EP2810338A1 - Modules et procédés pour antennes rfid - Google Patents

Modules et procédés pour antennes rfid

Info

Publication number
EP2810338A1
EP2810338A1 EP13704572.0A EP13704572A EP2810338A1 EP 2810338 A1 EP2810338 A1 EP 2810338A1 EP 13704572 A EP13704572 A EP 13704572A EP 2810338 A1 EP2810338 A1 EP 2810338A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
antenna
module
chip
substrate
tape
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP13704572.0A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
David Finn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Feinics Amatech Teoranta Ltd
Original Assignee
Feinics Amatech Teoranta Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/EP2012/066183 external-priority patent/WO2013034426A1/fr
Application filed by Feinics Amatech Teoranta Ltd filed Critical Feinics Amatech Teoranta Ltd
Priority to EP13704572.0A priority Critical patent/EP2810338A1/fr
Priority claimed from PCT/EP2013/052200 external-priority patent/WO2013113945A1/fr
Publication of EP2810338A1 publication Critical patent/EP2810338A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q7/00—Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
    • H01Q1/2208—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles associated with components used in interrogation type services, i.e. in systems for information exchange between an interrogator/reader and a tag/transponder, e.g. in Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] systems
    • H01Q1/2225—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles associated with components used in interrogation type services, i.e. in systems for information exchange between an interrogator/reader and a tag/transponder, e.g. in Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] systems used in active tags, i.e. provided with its own power source or in passive tags, i.e. deriving power from RF signal

Definitions

  • the invention relates to "secure documents" such as electronic passports, electronic ID cards and smart cards (data carriers) having RFID (radio frequency identification) chips or chip modules (CM) and operating in a “contactless” mode (ISO 14443) including dual interface (DI, or DIF) cards which can also operate in contact mode (ISO 7816-2), and more particularly to improving coupling between components within the smart card, such as between a module antenna (MA) connected with the RFID chip (CM) and a booster antenna (BA) in the card body (CB) of the smart card and inductively coupled with the module antenna (MA) and consequent improvements in the RFID chip (CM) interacting with external RFID readers.
  • an RFID transponder generally comprises a substrate, an RFID chip or chip module (CM) disposed on or in the substrate, and an antenna disposed on or in the substrate.
  • the transponder may form the basis of a secure document such as an electronic passport, smart card or national ID card, which may also be referred to as "data carriers”.
  • the chip (CM) may be also referred to as an integrated circuit (IC).
  • the RFID chip (CM) may operate solely in a contactless (non-contact) mode (such as ISO 14443), or may be a dual interface (DI, DIF) chip module (CM) which may additionally be operative to function in a contact mode (such as ISO 7816-2) and a contactless mode.
  • the RFID chip (CM) may harvest energy from an RF signal supplied by an external RFID reader device with which it communicates.
  • the chip module (CM) may be a leadframe-type chip module or an epoxy-glass type chip module.
  • the epoxy-glass module can be metallized on one side (contact side) or on both sides with through-hole plating to facilitate the interconnection with the antenna.
  • the substrate which may be referred to as an "inlay substrate” (such as for electronic passport) or "card body” (such as for smart card) may comprise one or more layers of material such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), PET (doped PE), PET-G (derivative of PE), TeslinTM, Paper or Cotton/Noil, and the like.
  • An antenna which may be referred to as a “card antenna” (CA) may be mounted to the inlay substrate using a sonotrode (ultrasonic tool) and electrically connected with the chip module (CM). See, for example US 6,698,089 and US 6,233,818, incorporated by reference herein.
  • a typical pattern for a card antenna is generally rectangular, in the form of a flat (planar) coil (spiral) having a number of turns, disposed around the periphery of the substrate (or relevant portion thereof). See, for example, US 7,980,477 (2011, Finn).
  • a module antenna (MA) may be incorporated into an antenna module (AM) comprising the RFID chip (CM) and the module antenna (MA).
  • the module antenna (MA) may be quite small (such as approximately 15mm x 15mm), in contrast with the card antenna (CA) (such as approximately 50mm x 80mm).
  • the module antenna (MA) may be inductively coupled rather than electrically connected to the card antenna (CA).
  • the card antenna (CA) may be referred to as a booster antenna (BA).
  • the booster antenna (BA) may comprise a portion disposed around the periphery of the card body (CB), and another portion which may comprise a coupler coil (CC) disposed at an interior area of the card body (CB) for inductively coupling with the module antenna (MA).
  • the terms card antenna (CA) and booster antenna (BA) may be used interchangeably herein.
