​Knowledge of electronic components：What is the IC package?

　　IC package is an essential component that houses and protects microchips. The package is designed to provide a physical and electrical connection between the chip and the printed circuit board (PCB). IC package is used in a wide range of electronic devices, from smartphones and laptops to cars and medical equipment. In this article, we will introduce its benefits, types, functions, etc. Keep reading!

　　What is the IC package?

        The narrow definition of IC package refers to the process of installing the integrated circuits chip shell; the broad definition of IC packaging refers to the entire process that includes assembling qualified chips, components, etc. on the carrier (Carrier), using appropriate connection technology to form electrical connections, installing the shell, and forming active components.

　　When installing the shell of an integrated circuit chip (component), plastic, metal, ceramics, glass and other materials can be used to encapsulate the chip (component) through a specific process, so that the integrated circuit can work stably and reliably under the working environment and conditions.

　　What are the benefits of IC package?

       IC package is an important part of the integrated circuits, it plays a very important role. IC package mainly plays the role of placing, fixing, sealing, protecting chips, and ensuring circuit performance and thermal performance. The benefits of IC package mainly include:

　　Isolating the chip from the external environment, preventing the chip from being affected by external harmful gases, moisture, etc., ensuring that the surface of the chip is clean and dry;

　　Providing suitable external leads for the integrated circuit;

　　Providing a shell for the integrated circuit to resist the external environment;

　　Providing better mechanical strength for integrated circuits and providing protection for long-term normal operation of circuits;

　　For power circuits and high-frequency circuits, a good packaging shell can play a role in heat dissipation and shielding.

　　What are the functions of IC package?

　　There are usually 5 main functions of IC package, power distribution, signal distribution, heat dissipation channel, mechanical support and environmental protection.

　　(1) Power distribution: First, the IC package needs to consider the connection of the power supply so that the integrated circuit chip can “communicate” with the external circuit; secondly, the IC package must also meet the power distribution of different parts inside the package to optimize the package Internal energy consumption.

　　(2) Signal distribution: In order to minimize the delay of the electrical signal, the interconnection path between the signal line and the chip and the path leading out through the package input/output (I/O) should be optimized to the shortest when wiring. In order to avoid the crosstalk of high-frequency signals, the layout of signal lines and ground lines also needs to be optimized.

　　(3) Heat dissipation channel: The structure and material of the IC package play a key role in the heat dissipation effect of the device. For integrated circuits with particularly high power, additional cooling measures, such as heat sinks (sheets), air cooling, water cooling, etc., need to be considered.

　　(4) Mechanical support: IC package can provide reliable mechanical support for integrated circuit chips and other components, making it adaptable to changes in different working environments and conditions.

　　(5) Environmental protection: Before there is no IC package, semiconductor chips have been exposed to various environmental influences. During the use of integrated circuits, they may encounter different environments, sometimes even in very harsh environments. For this reason, the environmental protection effect of IC package on chips is obvious.