3D eWLB (embedded wafer level BGA) technology for 3D-packaging/3D-SiP (Systems-in-Package) applications

Demand for wafer level packaging (WLP) is being driven by the need to shrink package size and height, simplify the supply chain and provide a lower overall cost by using the infrastructure of a batch process. There are some restrictions in possible applications for Fan-In WLPs since global chip trends tend toward smaller chip areas with an increasing number of interconnects. The shrinkage of the pitches and pads at the chip to package interface is happening much faster than the shrinkage at the package to board interface. This interconnection gap requires fan-out packaging, where the package size is larger than the chip size in order to provide a sufficient area to accommodate the 2nd level interconnects. eWLB (embedded Wafer Level BGA) is a type of fan-out WLP that has the potential to realize any number of interconnects with standard pitches at any shrink stage of the wafer node technology. Furthermore, 3D eWLB technology enables 3D IC and 3D SiP packaging with vertical interconnection. 3D eWLB can be implemented with through silicon via (TSV) applications as well as discrete component embedding. In this paper, there will be discussion of the recent advancements in 3D eWLB packaging and integration as well as what is being envisioned and developed to address future technology requirements in 3D packaging and 3D SIP. The advantage of 3D eWLB technology and applications of 3D packaging will be presented with several examples. The process flow of 3D eWLB fabrication, assembly and packaging challenges, and performance characteristics will be also discussed.