  • US 20120038445 discloses a transponder with an antenna module (AM) having a chip module (CM) and an antenna (MA); a booster antenna (BA) having outer and inner antenna structures (D,E) in the form of flat coils disposed around the periphery of the card body (CB).
  • the antenna module (AM) may be positioned so that its antenna (MA) overlaps only one of the antenna structures or the second antenna structure, for inductive coupling thereto.
  • a coil assembly for use in an inductively powered transponder includes a primary coil (156) and a secondary coil (158) wrapped around the same coil forming ferrite rod (160).
  • the primary coil's leads (162) are left floating while the secondary coil's leads (164) are connected to the integrated identification circuit of the transponder.
  • a first conductor loop (2) is connected to the semiconductor chip (1) and has at least one winding and a cross-sectional area with approximately the dimensions of the semiconductor chip.
  • At least one second conductor loop (3) has at least one winding, a cross-sectional area with approximately the dimensions of the data carrier configuration and a region forming a third loop (4) with approximately the dimensions of the first conductor loop (2).
  • the third loop (4) inductively couples the first conductor loop (2) and the at least one second conductor loop (3) to one another.
  • US 6,378,774 discloses a smart card comprising an IC module and an antenna for non- contact transmission.
  • the IC module has both a contact-type function and a non-contact-type function.
  • the IC module has a first coupler coil (8), the antenna has a second coupler coil (3).
  • the first and second coupler coils are disposed to be closely coupled to each other, and are coupled in a non-contact state by transformer coupling.
  • Various ways of forming the first coupler coil (8) are shown. For example, in FIG. 14, the first coupler coil (8) is wound around a coil frame (17), which is provided around the seal resin (16) of IC chip (6).
  • US 7,928,918 (2011, Gemalto) entitled Adjusting Resonance Frequency By Adjusting Distributed Inter- Turn Capacity discloses a method for adjusting frequency tuning of a resonant circuit with turns having a regular spacing generating stray inter-turn capacity.
  • a coupling device is formed by a continuous conductive path having a central section (12) and two extremity sections (11, 1 ⁇ ), the central section (12) forming at least a small spiral for inductive coupling with the transponder device, the extremities sections (11, 11 ') forming each one large spiral for inductive coupling with the reader device.
  • a card body (22) includes a device (18) for concentrating and/or amplifying electromagnetic waves, which can channel the electromagnetic flow received, in particular, from a contactless chip card reader toward the coils of the antenna (13) of the microelectronic module (11).
  • the device (18) for concentrating and/or amplifying electromagnetic waves may consist of a metal sheet disposed in the card body (22) below the cavity (23) receiving the microelectronic module (11), or may consist of an antenna consisting of at least one coil, disposed in the card body (22) below the cavity (23) receiving the microelectronic module (11).
  • AM antenna modules
  • SC smart cards
  • a winding core (WC) having a tubular body portion (B) and two ends is mounted by one of its ends to a module tape (MT), a module antenna (MA) is wound around the winding core (WC), a chip (CM) is disposed on the module tape (MT) within the winding core (WC). Connections (wb) are made, and glob- top (GT) is applied over the chip (CM), substantially filling the interior area of the winding core (WC).
  • the module antenna (MA), winding core (WC) and chip (CM) may subsequently be overmolded with a mold mass (MM).
  • the winding core (WC) may have a flange (F) at one end.
  • an antenna module (AM) for a smart card (SC) may comprise: a module tape (MT); a chip (CM) disposed on a surface of the module tape (MT); and a module antenna (MA) disposed on the surface of the module tape (MT), and connected with the chip (CM); characterized by: a support structure (DS, WC) secured to the surface of the module tape (MT), serving as a winding core for the module antenna (MA) and as a dam for glob-top (GT) covering the chip (CM); wherein the support structure (DS, WC) comprises a tubular body portion (B) having two opposite open ends, one of which is secured to the surface of the module tape (MT), the other of which is a free end.
  • the support structure (WC) may have a flange (F) disposed around the free end of the body portion (B).
  • the module antenna (MA) may be disposed external to the body portion (B); and the chip (CM) may be disposed on the module tape (MT) internal to the body portion (B).
  • At least one slot (S) may extending through the body portion (B) to allow corresponding at least one end of the module antenna (MA) to pass through the body portion (B) from external the body portion (B) to internal the body portion (B).
  • Glob- top may cover at least the chip (CM), within the support structure.
  • a mold mass (MM) may cover the chip (CM) the support structure (DS, WC) and the module antenna (MA).
  • Contact pads (CP) may be disposed on an opposite surface of the module tape (MT) for a contact interface.
