We are seeing demand for WLP integration schemes growing to support the huge variety of More-than-Moore (MtM) device types. Among these, there is a marked increase in volume for micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), CMOS image sensors (CIS), light-emitting diodes (LED), and power management, wireless, analog and mixed signal ICs along with many other technologies.

This mix of MtM devices is driving the roadmaps of leading outsourced assembly and test companies (OSATs) and IDMs to ramp their Fan-In WLP technologies using 300mm tools as well as legacy 200mm equipment. Market research firm Yole Developpement forecasts a >7 percent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2020 for WLP technologies with an expected market value of more than $30B by 2020.

Applied is helping accelerate the adoption of WLP for 300mm and 200mm wafers by providing innovative solutions that solve several manufacturing challenges. Among these is the capability of the Applied Nokota™ Electrochemical Deposition (ECD) system to ensure a wafer remains completely sealed throughout the plating sequence to protect it from potential damage. The system’s flexible single-chamber design also allows for quick, in-fab reconfigurations between different process flows making it ideal for handling the growing selection of WLP schemes, product mixes and capacity demands.

Applied uses several R&D facilities to enable the WLP inflection. To develop packaging schemes involving TSVs, under bump metallization (UBM) and solder bumps, Applied supports R&D at a facility in Xi'an, China and at our Packaging, Plating and Cleans (PPC) operation in Kalispell, Montana where ECD development and demonstrations are performed. For 300mm WLP processes and solutions, we have a suite of systems installed in the Applied Packaging Development Center located in Singapore.

As the use of WLP technology increases on ≤200mm and 300mm processes alike, more customers are looking for fully-integrated, end-to-end solutions demonstrated on their wafers. Many customers in the power, high brightness LED and MEMS spaces are utilizing the WLP integration processes offered by Applied to develop their own 150mm and 200mm WLP solutions. We are able to help customers shorten their process development time through the capabilities of our systems.

Tags: wafer-level packaging, wafer level packaging, WLP, Advanced Packaging, fan-in, fan-out, electromechanical plating, More than Moore