL)  120  spanning a front side  112  of the molding compound layer  110  and front faces  104  of the dies  102  including landing pads  106 . For the sake of clarity and conciseness, the following description is made with regard to the illustrated embodiment including a first die and a second die, though it is understood embodiments are not so limited. In accordance with embodiments, the compliant RDL  120  includes electrical routing  122  formed directly on the landing pads  106  of the dies  102 . For example, the compliant RDL  120  may include one or more dielectric layers  124 , and one or more conductive traces  126  and vias  128  forming the electrical routing  122 . A face side  121  of the compliant RDL  120  may additionally include terminal contact pads  130 . For example, these may be underbump metallurgy (UBM) pads for mounting the flexible package  100  onto the landing area of another component. The face side  121  of the compliant RDL  120  may also correspond to the face side  121  of the flexible package  100 . 
     One or more notches  115  can be formed within the molding compound layer  110  between the any of the dies  102  or multiple die sets. In the particular embodiment illustrated the notch  115  is formed completely through the molding compound layer  110  such that there is no thickness of the molding compound layer remaining beneath the notch  115 , though this is not required and the notch may extend partially though the molding compound layer  110  thickness such that a thickness of the molding compound layer underneath the notch is less than a first thickness of the first die and a second thickness of the second die. In accordance with many embodiments, the notches  115  are not filled with a rigid material, may remain unfilled (e.g. air gap), or if necessary, filled with a compliant material such as a gel. 
     The RDL  120  may fanout the electrical routing  122  and terminal contact pads  130  to accommodate more bending area underneath the notch  115 . Thus, the terminal contact pads  130  may be fanned out, closer to the package side edges  109  than the die  102  landing pads  106 , particularly the interior-most contact pads  130  to accommodate more bending area. 
     In accordance with embodiments one or more vertical interconnects  140  extend through the molding compound layer  110 . For example, the vertical interconnects  140  can extend from the front side  112  of the molding compound layer  110  to the back side  114  of the molding compound layer. Electrical routing  122  may be formed directly on the vertical interconnects  140  exposed on the front side of the molding compound. The vertical interconnects  140  may be formed of a variety of features to include vertical electric connection, including pillars (e.g. copper pillars) or as part of a discrete component  142  such as a PCB bar, molded interconnect substrate (MIS) interposer, or other component including some combination of vias, terminal contact pads, etc. 
       FIG.  2    is a process flow for a method of forming a flexible package in accordance with embodiments.  FIGS.  3 A- 3 F  are schematic cross-sectional side view illustrations for a method of forming a flexible package in accordance with embodiments. In interest of clarity and conciseness the processing sequences of  FIGS.  2  and  3 A- 3 F  are described concurrently. 
     At operation  2010  dies  102  are placed face  104  down on a carrier substrate  202  as shown in  FIG.  3 A . Carrier substrate  202  may be any rigid substrate to support the following processing sequences, including wafer (e.g. silicon wafer), glass, metal, etc. In an embodiment, the dies  102  are placed onto a double side tape layer  204  (adhesive) on the carrier substrate  202 . One or more vertical interconnects  140  can also be located adjacent the dies  102 . For example, these can be pre-formed pillars. Alternatively, the vertical interconnects  140  can be included in other discrete components  142  also placed onto the double side tape layer  204 . It is appreciated, this sequence can be at the wafer or panel scale, for the formation of an array of flexible packages. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3 B  the dies  102  and optional vertical interconnects  140  (discrete components  142 ) are encapsulated in a molding compound layer  110  which may optionally cover the back sides  105  of the dies  102  and vertical interconnects  140 . The carrier substrate  202  and adhesive layer, such as double side tape layer  204  can then be removed at operation  2030  resulting in the reconstituted structure illustrated in  FIG.  3 C , which can be at the wafer or panel scale. This may result in exposing the landing pads  106  of dies  102  as well as the vertical interconnects  140 . Overmolding the back sides  105  of the dies  102  at operation  2020  may provide structural stability for processing the reconstituted structure after removal of the carrier substrate  202 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3 D  the compliant RDL  120  is then formed at operation  2040 . As shown, the compliant RDL  120  can be formed on, and spans over the dies  102 , molding compound layer  110 , as well as vertical interconnects  140  (or the discrete components  142 ). The compliant RDL  120  may be formed by a layer-by-layer process and may be formed using thin film technology. Conductive traces  126  and vias  128  may be created by first depositing a seed layer, followed by growing a metal (e.g., copper) pattern. Alternatively, conductive traces  126  and vias  128  may be formed by deposition (e.g., sputtering) and etching. In an embodiment, the compliant RDL  120  includes a conductive trace  126  and connected vias  128  with a single bulk metal layer. The material of conductive traces  126  and vias  128  can include, but is not limited to, a metallic material such as copper, titanium, nickel, gold, and combinations or alloys thereof. The metal pattern is then embedded in a dielectric layer  124 , which is optionally patterned. The dielectric layer  124  may be any suitable flexible material such as an oxide, or polymer (e.g., polyimide). 