  • a smart card may comprise the antenna module (AM) disposed in a card body (CB) having a booster antenna (BA) having an outer portion disposed around a periphery of the card body (CB) and a coupler coil (CC) disposed at an interior area of the card body (CB); wherein the antenna module (AM) is disposed at the interior area of the card body (CB) for inductive coupling of the module antenna (MA) with the coupler coil (CC).
  • a recess (R) may be provided in the card body (CB) for receiving the antenna module (AM). At least a portion of the coupler coil (CC) may be embedded in the recess (R).
  • a method of making an antenna module may comprise: affixing a tubular support structure (DS, WC) having two opposite open ends on a surface of a module tape (MT); and winding a wire for a module antenna (MA) around the tubular support structure (DS, WC).
  • the module antenna (MA) may be wound using a flyer winding technique. Before winding the wire around the support structure, a first end of the wire for forming the module antenna (MA) may be secured to a first pin; and a first end portion of the wire may be passed over a first bond pad (BP) on the module tape (MT).
  • a second end portion of the wire may be passed over a second bond pad (BP) on the module tape (MT); and a second end of the wire for forming the module antenna (MA) may be secured to a second pin.
  • the first and second end portions may be connected to the first and second bond pads.
  • a method of making an antenna module may comprise: mounting a module antenna (MA) to a module tape (MT); mounting and connecting a chip (CM) to the module tape (MT); covering the chip (CM) and its connections with resin (GT); characterized by: the chip (CM) and its connections are covered with resin (GT) by filling an interior area of the module antenna (MA) with resin after mounting the module antenna (MA) and after mounting and connecting the chip (CM).
  • a smart card may comprise a card body (CB) and an antenna module (AM).
  • the card body (CB) may have a booster antenna (BA) comprising windings disposed around the periphery of the card body (CB) and a coupler coil (CC) disposed at an interior area of the card body (CB).
  • An antenna module (AM) having a module antenna (MA) may be disposed in a recess of the card body (CB), within the interior of the coupler coil (CC), and may be substantially coplanar with the coupler coil (CC), so that the module antenna (MA) couples inductively (transformer coupling) with the coupler coil (CC).
  • an antenna module (AM) for a smart card (SC) may comprise: a substrate (MT, 202, 402); a chip (CM, 1010) disposed on a surface of the substrate (MT) and flip-chip connected (FIGs.
  • CM chip
  • a support structure (DS, WC, 220, 420) secured to the surface of the substrate (MT), serving as a winding core for the antenna (MA); wherein the support structure (DS, WC, 220, 420) comprises a tubular body portion (B) having two opposite open ends (220a/b, 420a b), one of which is secured to the surface of the substrate (MT), the other of which is a free end.
  • a method of making an antenna module may comprise: flip chip mounting and bonding a chip (CM) to a substrate (MT); characterized by: affixing a tubular support structure (DS, WC, 220, 420) having two opposite open ends (220a/b, 410a b) on a surface of the substrate (MT, 202, 402); and winding a wire for an antenna (MA) around the tubular support structure (DS, WC).
  • a conductive material (1014, 1024) may be applied to at least one of bumps (1012) on the chip (CM, 1010) and pads (1022) on the substrate (1020).
  • the conductive material may comprise silver nanowires.
  • an antenna module (AM) for a smart card (SC) may comprise: a module substrate (MT); and a chip (CM) disposed on a surface of the module substrate (MT); characterized by: an antenna (MA) disposed on an antenna substrate (AS) which is separate from the module substrate (MT); an opening (OP) in the antenna substrate (AS) for accommodating the chip (CM) when the antenna substrate (AS) is joined to the module substrate (MT).
  • the chip (CM) may be flip-chip mounted and connected to module substrate (MT).
  • the antenna (MA) may comprise wire embedded in the antenna substrate (AS), or may be etched from a metal layer on the antenna substrate (AS), such as by laser etching (ablation).
  • FIGs The figures may generally be in the form of diagrams. Some elements in the figures may be exaggerated, others may be omitted, for illustrative clarity. Some figures may be in the form of diagrams. Although the invention is generally described in the context of various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments, and individual features of various embodiments may be combined with one another. Any text (legends, notes, reference numerals and the like) appearing on the drawings are incorporated by reference herein.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a dual interface (DI) smart card (SC), showing antenna module (AM) with module antenna (MA), and external "contact” and “contactless” reader devices.
  • DI dual interface
  • AM antenna module
  • MA module antenna
  • FIGs. 1A, IB, 1C are cross-sectional view of some antenna modules (AMs).
