Board on chip-ball grid array (BOC-BGATM) package. A new design for high frequency application (package design and reliability)

This Board on chip-Ball grid array (BOC-BGA^TM) packaging concept has been developed for memory devices to cater for high frequency application. The shorter electric path between IC chip and board enable better electrical performance. This BOC concept is apply to 1.6 Meg DRAM memory chip, with future applications in higher pin counts 64 Meg & 256 Meg DRAM chips and other memory products. This paper unveils the BOC-BGA^TM packaging concept, it uses a board (substrate) material that is mounted above the silicon chip as in the case of Lead On Chip (LOG) technology. Beside using in DRAM packaging, the concept is applicable to any silicon chips such as VRAM, LOGIC, SRAM, EPROM and other integrated circuit chip which required array form of interconnect. The sawing, mounting, and bonding processes can be carried out on the existing assembly and test equipment. The interconnect from the bond pads to the solder balls is achieved through copper traces and via holes within the substrate. New processes such as underfill, liquid compound encapsulation, ball mounting and reflow need to be implemented. This paper outlines the design and reliability considerations for 16 Meg BOC-BGA package. The design-in computer simulation is carried out at the beginning of packaging design, software are used to access and select the optimum design from Thermal, Electrical and Thermal Stress requirements. This final design will encompass good heat dissipation, low electrical inductance, low stress and warpage characteristics. In package reliability test, the 16 Meg BOC-BGA package pass level 2 & 3 Popcorn Test, Pressure Cooker Test and completed 200 and 500 Temperature Cycling without any external package crack and delamination. Board level solder joint reliability is currently on-going