     In accordance with embodiments, a thin film compliant RDL  120  may have a thickness that is less than a conventional organic or laminate substrate, or flex connector. For example, a conventional six metal layer organic or laminate substrate may have a thickness of 200 μm-500 μm. Thickness of a compliant RDL  120  in accordance with embodiments may be determined by the number of conductive traces  126  and dielectric layers  124  as well as the manner for formation. In accordance with embodiments, conductive traces  126  may have a thickness 10 μm or less, such as approximately 3-10 μm, and dielectric layers have a thickness of 5 μm or less, such as 2-5 μm. The compliant RDLs in accordance with embodiments may additionally allow for narrower line spacing width (fine pitch) and thinner lines compared to conventional organic or laminate substrates, or flex connectors. In an embodiment, the compliant RDL  120  has total a maximum thickness of less than 70 μm, or more specifically approximately 50 μm or less, such as approximately 30 μm. In an exemplary implementation, a bi-layer for a conductive trace  126  and corresponding dielectric layer  124  can be approximately 5 μm for a compliant RDL  120 . Presuming a variation of up to an additional 30 μm for layer thickness variation, or additional passivation layers, a compliant RDL  120  may be less than 50 μm for a 4 metal layer design, or less than 70 μm for an 8 metal layer design. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3 E , the reconstituted structure may be thinned, for example by polishing the molding compound layer  110  to expose the back sides  105  of the dies  102 , or even reduce the thickness of the dies  102  as well as expose back sides  141  of the vertical interconnects  140 . In an embodiment the thinned dies have a thickness of less than 300 μm, such as approximately 250 μm. One or more notches  115  may then be formed in the molding compound layer  110  between the dies  102  at operation  2050 , as shown in  FIG.  3 F . Additionally, conductive bumps  150  (e.g. solder bumps) can be formed on the back sides  141  of the vertical interconnects  140  (or discrete components  142 ) or the terminal contact pads  130  on the face side  121  of the compliant RDL  120 /flexible package  100 . Conductive bumps  150  may optionally be formed before or after notches  115 . 
     The thin flexible package  100  structures in accordance with embodiments can be further processed to include additional RDLs, or package levels by bonding additional devices, such as additional chips or passive components, etc, and may be integrated into various electronic device configurations. In accordance with embodiments, the flexible packages can be mounted onto landing areas such that the compliant RDL  120  underneath the one or more notches  115  is flexible. Thus, the landing areas attached to the flexible package  100  on laterally opposite sides of the notch(es)  115 , whether on the back side or face side of the flexible package  100 , can be secured in non-coplanar positions, or be movable, or foldable so that the flexible package  100  flexes with the substrate(s) to which it is attached. In accordance with many embodiments, the notches  115  are not filled with a rigid material, may remain unfilled (e.g. air gap), or if necessary, filled with a compliant material such as a gel. In an embodiment, the RDL  120  does not include any terminal contact pads directly underneath the notches  115 . Various electronic device configurations are illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 12   . 