  • FIG. ID is a diagram showing a smart card (SC) with an antenna module (AM) having a chip (CM) that is flip chip mounted to the module tape (MT).
  • SC smart card
  • AM antenna module
  • CM chip
  • MT module tape
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna module (AM) having a module antenna (MA) disposed on a dam structure (DS), and FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the dam structure (DS).
  • AM antenna module
  • MA module antenna
  • DS dam structure
  • FIGs. 2B, 2C are plan views of the underside of a module tape (MT) for an antenna module (AM).
  • MT module tape
  • AM antenna module
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view and FIG. 3A is a plan view of techniques for forming module antennas
  • MAs such as on winding cores (WCs) of antenna modules (AMs).
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a winding core (WC) upon which a module antenna (MA) may be wound.
  • FIGs. 4A-4F are cross-sectional views showing forming an antenna modules (AM) having its module antenna (MA) on a winding cores (WC).
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing an antenna module (AM) being installed in a card body (CB) of a smart card (SC).
  • AM antenna module
  • CB card body
  • SC smart card
  • FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an antenna module (AM) having a double-sided module tape (MT) with vias and openings extending through the module tape (MT).
  • AM antenna module
  • MT double-sided module tape
  • FIG. 6B is a diagram showing exemplary contact pad (CP) layout/assignments for the antenna modules
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram in cross-section showing a module antenna (MA) having one coil.
  • FIG. 7A is a diagram in cross-section showing a module antenna (MA) having two coils.
  • FIG. 7B is a diagram showing connecting the two coils of the module antenna (MA).
  • FIG. 7C is plan view of the underside of a module tape (MT) for an antenna module (AM), showing an antenna structure (AS) having two antenna segments (MAI, MA2).
  • MT module tape
  • AS antenna structure
  • MAI antenna segment
  • FIG. 7D is a diagrammatic view of an antenna structure (AS).
  • FIG. 7E is a diagram showing glob top over a chip (CM) of an antenna module (AM).
  • FIG. 7F is a diagram showing overmolding a chip (CM) and module antenna (MA) of an antenna module (AM)
  • FIG. 8A is a side view diagram of a chip module with wire-bonded IC.
  • FIG. 8B is a side view diagram of a chip module with flip chip on substrate.
  • FIG. 8C is a plan view of a substrate with an antenna, such as for use with the chip module of FIG. 8B.
  • FIG. 8D is a diagram of an 8-pad pattern for ISO 7816 contacts.
  • FIG. 8E is a diagram of a 6-pad pattern for ISO 7816 contacts.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a flip-chip antenna module (FCAM).
  • FCAM flip-chip antenna module
  • FIG. 10 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a technique for flip-chip mounting a chip to a substrate.
  • FIG. 11 is a plan view of an antenna substrate (AS).
  • AS antenna substrate
  • FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view taken on a line 1 lA-11A through FIG. 11.
  • transponders in the form of secure documents which may be smart cards or national ID cards may be discussed as exemplary of various features and embodiments of the invention(s) disclosed herein. As will be evident, many features and embodiments may be applicable to (readily incorporated in) other forms of secure documents, such as electronic passports.
  • any one of the terms "transponder”, “smart card”, “data carrier”, and the like may be interpreted to refer to any other of the devices similar thereto which operate under ISO 14443 or similar RFID standard. The following standards are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein:
  • ISO/IEC 14443 Identity cards - Contactless integrated circuit cards - Proximity cards
  • ISO/IEC 14443 is an international standard that defines proximity cards used for identification, and the transmission protocols for communicating with it.
  • ISO/IEC 7816 is an international standard related to electronic identification cards with contacts, especially smart cards.
  • a typical data carrier described herein may comprise (i) an antenna module (AM) having an RFID chip or chip module (CM) and a module antenna (MA), (ii) a card body (CB) and (iii) a booster antenna (BA) disposed on the card body (CB) to enhance coupling between the module antenna (MA) and the antenna of an external RFID "reader".
  • CM RFID chip or chip module
  • MA module antenna
  • BA booster antenna
  • the module antenna (MA) may comprise a coil of wire, conductive traces etched or printed on a module tape (MT) substrate for the antenna module (AM), or may be incorporated directly on the chip itself.
  • CM bare integrated circuit
  • FIGs. 8A and 8B present examples that are specifically “chip modules” having IC chips (such as a “CM”) mounted and connected to substrates.
  • a “chip module” (die and carrier) with a module antenna (MA) mounted and connected thereto may be referred to as an antenna module (AM).
  • the booster antenna may be formed by embedding wire in an inlay substrate or card body (CB).
