Patents by Inventor Douglas G. Mitchell
Douglas G. Mitchell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9520323Abstract: Embodiments of a microelectronic package including at least one trench via are provided, as are embodiments of a method for fabricating such a microelectronic package. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of depositing a dielectric layer over a first microelectronic device having a plurality of contact pads, which are covered by the dielectric layer. A trench via is formed in the dielectric layer to expose the plurality of contact pads therethrough. The trench via is formed to include opposing crenulated sidewalls having a plurality of recesses therein. The plurality of contact pads exposed through the trench via are then sputter etched. A plurality of interconnect lines is formed over the dielectric layer, each of which is electrically coupled to a different one of the plurality of contact pads.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.Inventors: Michael B Vincent, Zhiwei Gong, Scott M Hayes, Douglas G Mitchell
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Patent number: 9502363Abstract: Wafer level packages and methods for producing wafer level packages having delamination-resistant redistribution layers are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes building inner redistribution layers over a semiconductor die. Inner redistribution layers include a body of dielectric material containing metal routing features. A routing-free dielectric block is formed in the body of dielectric material and is uninterrupted by the metal routing features. An outer redistribution layer is produced over the inner redistribution layers and contains a metal plane, which is patterned to include one or more outgassing openings overlying the routing-free dielectric block. The routing-free dielectric block has a minimum width, length, and depth each at least twice the thickness of the outer redistribution layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Michael B. Vincent, Trung Q. Duong, Zhiwei Gong, Scott M. Hayes, Alan J. Magnus, Douglas G. Mitchell, Eduard J. Pabst, Jason R. Wright, Weng F. Yap
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Patent number: 9281293Abstract: Microelectronic packages having layered interconnect structures are provided, as are methods for the fabrication thereof. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a first plurality of interconnect lines in ohmic contact with a first bond pad row provided on a semiconductor. A dielectric layer is deposited over the first plurality of interconnect lines, the first bond pad row, and a second bond pad row adjacent the first bond pad row. A trench via is then formed in the dielectric layer to expose at least the second bond pad row therethrough. A second plurality of interconnect lines is formed in ohmic contact with the second bond pad row within the trench via. The second plurality of interconnect lines extends over the first bond pad row and is electrically isolated therefrom by the dielectric layer to produce at least a portion of the layered interconnect structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR INC.Inventors: Alan J. Magnus, Trung Q. Duong, Zhiwei Gong, Scott M. Hayes, Douglas G. Mitchell, Michael B. Vincent, Jason R. Wright, Weng F. Yap
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Publication number: 20150270233Abstract: Wafer level packages and methods for producing wafer level packages having delamination-resistant redistribution layers are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes building inner redistribution layers over a semiconductor die. Inner redistribution layers include a body of dielectric material containing metal routing features. A routing-free dielectric block is formed in the body of dielectric material and is uninterrupted by the metal routing features. An outer redistribution layer is produced over the inner redistribution layers and contains a metal plane, which is patterned to include one or more outgassing openings overlying the routing-free dielectric block. The routing-free dielectric block has a minimum width, length, and depth each at least twice the thickness of the outer redistribution layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2014Publication date: September 24, 2015Inventors: MICHAEL B. VINCENT, TRUNG Q. DUONG, ZHIWEI GONG, SCOTT M. HAYES, ALAN J. MAGNUS, DOUGLAS G. MITCHELL, EDUARD J. PABST, JASON R. WRIGHT, WENG F. YAP
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Patent number: 9142502Abstract: A semiconductor device package having pre-formed and placed through vias and a process for making such a package is provided. One or more signal conduits are placed in a holder that is subsequently embedded in an encapsulated semiconductor device package. The ends of the signal conduits are exposed and the signal conduits are then used as through package vias, providing signal-bearing pathways between interconnects or contacts on the bottom and top of the package. Holders can be provided in a variety of geometries and materials, depending upon the nature of the application. Further, multiple holders with signal conduits can be provided in a single package to provide for more complex interconnect configuration demands in, for example, system-in-a-package applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Inventors: Zhiwei Gong, Navjot Chhabra, Glenn G. Daves, Scott M. Hayes, Douglas G. Mitchell, Jason R. Wright
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Patent number: 9123685Abstract: Microelectronic packages and methods for fabricating microelectronic packages are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes forming one or more redistribution layers over an encapsulated die having a frontside bond pad area and a frontside passivated non-bond pad area. The redistribution layers are formed to have a frontside opening over the non-bond pad area of the encapsulated die. A primary heat sink body is provided in the frontside opening and thermally coupled to the encapsulated die. A contact array is formed over the redistribution layers and is electrically coupled to a plurality bond pads located on the frontside bond pad area of the encapsulated die.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR INC.Inventors: Weng Foong Yap, Douglas G. Mitchell
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Publication number: 20150115454Abstract: Microelectronic packages having layered interconnect structures are provided, as are methods for the fabrication thereof. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a first plurality of interconnect lines in ohmic contact with a first bond pad row provided on a semiconductor. A dielectric layer is deposited over the first plurality of interconnect lines, the first bond pad row, and a second bond pad row adjacent the first bond pad row. A trench via is then formed in the dielectric layer to expose at least the second bond pad row therethrough. A second plurality of interconnect lines is formed in ohmic contact with the second bond pad row within the trench via. The second plurality of interconnect lines extends over the first bond pad row and is electrically isolated therefrom by the dielectric layer to produce at least a portion of the layered interconnect structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Alan J. Magnus, Trung Q. Duong, Zhiwei Gong, Scott M. Hayes, Douglas G. Mitchell, Michael B. Vincent, Jason R. Wright, Weng F. Yap