       FIG.  4    is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrations of a 3D flexible package  100  with the package back side  108  mounted on multiple landing areas  302  in accordance with an embodiment. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the landing areas  302  may be on opposite routing substrates  300 , such as a rigid PCB, flexible PCB (flex board), etc. Landing areas  302  may also be directly underneath, or at least partially overlap, the dies  102  and vertical interconnects  140 , though some offset may be expected due to fanout or fan in routing of the RDL  120 . In particular, the RDL  120  may fanout the electrical routing  122  and terminal contact pads  130  to accommodate more bending area underneath the notch  115 . Thus, the terminal contact pads  130  may be fanned out, closer to the package side edges  109  than the die  102  landing pads  106 , particularly the interior-most contact pads  130  to accommodate more bending area. Also shown in  FIG.  4    is a variation of the flexible package  100  where additional components are bonded to the terminal contact pads  130  on the face side  121  of the compliant RDL  120  to form a 3D flexible package. Bonding may be achieved using conductive material  450  such as conductive paste, conductive bumps (e.g. solder bumps), microbumps, etc.  FIG.  5    is similar to the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  4   , with the only difference being that 3D flexible package structures can additionally, or alternatively include additional die(s)  402  bonded to the terminal contact pads  130  on the face side  121  of the compliant RDL  120  in place of, or in addition to components  400 . 
     In both embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 5    the landing areas  302  are illustrated as being co-planar, however, this is not required. As previously described, the compliant RDL  120  can flex, in particular in the region underneath the notch  115 . Bending can be out of plane, as well as twisting. In accordance with embodiments, the landing areas  302  may be fixed in non-planar locations, or the routing substrates  300  may be flexible so that the landing areas  302  can be moved to non-planar positions, while the flexible package  100  flexes with motion of the routing substrate(s)  300 . 
     Additionally, in both embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 5    a device (e.g. die  402 , component  400 ) is not bonded to the face side  121  of the compliant RDL  120  that spans across the notch  115 . In this manner, a rigid structure does not interfere with bending of the compliant RDL  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6    a schematic cross-sectional side view illustration of a flexible package with both face and back sides mounted to multiple landing areas in accordance with an embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment shown, flexible routing substrates  300 , such as flex boards, may be connected to both terminal contact pads  130  and back sides  141  of the vertical interconnects  140 , and wrap around edges of the flexible package  100 . It is understood  FIG.  6    is merely illustrative. It is not required for the routing substrates  300  to be mounted to both sides of the flexible package  100 , and thus  FIG.  6    is to be understood as showing either or both sides of the flexible package  100  can be mounted to a different landing area  302  on the same or different routing substrates  300 . Further, similar to  FIGS.  4 - 5   , the landing areas  302  may be fixed in non-planar locations, or the routing substrates  300  may be flexible so that the landing areas  302  can be moved to non-planar positions, while the flexible package  100  flexes with motion of the routing substrate(s)  300 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7    another embodiment of a 3D flexible package  100  is illustrated in which, rather than mounting the package back side  108  to routing substrate(s)  300 , instead the package face side  121  is mounted on multiple landing areas  302  in accordance with an embodiment. Additionally, a 3D flexible package  100  can be achieved by bonding one or more dies  402  (or components) to the back sides  141  of the vertical interconnects  140 . Similar to the previously described electronic device configurations, the landing areas  302  may be fixed in non-planar locations, or the routing substrates  300  may be flexible so that the landing areas  302  can be moved to non-planar positions, while the flexible package  100  flexes with motion of the routing substrate(s)  300 . 
     Up until this point embodiments have been described in which the face sides or back sides of the flexible packages  100  are bonded to multiple landing areas  302 .  FIG.  8    is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustration of a 3D flexible package  100  with the package side edges  109  mounted to multiple landing areas  302  in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, the discrete components  142  previously described as including vertical interconnects  140  can include lateral interconnects  145  for bonding the package side edges  109  to landing areas  302 , which may be included in routing substrates  300 . In such an embodiment, the landing areas  302  may be fixed in non-parallel locations, or the routing substrates  300  may be flexible so that the landing areas  302  can be moved to non-parallel positions, while the flexible package  100  flexes with motion of the routing substrate(s)  300 . 
     Up until this point embodiments have been described and illustrated in which the landing areas  302  are formed on physically separate routing substrates  300 . However, this is not required, and the flexible packages  100  described herein can also be mounted on the same side of a rigid or flexible routing substrate  300 . In such as configuration the flexible packages  100  can flex with the flexible routing substrates  300  to which they are bonded. Additionally, the face sides or back sides of the flexible packages  100  can be bonded to the routing substrates  300 , and the flexible packages  100  can also be 3D flexible packages. 