  • the antenna may be formed using a processes other than by embedding wire in a substrate, such as additive or subtractive processes such as printed antenna structures, coil winding techniques (such as disclosed in US 6,295,720), antenna structures formed on a separate antenna substrate and transferred to the inlay substrate (or layer thereof), antenna structures etched (including laser etching) from a conductive layer on the substrate, conductive material deposited on the substrate or in channels formed in the substrate, or the like.
  • inlay substrate is referred to herein, it should be taken to include “card body”, and vice versa, as well as any other substrate for a secure document, unless explicitly otherwise stated.
  • a booster antenna is similar to a card antenna (CA).
  • CA card antenna
  • the booster antenna (BA) is inductively coupled with the module antenna (MA) which may be connected with the RFID chip (CM).
  • CM RFID chip
  • the term “coupling” refers to inductive, magnetic, capacitive or reactive coupling (including combinations thereof, any of which may be referred to as “inductive coupling”) between two elements relying on the generation of an electromagnetic field by a given element and the reaction to (interaction with) the field(s) by another element.
  • the term “connecting” refers to two elements being electrically connected with one another wherein the interaction between the two elements results from the flow of electrons between the two elements. Typically, two elements which are inductively coupled with one another are not electrically connected with one another.
  • Elements which are coils of wire such as a module antenna MA and a coupler coil CC disposed near each other are generally inductively coupled with one another, without any electrical connection between the two elements.
  • the module antenna MA is generally electrically connected with the RFID chip (CM) element.
  • the windings and coils of the booster antenna BA such as outer winding OW, inner winding IW and coupler coil CC elements, are generally electrically connected with one another, but may also exhibit inductive coupling with one another.
  • the module antenna MA and coupler coil CC are not electrically connected with one another, but are inductively coupled (or “transformer coupled") with one another.
  • the booster antenna BA (and other features) disclosed herein may increase the effective operative ("reading") distance between the antenna module AM and an external contactless reader with capacitive and inductive coupling. With reading distances typically on the order of only a few centimeters, an increase of 1cm can represent a significant improvement.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a dual interface (DI) smart card SC comprising:
  • an RFID chip (or chip module) CM, which may be a dual interface (DI) chip or chip module, disposed on an underside of a substrate or module tape MT (or chip carrier tape, or metal leadframe.);
  • DI dual interface
  • a module antenna MA disposed on the underside of the module tape MT typically formed from an etched conductor or wire, in a spiral (coil) pattern.
  • the module tape MT supports and effects interconnections between the RFID chip CM, contact pads CP and module antenna MA, and may be single-sided, having metallization on only one side, or double-sided, having metallization on both sides.
  • the RFID chip CM may be connected in any suitable manner, such as flip-chip connected or wire bonded to the module tape MT.
  • the RFID chip CM and module antenna MA may be overmolded by a mold mass MM, for protecting the CM and MA components, and interconnections.
  • chip module includes one or more bare semiconductor dice (chips), including integrated circuit (IC) chips.
  • a “hybrid” chip module may comprise a chip for contact interface and a chip for contactless interface, or the like.
  • US 6,378,774 2002, Toppan
  • US 2010/0176205 2010/0176205
  • a ferrite element (film or layer) may be incorporated into the antenna module AM, between the contact pads CP and the module antenna MA to reduce attenuating effects which may be caused by the conductive contact pads CP.
  • the RFID chip CM, chip tape MT, contact pads CP and module antenna MA constitute an "antenna module” AM.
  • the smart card SC further comprises:
  • a substrate which for smart cards may be referred to as a "card body” CB.
  • the substrate would be an “inlay substrate”.
  • booster antenna BA (or card antenna CA) is shown disposed around (just within) the periphery of the card body CB, typically in the form of a rectangular, planar spiral having a number of turns.
  • card body CB is intended to embrace any substrate supporting the booster antenna BA and receiving the antenna module AM.
  • a recess may be provided in the card body CB for receiving the antenna module AM.
  • the smart card may be referred to as a "data carrier”, or “transponder”, or the like.
  • Some exemplary and/or approximate dimensions, materials and specifications may be:
  • CM Chip Module
  • Antenna Module 15mm x 15mm and 300 ⁇ thick
  • Module Antenna (MA): several windings of approximately 50 ⁇ copper wire, surrounding the chip module CM.
  • Card Body CB approximately 54 mm x 86 mm, 810 ⁇ thick, polycarbonate (PC).
  • the card body and its card antenna (CA, or booster antenna BA) are significantly (such as 20 times) larger than the chip module CM and its module antenna MA.
