Method and structure of expanding, upgrading, or fixing multi-chip package

Multi-chip packages (MCPs) are individual semiconductor packages, made of plastic or ceramic, containing two or more die connected internally with wire-bonding. MCPs allow multiple devices to be integrated into a single, more compact, package with the same footprint on a printed circuit board (PCB) as a single chip device. MCPs typically contact the PCB with pins, such as solder balls or other type of conductive elements.

One embodiment provides a multi-chip package and an add-on package, where the add-on package is attached to the multi-chip package. The multi-chip package generally includes a plurality of dies, a top and bottom substrate package, and circuitry that can detect the presence of a device attached to the top package substrate. Once the add-on package is attached, the add-on package can automatically notify the MCP that an expansion, upgrade or replacement of functionality is in effect, thus allowing the MCP to accommodate the add-on package.

One embodiment provides a system generally including a multi-chip package (MCP) and an add-on package. The MCP having a plurality of dies, a bottom package substrate for interfacing with a printed circuit board (PCB), and a top package substrate serving as an interface between the MCP and an add-on package. The add-on package attached to the top package substrate of the multi-chip package to alter functionality of the multi-chip package.

One embodiment provides a multi-chip package (MCP). The MCP generally includes a plurality of dies, a bottom package substrate for interfacing with a printed circuit board (PCB), a top package substrate serving as an interface between the MCP and an add-on package, and a sensing circuit for detecting the presence of an add-on package attached to the top package substrate of the multi-chip package to alter functionality of the multi-chip package.

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a multi-chip package (MCP) designed to accept an add-on package in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the MCP of FIG. 1 with an add-on package added on.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of example operations for modifying operation of an MCP via an add-on package in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate upgrading an MCP via an add-on package.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate expanding an MCP via an add-on package.

Embodiments of the invention generally provide techniques that allow expanding (e.g., new logic or memory), upgrading (e.g., increasing density of memory), or fixing (e.g., replacing a failed chip) a multi-chip package (MCP) by attaching an add-on package.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a multi-chip package 102 (MCP) including a plurality of dies 104 , top and bottom package substrates 106 , 108 . Detection circuitry 110 responds to the presence of a device attached to the top package substrate 106 and may alter the MCP functionality, as will be described in greater detail below.

Each die 104 in the MCP 102 can be one of a variety of different functional type devices, including memory devices and/or processors. Each memory device can be a DRAM, FLASH, or any other volatile or non-volatile memory. Additionally, the memory devices do not have to be of the same type. Furthermore, in one embodiment, one or more of the dies 104 can be reserved for additional or extended functionality that can be utilized with the attachment of an add-on package to the top package substrate 106 of the MCP 102 . For another embodiment, the add-on package can also be employed to upgrade or repair the MCP 102 . The add-on package may be attached to the MCP 102 by a variety of different methods, including soldering, socketing, and the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates the MCP of FIG. 1 with an add-on package 108 added on to modify the MCP functionality in some way. A variety of different examples of modified functionality (expansion, upgrading, and repair) are discussed in FIGS. 3-5 below.

Regardless of the type of functional modification, the modification may be activated via a sense-on-presence method, as illustrated in FIG. 2 . Upon attachment of the add-on package 108 to the MCP 102 , the add-on package 108 can detect power via a power (VDD) pin 304 . The VDD pin 304 is connected to a PCB 306 via the bottom package substrate 108 of the MCP 102 . Power is passed through 310 the MCP 102 and connected to the add-on package 108 via the top package substrate 106 of the MCP 102 .

Once power is detected, the add-on package 108 can automatically send a control signal 308 to the MCP 102 , via the top package substrate 106 , indicating that an expansion, upgrade or replacement of functionality is in effect. The detection circuitry 110 located on the MCP 102 may respond to the control signal 308 , driven by the add-on package 108 , allowing the MCP 102 to accommodate the add-on package 108 . Alternatively, in another embodiment, the detection circuitry 110 can respond to a control signal driven by a pin connected to the bottom package substrate 108 of the MCP 102 , similar to the method described above in reference to the VDD pin 302 .

