IP Library Granted Patent US 9,676,611
Granted Patent B2
US 9,676,611 · App. 14/057,262 · Granted Jun 13, 2017

Sensor device packages and related fabrication methods

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,676,611
App. No.
14/057,262
Granted
Jun 13, 2017
Kind
B2
Abstract

Sensor device packages and related fabrication methods are provided. An exemplary sensor device package includes a first structure having a sensing arrangement thereon, a second structure having circuitry thereon, and a conductive structure within the first structure and coupled to the circuitry to provide an electrical connection to the circuitry through the first structure. Thus, circuitry on the second structure may be electrically connected to an interface of the sensor device package through the first structure.

Claims (49)

1. A sensor device comprising:

a first semiconductor die having a sensing arrangement fabricated thereon;

a second semiconductor die having circuitry fabricated thereon;

a conductive structure within the first semiconductor die and coupled to the circuitry to provide a first electrical connection between the sensing arrangement and the circuitry through the first semiconductor die;

a third structure coupled to a first side of the first semiconductor die to establish a sealed chamber having a fixed reference pressure on the first side of the sensing arrangement, the second semiconductor die being coupled to a second side of the first semiconductor die opposite the first side; and

a second conductive structure within the third structure and coupled to the conductive structure to provide a second electrical connection to the circuitry through the third structure.

2. The sensor device of claim 1 , wherein the circuitry comprises control circuitry coupled to the sensing arrangement to determine a metric indicative of a sensed characteristic based on an electrical signal from the sensing arrangement.

3. The sensor device of claim 1 , further comprising an interface coupled to the conductive structure, wherein the conductive structure provides the first electrical connection between the interface and the circuitry through the first semiconductor die.

4. The sensor device of claim 1 , wherein:

the circuitry comprises an application specific integrated circuit to determine a metric indicative of a sensed characteristic based on an electrical signal from the sensing arrangement received via the conductive structure.

5. The sensor device of claim 1 , further comprising:

a fourth structure coupled to the third structure to establish a second fixed reference pressure on the first side of a second sensing arrangement on the first semiconductor die; and

a third conductive structure within the fourth structure and coupled to the second conductive structure to provide the second electrical connection to the circuitry through the fourth structure.

6. The sensor device of claim 1 , wherein the second semiconductor die is coupled to the first semiconductor die to establish a second fixed reference pressure for the sensing arrangement.

7. The sensor device of claim 1 , further comprising:

a fourth structure having a second sensing arrangement thereon;

a third conductive structure within the fourth structure and coupled to the second sensing arrangement to provide a third electrical connection to the second sensing arrangement through the fourth structure; and

a support structure to provide a lateral electrical connection between the third conductive structure and the conductive structure.

8. The sensor device of claim 7 , wherein the support structure comprises one or more redistribution layers.

9. The sensor device of claim 1 , further comprising a third conductive structure within the second semiconductor die and coupled to the circuitry to provide the second electrical connection to the circuitry through the second semiconductor die.

10. The sensor device of claim 9 , further comprising a fourth structure having a second sensing arrangement thereon, wherein the second conductive structure provides the second electrical connection between the second sensing arrangement and the circuitry.

11. The sensor device of claim 10 , wherein:

the fourth structure overlies the second semiconductor die;

the second semiconductor die overlies the first semiconductor die; and

a molding compound overlies the first semiconductor die, the molding compound encapsulating the second semiconductor die and the fourth structure.

12. A sensor device package comprising:

a package interface;

a first sensor die overlying the package interface, the first sensor die having a first sensing arrangement thereon;

a first conductive structure within the first sensor die, the first conductive structure extending through the first sensor die and being coupled to the package interface to provide a first electrical connection through the first sensor die to the package interface;

a second die overlying the first sensor die, the second die having circuitry thereon, the circuitry being coupled to the first sensing arrangement to determine a metric indicative of a sensed characteristic based on one or more signals from the first sensing arrangement, wherein the circuitry is coupled to the first conductive structure to provide one or more output signals indicative of the metric to the package interface via the first electrical connection;

a third structure coupled to a first side of the first sensor die to establish a fixed reference pressure on the first side of the first sensing arrangement, the second die being coupled to a second side of the first sensor die opposite the first side; and

a second conductive structure within the third structure and coupled to the first conductive structure to provide a second electrical connection to the circuitry through the third structure.

13. The sensor device package of claim 12 , further comprising:

a second package interface;

a second sensor die overlying the second die, the second sensor die having a second sensing arrangement thereon, wherein the circuitry is coupled to the second sensing arrangement to determine a second metric indicative of a second sensed characteristic based on signals from the second sensing arrangement; and

a third conductive structure within the first sensor die, the third conductive structure extending through the first sensor die and being coupled to the second package interface to provide a third electrical connection through the first sensor die to the second package interface, wherein the circuitry is coupled to the third conductive structure to provide one or more output signals indicative of the second metric to the second package interface via the third electrical connection.