  • Booster Antenna BA 3-12 turns of 112 ⁇ copper, self -bonding wire, ultrasonically embedded in the card body CB.
  • the booster antenna BA may comprise insulated 80 ⁇ copper wire, disposed in a spiral pattern approximately 46mm x 76mm (slightly smaller than the card body CB), pitch of the turns 300 ⁇ , exhibiting a resonant frequency of 13.56 MHz.
  • the optimized self-resonance frequency of the booster antenna BA may be approximately 13 - 17 MHz.
  • a booster antenna with external sections forming a large spiral (11, 11 ') and a central portion forming a small spiral (12) may be found in US 8,130,166 (2012, "Assa Abloy"), incorporated by reference herein.
  • the large spiral is comparable (or analogous) to the BA in FIG. 1
  • the small spiral is comparable to the CC in FIG. 1.
  • An example of a booster antenna with an antenna coil (4) and a coupler coil (3) may be found in US 6,378,774 (2002, "Toppan”) incorporated by reference herein.
  • the antenna coil is comparable (or analogous) to the BA in FIG. 1
  • the coupler coil is comparable to the CC in FIG. 1.
  • the present invention is not limited to the use of any specific booster antenna, rather it is directed to particulars of the antenna module AM and its manufacture.
  • a material exhibiting electromagnetic coupling properties such as ferrite
  • ferrite may be disposed as a thin film on surface of the card body CB or may be incorporated or embedded as particles in the card body, or both (film and particles), in any desired pattern.
  • the use of ferrite as a material to enhance coupling or to shield (prevent) coupling is discussed herein as exemplary of a material exhibiting high electromagnetic permeability, often being used in one form or another in conjunction with antennas. See, for example, US 5,084,699 (1992, "Trovan").
  • Additional layers may be laminated to the card body CB to complete the construction of the smart card.
  • the antenna module may be disposed in the card body (CB), such as in a milled recess so that its module antenna MA overlaps, or is within, is substantially coplanar with or on another level from the coupler coil CC. See, for example, US 6,378,774 (2002, Toppan), incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
  • FIG. 1 further illustrates a contact reader having contacts for interacting (providing power and exchanging data) with the chip module CM via the contact pads CP in a contact mode (ISO 7816), and a contactless reader having an antenna for interacting with the chip module CM via the booster antenna BA and the module antenna MA (alternatively via a card antenna CA) in a contactless mode (ISO 14443).
  • a contact reader having contacts for interacting (providing power and exchanging data) with the chip module CM via the contact pads CP in a contact mode (ISO 7816)
  • a contactless reader having an antenna for interacting with the chip module CM via the booster antenna BA and the module antenna MA (alternatively via a card antenna CA) in a contactless mode (ISO 14443).
  • An embodiment of an Antenna Module (AM)
  • FIG. 1A shows an antenna module (AM) 100 having an RFID chip (CM) 110 and a wound wire module antenna (MA) 130, both of which may be wire bonded to bond pads (BP) 106 on a lower surface of a module tape (MT) 102. More particularly,
  • an epoxy glass substrate (MT) 102 having a number of contact pads (CP) 104 on its top (as viewed) surface for making a contact interface with an external reader in a "contact mode" of operation, and a number of bond pads (BP) 106 disposed on an opposite surface of the module tape (MT) 102;
  • CP contact pads
  • BP bond pads
  • the chip (CM) 110 may be mounted to the underside (as viewed) of the module tape (MT) 102 with its terminals (CT) 110a, 110b connected such as by conventional wire bonding to selected ones of the bond pads (BP) 106 on the underside (as viewed) of the module tape (MT) 102. Only two of the wire bond connections 114a and 114b are shown, for illustrative clarity,
  • a module antenna (MA) 130 comprising (for example) several turns of wire, such as in a 3x6 configuration (3 layers, each layer having 6 turns), and having two ends 130a and 130b.
  • the module antenna 130 may be connected by its ends 130a, 130b such as be thermo compression bonding to two of the bond pads (BP) 106 on the underside of the module tape (MT) 102, as illustrated.
  • the interior area of the module antenna MA may be filled with resin GT, the module antenna MA acting as a "dam" to contain the resin GT. See FIG. IB
  • the module antenna MA and its ends, as well as the chip CM and its connections (which may already be covered with resin GT) may be overmolded with a mold mass (MM).
  • MM mold mass
  • the aggregate of the elements described above, generally the module tape (MT) 102, chip module (CM) 110 and module antenna (MA) 130 may be referred to as an "antenna module” (AM) 100.