Depending on the particular embodiment, the add-on package may simply provide an indication to change functionality of the MCP (e.g., generating signals when present). As an alternative, or in addition, the add-on package may also include a variety of different type devices to alter (or enhance) functionality of the MCP. For example, the add-on device may increase memory capacity of the MCP, by including a memory device that is the same or different than memory devices of the MCP. For example, if the MCP has DRAM die, the add-on device may expand the memory capacity (within the same footprint) with one or more additional DRAM die. As another example, the add-on package may add a different type of memory, for example, providing non-volatile storage to complement volatile storage of the MCP.

FIG. 3 illustrates how MCP functionality may be modified in a variety of different ways when an add-on package is attached to a MCP. The operations can be activated via a sense-on-presence, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 2 .

One operation allows an add-on package to be used to expand functionality ( 202 ) of the MCP. One example can be adding and supporting a new type of memory ( 204 ) previously not associated with the MCP. For example, in one embodiment, the MCP may comprise of a plurality of DRAM and a reserved die with an interface to another type of memory. The reserved die may remain unused until an add-on package, containing memory compatible with the memory interface on the reserved die, is attached to the MCP.

Once the add-on package is attached, the memory located on the add-on package can be utilized by activating the reserved die in the MCP that contains the memory interface ( 206 ). After the add-on package is attached and the interface is activated, a controller which communicates with the MCP can then be notified of the added functionality ( 208 ). For one embodiment, the controller can be notified by changing jumper settings on a printed circuit board ( 210 ). For another embodiment, the controller can be notified via a status signal sent by the MCP ( 212 ).

Another operation allows the add-on package to be used to upgrade the functionality in the MCP ( 214 ). One example can be adding more density to the already existing memory located in the MCP ( 216 ). For example, if the MCP contains a plurality of DRAM, additional DRAM can be added via the add-on package. The additional DRAM on the add-on package can be accessed via additional address and chip select pins connected between the MCP and the add-on-package via the top package substrate. A potential side effect of adding the additional package, however, may result in a heavier bus load. Therefore, the drive strength to the MCP and the add-on package may need to be increased ( 218 ).

Yet another operation allows the add-on package to be used to replace/repair functionality on the MCP ( 220 ). For example, the add-on package may contain redundant logic that is identical to some or all of the logic on the MCP ( 222 ) or may be used to activate redundant logic located on the MCP. Therefore, in the event that the MCP, or one or more dies on the MCP, is no longer functional, the redundant logic on the add-on package may be attached to the MCP and can be used as a substitute (or the add-on logic may activate redundant logic in the MCP).

In one embodiment, this functionality may be achieved by simply disconnecting the power to the entire MCP ( 224 ), or to one or more dies in the MCP, depending on the level of failure. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the MCP can be placed in a deep power down mode ( 226 ), where select circuitry inside the MCP is disabled, thus minimizing power consumption, yet still allowing recovery of the MCP if needed.

Other operations ( 228 ) may include simply disabling failing logic via attachment of an add-on package ( 230 ), for example, without replacing it with redundant logic. Other operations may also include various other aspects of the MCP, such as re-mapping memory segments to different address space or changing one or more other types of operating parameters.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate upgrading the functionality of an MPC via an add-on package. Specifically, FIG. 4A illustrates an MCP 102 employing a plurality of DRAM 104 , and a top and bottom package substrate 106 , 108 . Without an add-on package attached to the MCP 102 , the amount of DRAM accessible by a controller is limited to the amount of DRAM 104 located on the MCP 102 . However, as illustrated in FIG. 4B , an add-on package 108 , containing more DRAM, can be connected to the MCP 102 via the top package substrate 106 , thus allowing a controller access to more DRAM. As stated earlier, the additional DRAM on the add-on package can be accessed via additional address and chip select pins connected between the MCP and the add-on-package via the top package substrate.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate expanding the functionality of an MCP 102 when an add-on package is attached. Specifically, FIG. 5A illustrates an MCP 102 employing a plurality of DRAM 104 , a top and bottom package substrate, 106 , 108 and a reserved die 112 that contains a FLASH Interface. Without an add-on package attached to the MCP 102 , the reserved die 112 remains inactive.

However, as illustrated in FIG. 5B , upon attachment of an add-on package 108 containing FLASH memory, the reserved die 112 in the MCP 102 is activated and ready to communicate with the add-on package 108 . In another embodiment, the MCP can contain the plurality of DRAM and the FLASH memory, where the FLASH memory is located on the reserved die and is activated and addressable upon attachment of the add-on-package 108 .

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.