SIP packaging is an integrated circuit(IC)packaging technology that combines multiple chips,devices,or modules in a single package to form a full-featured system.SIP packages provide higher levels of integration and performance by integrating them within the same package and reducing system-level connections and size.
SIP packages are widely used in various applications,such as mobile devices,wireless communications,IoT,medical devices,and so on.It offers higher performance,smaller size,and lower cost,facilitating the development and adoption of integrated circuits.
SIP Package Features
SIP packaging has the following key features:
Highly integrated:allows multiple chips or devices to be integrated in a single package to achieve highly integrated functionality.These chips or devices can include processors,memories,sensors,wireless modules,radio frequency devices,etc..Through integration,different functional units can be closely matched to achieve more efficient and collaborative work.
Size optimisation:The size of the system can be significantly reduced.By integrating multiple components into a single package,connecting lines and space requirements between different components can be eliminated.This helps to reduce the overall system to a smaller size and enable complex functionality in a compact space.
Signal Integrity:Due to the shorter distance between chips or devices in a SIP package,the signal transmission path is shorter,which reduces interference and loss during signal transmission.This helps to improve signal integrity and reliability.
Low Cost Effectiveness:Although SIP packaging requires multi-chip assembly and testing during the packaging process,SIP packaging reduces the cost of assembly and connection compared to the method of packaging and connecting multiple chips separately.In addition,SIP packages can reduce the use of system-level connectors,cables and printed circuit boards(PCBs),thereby lowering the overall cost of the system.
SIP Package Pinouts
The pinout of a SIP package can vary depending on the specific chip,device and package design.However,the following are some common pinouts:
Peripheral Layout:In the peripheral layout,pins are arranged along the edge of the chip or device,featuring easy access and connection,and better wiring connection with other components on the package substrate.
Central layout:In the central layout,the chip or device pins are concentrated in the central region,characterized by smaller packages,where the number of pins is relatively small,and the need to achieve a high degree of integration in a limited space.
Grid layout:In grid layout,pins are arranged in a regular grid-like arrangement,characterised by a large number of pins in the package,such as BGA(Ball Grid Array)package.Grid layout can achieve high-density pin connection,but in the wiring may require the use of complex techniques.
Partitioned Layout:In a partitioned layout,the pins of a chip or device are arranged in partitions according to function or signal type.This layout allows the pins to be organised according to function,facilitates connection and wiring,and achieves logical and electrical partitioning on the package substrate.
The pin layout of a SIP package depends not only on the design of the chip or device itself,but is also affected by the design requirements and constraints of the package substrate.When designing a SIP package,the number of pins,pin arrangement,signal integrity,wiring rules and other factors need to be considered to ensure good electrical performance and reliability.The specific pin layout will depend on the requirements of the package and the designer's decision.
SIP Package Process Flow
The process flow of SIPpackage can be summarised as follows:
Chip Selection and Design:Select a chip or device suitable for packaging,and design and layout accordingly.This involves determining the functional and performance requirements,selecting the appropriate chips,and combining them into a package.
Chip Processing and Packaging:Chip processing includes front-end processing and back-end processing.Front-end processing involves etching,deposition,and lithography of the chip on a wafer to form a functional chip.Back-end processing involves cutting,grinding,metallisation,welding and other processes,and connecting the chip to the packaging substrate or carrier.
Package Design and Layout:Package design and layout is carried out according to the chip's dimensions,pin layout and packaging requirements.This includes determining the shape,size,pin location,number of pins,etc.of the package.
Packaging materials and processes:Select the appropriate packaging materials and carry out the packaging process.Packaging materials can include substrate materials,solder,encapsulation adhesive,heat dissipation materials and so on.Encapsulation process includes printing,mounting,welding,curing of encapsulation adhesive and other process steps.
Connection and package test:In the packaging process,the pin connection and package test.Pin connection can be achieved through welding or other connection techniques.Package testing includes inspection and verification of the electrical performance,reliability and appearance of the package.
Post-encapsulation testing and packaging:After encapsulation,final testing of the package needs to be performed,including functionality testing,reliability testing,temperature testing,etc.After the completion of the test,the packaged chip will be packaged,including marking,package sealing,labelling and other steps.
Finished product inspection and quality control:Finished product inspection and quality control of the final SIP packaged product to ensure that the product meets the quality requirements and standards.This may include appearance inspection,electrical performance testing,reliability testing and so on.
The above is the general process flow of SIP packaging,which may vary from vendor to vendor and application to application.These steps require strict process control and quality management to ensure the performance,reliability and consistency of the package.