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Patent number: 9018045Abstract: Microelectronic packages and methods for fabricating microelectronic packages are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises encapsulating a first semiconductor die having one or more core redistribution layers formed thereover in an outer molded body. The outer molded body has a portion, which circumscribes the core redistribution layer. One or more topside redistribution layers are produced over the core redistribution layer. A contact array is formed over the topside redistribution layer and electrically coupled to the first semiconductor die encapsulated in the outer molded body through the topside redistribution layers and the core redistribution layers.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor Inc.Inventors: Weng Foong Yap, Douglas G. Mitchell
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Publication number: 20150014838Abstract: Microelectronic packages and methods for fabricating microelectronic packages are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes forming one or more redistribution layers over an encapsulated die having a frontside bond pad area and a frontside passivated non-bond pad area. The redistribution layers are formed to have a frontside opening over the non-bond pad area of the encapsulated die. A primary heat sink body is provided in the frontside opening and thermally coupled to the encapsulated die. A contact array is formed over the redistribution layers and is electrically coupled to a plurality bond pads located on the frontside bond pad area of the encapsulated die.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: WENG FOONG YAP, DOUGLAS G. MITCHELL
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Publication number: 20150014855Abstract: Microelectronic packages and methods for fabricating microelectronic packages are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises encapsulating a first semiconductor die having one or more core redistribution layers formed thereover in an outer molded body. The outer molded body has a portion, which circumscribes the core redistribution layer. One or more topside redistribution layers are produced over the core redistribution layer. A contact array is formed over the topside redistribution layer and electrically coupled to the first semiconductor die encapsulated in the outer molded body through the topside redistribution layers and the core redistribution layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: WENG FOONG YAP, DOUGLAS G. MITCHELL
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Publication number: 20140167247Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a backside contact, electrical and/or thermal, for die encapsulated in a semiconductor device package are provided. Die of varying thicknesses can be accommodated within the semiconductor device package. Embodiments of the present invention provide a conductive pedestal coupled to a backside contact of a die, where the coupling is performed prior to encapsulating the die within the package. In addition, conductive pedestals coupled to varying die within a semiconductor device package are of such a thickness that each conductive pedestal can be exposed on the back side of the package without exposing or damaging the backside of any encapsulated die. Embodiments of the present invention provide for the conductive pedestals being made of electrically or thermally conductive material and coupled to the device die contact using an electrically and/or thermally conductive adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR IN.Inventors: ALAN J. MAGNUS, CARL E. D'ACOSTA, DOUGLAS G. MITCHELL, JUSTIN E. POARCH
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Patent number: 8685790Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a backside contact, electrical and/or thermal, for die encapsulated in a semiconductor device package are provided. Die of varying thicknesses can be accommodated within the semiconductor device package. Embodiments of the present invention provide a conductive pedestal coupled to a backside contact of a die, where the coupling is performed prior to encapsulating the die within the package. In addition, conductive pedestals coupled to varying die within a semiconductor device package are of such a thickness that each conductive pedestal can be exposed on the back side of the package without exposing or damaging the backside of any encapsulated die. Embodiments of the present invention provide for the conductive pedestals being made of electrically or thermally conductive material and coupled to the device die contact using an electrically and/or thermally conductive adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Alan J. Magnus, Carl E. D. Acosta, Douglas G. Mitchell, Justin E. Poarch
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Publication number: 20130207255Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a backside contact, electrical and/or thermal, for die encapsulated in a semiconductor device package are provided. Die of varying thicknesses can be accommodated within the semiconductor device package. Embodiments of the present invention provide a conductive pedestal coupled to a backside contact of a die, where the coupling is performed prior to encapsulating the die within the package. In addition, conductive pedestals coupled to varying die within a semiconductor device package are of such a thickness that each conductive pedestal can be exposed on the back side of the package without exposing or damaging the backside of any encapsulated die. Embodiments of the present invention provide for the conductive pedestals being made of electrically or thermally conductive material and coupled to the device die contact using an electrically and/or thermally conductive adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventors: Alan J. Magnus, Carl E.D. Acosta, Douglas G. Mitchell, Justin E. Poarch