       FIG.  9 A  is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustration of a 3D flexible package  100  back side  108  mounted to multiple landing areas  302  in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, the 3D flexible package  100  can be similar to the configurations of  FIGS.  4 - 5   , with the difference being the 3D flexible package  100  is mounted to a single substrate, and the landing areas  302  are located on a same first side  301  of the routing substrate  300 . 
       FIG.  9 B  is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustration of a 3D flexible package  100  that is face side  121  mounted to multiple landing areas  302  in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, the 3D flexible package  100  can be similar to the configurations of  FIG.  7   , with the difference being the 3D flexible package  100  is mounted to a single substrate, and the landing areas  302  are located on a same first side  301  of the routing substrate  300 . 
     In both embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 B  the routing substrate first side  301  is folded, or is foldable inward such that the first landing area  302  and the second landing area  302  on opposite sides of the fold are at an angle of less than 180 degrees. However, alternative arrangements are envisioned, including where the routing substrate is folded, or is foldable outward such that the first landing area  302  and the second landing area  302  on opposite sides of the fold are at an angle of greater than 180 degrees. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  10 - 12    additional electronic device configurations are illustrated. It is be appreciated that unlike  FIGS.  9 A- 9 B , the illustrations of  FIGS.  10 - 12    are simplified to correspond to either face side  121  mounted or back side  108  mounted flexible packages  100 . Thus, the illustrations of  FIGS.  10 - 12    are less detailed than the illustrations of  FIGS.  9 A- 9 B  in this respect. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  10    a schematic side view illustration is provided of a flexible package  100  mounted to an L-shaped enclosure in accordance with an embodiment. The L-shaped enclosure may be one, or multiple routing substrates  300 . Additionally, the L-shaped enclosure may be fixed in place or movable. 
       FIG.  11    is a schematic side view illustration of a flexible package  100  mounted around an obtuse enclosure in accordance with an embodiment. The obtuse enclosure may be one, or multiple routing substrates  300 . In the embodiment illustrated, the routing substrate  300  is folded, or is foldable outward such that the first landing area  302  and the second landing area  302  on opposite sides of the fold are at an angle of greater than 180 degrees. Additionally, the landing areas  302  may be on the same first side  301  of the routing substrate. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  12    a schematic side view illustration is provided of yet another design for an electronic device in which a flexible package  100  is mounted to two routing substrates  300  with an attached back side enclosure  500  in accordance with an embodiment. For example, the back side enclosure  500  can be a mechanical chiplet (e.g. without functionality, silicon, plastic, metal), or a rigid routing substrate including contact pads  510  for electrical connection between the two routing substrates  300 . In this manner, the configuration can still be flexible, yet include an amount of restraining structure to limit the amount of flexure. 
     In utilizing the various aspects of the embodiments, it would become apparent to one skilled in the art that combinations or variations of the above embodiments are possible for forming and integrating flexible packages into electronic devices. Although the embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. The specific features and acts disclosed are instead to be understood as embodiments of the claims useful for illustration.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20201119
Publication Date: 20240827
Grant Date: 20240827
Priority Date: 20201119
Inventors: SHANMUGAM, KARTHIK
CARSON, Flynn P.
ZHAI, JUN
CAMENFORTE, RAYMUNDO M.
LI, MENGLU
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01L25/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/3157", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L25/0655", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/5385", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0278", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/31", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/5386", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/5384", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2924/18162", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L24/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2224/24137", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2225/06548", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/481", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/5387", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/4985", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L21/568", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L21/4857", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/49816", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2224/12105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2224/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L24/19", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L24/13", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L24/16", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2924/3511", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2924/18162", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2924/1815", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2224/16235", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2224/131", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2924/15311", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2924/19043", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2924/19042", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2924/19041", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2924/19105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2224/16225", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/056", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/055", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/3436", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10734", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2225/06551", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L25/0655", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/5383", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/5387", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L25/0657", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L21/6835", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L24/96", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2221/68359", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2221/68354", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/3121", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L21/568", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2924/18162", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2225/06548", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2224/24137", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/5384", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/481", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0278", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L25/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L25/0655", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L24/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/5387", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/5386", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/5385", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/4985", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/49816", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/3157", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/31", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L21/568", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L21/4857", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/3121", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 81588507