Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate (CoWoS)
Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate (CoWoS) is an advanced semiconductor packaging technology developed to meet the demands of high-performance computing (HPC), AI processors, GPUs, and networking chips. CoWoS enables high-density integration, excellent thermal management, and superior electrical performance by stacking multiple dies on an interposer and connecting them to a substrate.
What Is CoWoS?
CoWoS is a 3D packaging technology where individual dies are mounted on a silicon interposer, which is then attached to a package substrate. The interposer provides high-density interconnects between dies, enabling:
- High-speed communication
- High I/O density
- Reduced parasitics
CoWoS allows heterogeneous integration of memory, logic, and other chips in a single package, offering an ideal solution for applications that require extreme performance and bandwidth.
Key Advantages of CoWoS
1. High electrical performance
- Ultra-short interconnects on the silicon interposer
- Reduced latency and signal loss
- Suitable for high-speed CPUs, GPUs, and AI accelerators
2. High I/O density
- Silicon interposer enables thousands of connections in a small footprint
- Supports advanced memory integration like HBM (High Bandwidth Memory)
3. Excellent thermal management
- Interposer and substrate allow better heat dissipation
- Ensures reliability in high-power computing applications
4. Heterogeneous integration
- Combines logic, memory, and analog/RF components in a single package
- Reduces board-level complexity
5. Scalability for high-performance systems
-
Supports multi-die stacking for servers, data centers, and AI workloads
How CoWoS Works: Process Overview
-
Die preparation
Chips and memory modules are prepared individually. -
Die-on-interposer placement
Logic and memory dies are mounted on a silicon interposer. -
Through-silicon via (TSV) connection
Vertical interconnects in the interposer connect stacked dies. -
Interposer-on-substrate assembly
The interposer with dies is attached to the package substrate. -
Encapsulation and testing
The package is molded, tested, and prepared for PCB assembly.
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