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Publication number: 20130154091Abstract: A semiconductor device package having an embedded three-dimensional interconnect structure and a process for making such a package is provided. One or more ball conductors are attached to a major surface of a substrate that provides at least an electrical conduit from the ball conductor to an opposite major surface of the substrate. The substrate can also provide an interconnect between solder balls. The combination of solder balls and substrate is encapsulated in the semiconductor device package. The ends of the signal conduits are exposed on one major surface of the device package, while a portion of the ball conductors is exposed on the opposite major surface of the device package. The ball conductors and signal conduits provide signal-bearing pathways between the major surfaces of the package. Contacts created by the back grinded ball conductors are used to form a package-on-package structure by coupling with contacts from another package.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Jason R. Wright, Zhiwei Gong, Scott M. Hayes, Douglas G. Mitchell
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Publication number: 20130049217Abstract: A semiconductor device package having pre-formed and placed through vias and a process for making such a package is provided. One or more signal conduits are placed in a holder that is subsequently embedded in an encapsulated semiconductor device package. The ends of the signal conduits are exposed and the signal conduits are then used as through package vias, providing signal-bearing pathways between interconnects or contacts on the bottom and top of the package. Holders can be provided in a variety of geometries and materials, depending upon the nature of the application. Further, multiple holders with signal conduits can be provided in a single package to provide for more complex interconnect configuration demands in, for example, system-in-a-package applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Zhiwei Gong, Navjot Chhabra, Glenn G. Daves, Scott M. Hayes, Douglas G. Mitchell, Jason R. Wright
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Patent number: 8283207Abstract: Through substrate vias for back-side electrical and thermal interconnections on very thin semiconductor wafers without loss of wafer mechanical strength during manufacturing are provided by: forming desired device regions with contacts on the front surface of an initially relatively thick wafer; etching via cavities partly through the wafer in the desired locations; filling the via cavities with a conductive material coupled to some device region contacts; mounting the wafer with its front side facing a support structure; thinning the wafer from the back side to expose internal ends of the conductive material filled vias; applying any desired back-side interconnect region coupled to the exposed ends of the filled vias; removing the support structure and separating the individual device or IC assemblies so as to be available for mounting on a further circuit board, tape or larger circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2011Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Freescale Semiconductors, Inc.Inventors: Chandrasekaram Ramiah, Douglas G. Mitchell, Michael F. Petras, Paul W. Sanders
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Patent number: 8216918Abstract: A method is used to form a packaged semiconductor device. A semiconductor device, which has an active surface, is placed in an opening of a circuit board. The circuit board has a first major surface and a second major surface having the opening, first vias that extend between the first major surface and the second major surface, first contact pads terminating the vias at the first major surface, and second contact pads terminating the vias at the second major surface. A dielectric layer is applied over the semiconductor device and the second major surface of the circuit board. An interconnect layer is formed over the dielectric layer. The interconnect layer has second vias electrically connected to the second contact pads, third vias that are electrically connected to the active surface of the semiconductor device, an exposed surface, and third contact pads at the exposed surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Zhiwei Gong, Scott M. Hayes, George R. Leal, Douglas G. Mitchell, Jason R. Wright, Jianwen Xu
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Patent number: 8158492Abstract: A device comprises a substrate, a micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) structure, and a dielectric film. The substrate has a first side and a second side, the second side opposite the first side. The MEMS structure is formed on the first side of the substrate. The cavity is formed in the substrate directly opposite the MEMS structure. The cavity has an opening formed on the second side. The dielectric film is attached to the second side of the substrate and completely covering the opening. In one embodiment, the MEMS structure is a diaphragm for a microphone. Another embodiment includes a method for forming the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Lianjun Liu, Douglas G. Mitchell
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Publication number: 20120021565Abstract: A method is used to form a packaged semiconductor device. A semiconductor device, which has an active surface, is placed in an opening of a circuit board. The circuit board has a first major surface and a second major surface having the opening, first vias that extend between the first major surface and the second major surface, first contact pads terminating the vias at the first major surface, and second contact pads terminating the vias at the second major surface. A dielectric layer is applied over the semiconductor device and the second major surface of the circuit board. An interconnect layer is formed over the dielectric layer. The interconnect layer has second vias electrically connected to the second contact pads, third vias that are electrically connected to the active surface of the semiconductor device, an exposed surface, and third contact pads at the exposed surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Zhiwei Gong, Scott M. Hayes, George R. Leal, Douglas G. Mitchell, Jason R. Wright, Jianwen Xu
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Patent number: 7981730Abstract: An integrated conformal electromagnetic interference (EMI) and/or electromagnetic radiation shield is formed on a plurality of encapsulated modules by attaching a plurality of modules (30-33) to a process carrier (1) using a double side adhesive tape (2), and then sequentially depositing an insulating layer (15) and a conductive shielding layer (16) before encapsulating the modules with a molding compound (17). After removing the adhesive tape (2) to expose a surface of the encapsulated modules, a multi-layer circuit substrate (100) is formed over the exposed surface, where the circuit substrate includes shielding via structures (101-112) that are aligned with and electrically connected to the conductive shielding layer (16), thereby encircling and shielding the circuit module(s).Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Jinbang Tang, Darrel R. Frear, Scott M. Hayes, Douglas G. Mitchell