14. The sensor device package of claim 12 , further comprising:

a second sensor die, the first sensor die overlying the second sensor die, the second sensor die having a second sensing arrangement thereon; and

a third conductive structure within the first sensor die, the third conductive structure extending through the first sensor die, the third conductive structure being coupled to the circuitry and the second sensing arrangement to provide a third electrical connection through the first sensor die between the circuitry and the second sensing arrangement, wherein the circuitry is configured to determine a second metric indicative of a second sensed characteristic based on electrical signals from the second sensing arrangement received via the third electrical connection.

15. A method of fabricating a sensor device, the method comprising:

forming a conductive structure within a first semiconductor die and extending through the first semiconductor die, the first semiconductor die having a first sensing arrangement fabricated thereon;

bonding a third semiconductor die to the first semiconductor die to establish a sealed chamber having a reference pressure for the first sensing arrangement between the third semiconductor die and the first semiconductor die;

providing a first electrical connection between the conductive structure and an interface of the sensor device, wherein providing the first electrical connection comprises forming a second conductive structure within the third semiconductor die and extending through the third semiconductor die, the second conductive structure being coupled to the interface and the conductive structure;

providing a second electrical connection between the conductive structure and circuitry fabricated on a second semiconductor die, resulting in an electrical connection between the circuitry and the interface through the first semiconductor die.

16. The method of claim 15 , further comprising forming a second conductive structure within the second semiconductor die and extending through the second semiconductor die, the second conductive structure being coupled to the circuitry, wherein providing the second electrical connection comprises providing the second electrical connection between the conductive structure and the second conductive structure.

17. The sensor device of claim 1 , wherein the second semiconductor die overlies the first semiconductor die.

18. The sensor device of claim 1 , wherein:

the first semiconductor die overlies the third structure; and

the second semiconductor die overlies the first semiconductor die.

Assignments (23)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 10, 2024
From: NXP USA, INC.
To: CHIP PACKAGING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Reel/Frame 068541/0903 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 11759915 AND REPLACE IT WITH APPLICATION 11759935 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 040925 FRAME 0001. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST. Recorded Feb 17, 2020
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP, B.V. F/K/A FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 052917/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE APPLICATION 11759915 AND REPLACE IT WITH APPLICATION 11759935 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 040928 FRAME 0001. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST. Recorded Jan 17, 2020
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP B.V.
Reel/Frame 052915/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 10, 2019
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP B.V.
Reel/Frame 050744/0097 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE NATURE OF CONVEYANCE PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 040626 FRAME: 0683. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE MERGER AND CHANGE OF NAME EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 7, 2016. Recorded Jan 12, 2017
From: NXP SEMICONDUCTORS USA, INC. (MERGED INTO); FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC. (UNDER)
To: NXP USA, INC.
Reel/Frame 041414/0883 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 16, 2016
From: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR INC.
To: NXP USA, INC.
Reel/Frame 040626/0683 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 7, 2016
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP B.V.
Reel/Frame 040928/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 21, 2016
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: NXP, B.V., F/K/A FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 040925/0001 →
SUPPLEMENT TO THE SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jun 16, 2016
From: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 039138/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE FILING AND REMOVE APPL. NO. 14085520 REPLACE IT WITH 14086520 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 037515 FRAME: 0390. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS. Recorded Mar 1, 2016
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 037926/0642 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT OF INCORRECT PATENT APPLICATION NUMBER 14085520 ,PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 037458 FRAME: 0399. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS. Recorded Feb 11, 2016
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 037785/0454 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT OF INCORRECT NUMBER 14085520 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 037458 FRAME: 0420. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTON OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS. Recorded Feb 11, 2016
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 037785/0568 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT OF INCORRECT APPL. NO. 14/085,520 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 037515 FRAME: 0390. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS. Recorded Feb 11, 2016
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 037792/0227 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE INCORRECT APPL. NO. 14/085,520 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 037515 FRAME: 0420. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS. Recorded Feb 11, 2016
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 037879/0581 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE NAME PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 037458 FRAME 0420. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS. Recorded Jan 14, 2016
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 037515/0420 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE NAME PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 037458 FRAME 0399. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS. Recorded Jan 14, 2016
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 037515/0390 →
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded Jan 7, 2016
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FOUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 037458/0420 →
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded Jan 7, 2016
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FOUNDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 037458/0399 →
PATENT RELEASE Recorded Dec 21, 2015
From: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 037357/0790 →
SUPPLEMENT TO IP SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Mar 13, 2014
From: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
To: CITIBANK, N.A., AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 032445/0493 →
SUPPLEMENT TO IP SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Mar 13, 2014
From: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
To: CITIBANK, N.A., AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 032445/0577 →
SUPPLEMENT TO IP SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Mar 13, 2014
From: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
To: CITIBANK, N.A., COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 032445/0689 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 18, 2013
From: HOOPER, STEPHEN R.; BOWLES, PHILIP H.
To: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR INC.
Reel/Frame 031433/0622 →