SIP Substrates
The SIP package substrate is the basic carrier for electronic components used in SIP packaging.It provides the electrical and physical interfaces required to support and connect the chips,devices and assemblies in the package.The key functions and features of the SIP package substrate are as follows:
Support for Packaged Components:Provides a platform for mounting and supporting chips,devices,and assemblies in the package.It is usually made of high-performance substrate materials such as ceramics,FR4(glass fibre reinforced thermoset resin),etc.to provide a stable structure and good electrical properties.
Pin connection:Metal pins or pads on the SIP package substrate are connected to the pins of the chip in the package.These pins or pads are typically formed through a printed circuit board(PCB)manufacturing process and are connected to the circuitry between the chips for signal transmission and power supply.
Circuit wiring:Circuit wiring connects circuits between different chips,devices,and assemblies for the transmission of data,signals,or power.Circuit wiring is typically implemented using wire,circuit tracing,or multi-layer PCB technology.
Thermal Design:SIP packages may generate high levels of heat due to the integration of multiple chips or devices within the same package.Therefore,SIP package substrates usually have thermal designs,such as heat sinks,heat sink layers or heat sink pads,to effectively dissipate heat and maintain system stability.
Package Layout:The layout of chips,devices and components on a SIP package substrate needs to be optimised for the needs and performance requirements of the package.This includes determining the location,size,pin layout and circuit connections of each component to ensure good signal integrity and electrical performance.
SIP Packaging vs traditional
SIP packages offer the following differences and advantages over more traditional packaging methods:
Integration:SIP packages integrate multiple chips,devices or modules into a single package to form a fully functional system.Traditional packaging methods usually encapsulate a single chip in a package.As a result,SIP packages have a higher degree of integration and can achieve more functionality in a smaller size.
Size optimisation:As SIP packages integrate multiple components into a single package,the size and volume of the system can be reduced.In contrast,traditional packaging methods require each component to be packaged separately and then connected via circuit boards,resulting in a larger system size.
Signal Transmission:The signal transmission path between the chip and components in SIP packaging is shorter,which reduces the interference and loss of signal transmission.In contrast,in traditional packaging methods,signals need to pass through circuit board connection lines,which may introduce additional signal loss and interference.
Thermal performance:SIP packaging can achieve thermal design inside the package,so that the heat is better dispersed and emitted.Traditional packaging methods usually require external heat sinks or heat sinks to solve the heat problem.
Electrical Performance:SIP packages have shorter circuit connections between chips and components,resulting in lower resistance and capacitance,which improves electrical performance.Circuit connections in traditional packaging methods are typically longer,which can introduce higher resistance and capacitance.
Reliability:Because SIP packaging integrates multiple components into a single package,there are fewer connection points,improving overall system reliability.Traditional packaging methods have more connection points,which may increase the probability of failure.
Therefore,SIP packages offer higher integration,smaller size,better signal transmission and heat dissipation,higher electrical performance,and higher reliability than traditional packaging methods.This gives SIP packages an advantage in applications that require a high degree of integration and compact size,such as mobile devices,IoT devices,and wireless communication devices.However,SIP packages can also face challenges in terms of cost,design complexity,and manufacturing processes,and therefore need to be selected in specific applications taking into account various factors.
Differences between SIP and SOP packages
SIP package and SOP package is two different packaging technology, the following differences between them:
Integration: SIP package is a highly integrated packaging technology, which integrates multiple chips, devices or modules in a package to form a fully functional system. SOP packages, on the other hand, usually package only a single chip or device.
Size and Volume: Because SIP packages integrate multiple components, they can achieve more functionality in a smaller size and volume. In contrast, SOP packages are relatively large in size and volume because they only package a single chip or device.
Number of pins: SIP packages typically have a higher number of pins to support connections and communication between multiple chips or devices. SOP packages usually have a smaller number of pins and are suitable for simpler circuit designs.
Package structure: SIP packages can use a multi-layer package structure to layer multiple components together to form a three-dimensional structure to achieve a higher degree of integration. SOP package is usually a single-layer package structure, only a single chip or device.
Application areas: SIP packages are usually used in applications with high requirements on size, weight and power consumption, such as mobile devices, IoT devices, wireless communication devices, etc. While SOP packages are widely used in a variety of electronic devices and applications, including computers, consumer electronics, communication devices, etc..
It is important to note that SIP packaging and SOP packaging are not mutually exclusive choices, but are chosen based on specific application requirements. In some scenarios, SIP packages can be used to achieve highly integrated and compact size requirements, while in other scenarios, SOP packages may be more suitable for simple circuit designs and traditional packaging needs.