  • the module tape MT may be referred to as "double sided” because it has conductive elements formed in metallic layers (metallization) on both the top and bottom surfaces thereof (contact pads CP on the top surface, bond pads BPs on the bottom surface. Conductive elements, such as vias, internal to the module tape MT are omitted, for illustrative clarity.
  • the module tape may alternatively be "single sided" having metallization on only side thereof, such as only on the top (face-up) side, for the contact pads CP.
  • openings may extend through the module tape MT for making connections from the chip CM and/or module antenna MA disposed on the underside of the module tape MT to the back surfaces of selected ones of the contact pads CP on the top surface of the module tape MT.
  • FIG. 1C illustrates a module antenna (MA), or coil subassembly 130, that can be used in antenna modules disclosed herein, such as (but not limited to) the antenna module of FIG. 1A.
  • a coil of wire 112 for the module antenna (MA) may be wound, using any suitable coil-winding tool, and disposed on a film support layer 132.
  • the module antenna MA may comprise several turns of wire, and may be in the form of a ring (cylinder), having an inner diameter (ID) of approximately 9mm, and an outer diameter (OD) of approximately 10mm.
  • the film support layer 132 may be nitrile film, 60 ⁇ thick and have overall outer dimensions of approximately 10-15mm x 10-15mm, or approximately twice as large (across, in one dimension) as the module antenna MA which will be mounted thereto.
  • a central opening 134 may be provided through the film 132, generally aligned with the position of the module antenna MA, and having a diameter which is nearly as large as the ID of the module antenna MA.
  • the opening 134 may be formed by a punching operation.
  • the opening 134 is for accommodating a chip CM (such as 110, FIG. 1A) and its wire bonds when the antenna module AM is assembled.
  • Two openings 136a and 136b may be provided (in the same punching operation as the central opening 134) through the film 132 for accommodating bonding of the antenna wire ends 112a and 112b, respectively, to the bond pads BP (106, FIG. 1A) on the module tape MT (102).
  • a release liner 138 may be provided on one side of the film 132, such as the side opposite the module antenna MA.
  • the central opening 134 may or may not extend through the release liner 138, which may be paper, having a thickness of approximately 60 ⁇ .
  • the module antenna MA 112 may be filled with resin to protect the chip CM and its connections.
  • the module antenna MA may be connected before connecting the chip CM so as to avoid damaging the chip CM connections.
  • FIG. ID illustrates a DIF smart card comprising:
  • a dual interface (DIF) RFID chip CM disposed on an underside of a substrate or module tape MT; a number (such as six) of contact pads CP for implementing a contact interface (ISO 7816) on a top side of the module tape MT; and
  • the substrate MT supports and effects interconnections between the chip CM, contact pads CP and module antenna MA, and may be single-sided, having metallization on only one side, or double-sided, having metallization on both sides.
  • the chip CM may be connected in any suitable manner, such as flip-chip connected (as illustrated in FIG. ID) or wire bonded (as illustrated in FIG. 1A to the module tape MT).
  • chip module includes one or more bare semiconductor dice (chips).
  • a “hybrid” chip module may comprise a chip for contact interface and a chip for contactless interface, or the like.
  • US 6,378,774 Topicpan, 2002
  • US 2010/0176205 SPS, 2010
  • two chip solution wherein one chip performs the contact function and the other chip performs the contactless function.
  • chip module CM
  • chip tape MT contact pads CP
  • module antenna MA constitute an "antenna module” AM.
  • the smart card further comprises:
  • a substrate which for smart cards may be referred to as a "card body” CB.
  • the substrate would be an “inlay substrate”.
  • a booster antenna BA may also have a coupler coil at an interior portion of the card body CB, such as surrounding the recess for the antenna module AM, see FIG. 1.
  • card body CB is intended to embrace any substrate supporting card antenna CA and receiving the antenna module AM.
  • a recess may be provided in the card body for receiving the antenna module AM.
  • Module Tape epoxy-based tape (or Kapton), 75 ⁇ - 1 ⁇ thick
  • CM Chip Module
  • Antenna Module 13mm x 11.8mm and 195 ⁇ thick
  • Module Antenna (MA): several windings of 50 ⁇ or 80 ⁇ copper wire, approximately the size of the chip module CM (and not greater in size than the AM)
  • Card body CB 85.6mm x 53.97mm, 760 ⁇ thick, polycarbonate (PC).
  • the card body and its card antenna are significantly (such as 30 times) larger than the chip module CM and its module antenna MA.
  • Card Antenna CA 7 turns of 112 ⁇ copper, self-bonding wire, ultrasonically embedded in the card body CB.
  • Additional layers may be laminated to the card body to complete the construction of the smart card.
  • FIG. ID further illustrates a contact reader having contacts for interacting (providing power and exchanging data) with the RFID chip CM via the contact pads CP in a contact mode (ISO 7816), and a contactless reader having an antenna for interacting with the chip module CM via the card antenna CA and the module antenna MA.
  • a contact reader having contacts for interacting (providing power and exchanging data) with the RFID chip CM via the contact pads CP in a contact mode (ISO 7816)
  • a contactless reader having an antenna for interacting with the chip module CM via the card antenna CA and the module antenna MA.
  • FIG. 2 shows that a dam structure (or simply "dam") DS 220 may be disposed on the underside (top, as viewed) of the module tape MT 202, and affixed thereto (such as with an adhesive).
  • the module tape MT 202 is illustrated inverted in contrast with FIGs. 1, 1A, ID, the contact pads CP 204 being on the bottom, as viewed, in this figure.
  • the dam DS 230 which may be referred to as a "winding core WC” or a “support structure” or simply as a “ring”, has an elongate tubular body portion B and two opposite open ends 230a and 230b, and may be cylindrical (as illustrated) or substantially rectangular in cross-section (or any other suitable shape).
  • One end 230b of the body portion B is mounted to the module tape MT, using a suitable adhesive, the other end 230a is a free end (un-mounted).
  • the dam DS may be formed of a plastic material such as Mylar, having a thickness 't' of approximately 200 ⁇ .
  • the inner diameter (ID) of the dam DS may be approximately 7mm
  • the outer diameter (OD) of the dam DS may be approximately 8mm.
  • the cross-section of the dam DS may be substantially rectangular, or other suitable shape (for winding an module antenna MA thereupon), in which case “ID” would be inner dimension, and “OD” would be outer dimension of the body portion B.
  • a module antenna MA 230 (compare 130) having several layers and turns of self -bonding wire may be wound on the dam DS.
  • the dam DS should have a height 'h' which is at least as high as the resulting module antenna MA, such as approximately 350 ⁇ .
  • the dam DS may be impregnated with ferrite to increase the inductance of the module antenna MA.
  • a fixture (not shown) may be used to support the DS during winding the module antenna MA.
  • the resulting interim product comprising a module antenna MA and dam DS mounted to a module tape MT, may be considered to be a subassembly for an antenna module AM.
  • the two ends a, b (compare 112a, 112b) of the module antenna MA are shown, extending outwardly, to bond pads BP 206 (compare 106) on the surface of the module tape MT.
  • An RFID chip CM 210 (compare 110) may be subsequently be mounted to surface of the module tape MT, within the interior of the dam DS and wire-bonded from its terminals CT to bond pads BP on the underside (top, as viewed in FIG. 2) of the module tape MT. Then, glob-top potting compound GT (not shown) may be applied within the interior of the dam DS to protect the chip CM and wire bonds, resulting in a substantially complete antenna module AM 200.
  • the RFID chip CM and module antenna MA may be overmolded by a mold mass MM (not shown, see FIG. 1), for protecting the chip CM and module MA components, and respective interconnections to bond pads BP on the module tape MT, completing the antenna module AM.
  • FIG. 2A shows that at least one slot S 232 may be provided through the body portion B of the dam DS (winding core WC) to accommodate corresponding at least one end (a, b) of the module antenna MA wire (not shown) passing therethrough, inwardly, from external to the body portion B to the "interior" space enclosed by the dam DS.
  • One or both ends (a, b) of the module antenna MA may extend inwardly, through one or two slots in the body portion B (two ends can extend through a single slot, at different levels) so that the ends (a, b) terminate in an area on the module tape MT enclosed by the dam DS.
  • the slot(s) S should be sized to (wide enough) accommodate the diameter of the antenna wire passing therethrough. Having the ends of the antenna wire terminate interior to the dam DS has the advantage that they can be protected by the same glob-top GT that protects the chip CM (see FIG. 4E).
  • FIG. 2B illustrates a technique for forming one of many module antennas MA on a winding core WC on a 35 mm chip carrier tape (module tape MT).
  • the two ends a, b of the module antenna MA wire may extend inward (such as though one or more slots in the winding core WC), for bonding to bond pads BP disposed on the module tape MT internal to the winding core WC.
  • the winding core WC may be omitted, and the module antenna MA may be an air-core coil.
  • FIG. 2C illustrates a technique for forming one of many module antennas MA on a winding core WC on a 35 mm chip carrier tape (module tape MT).
  • the two ends a, b of the module antenna MA wire may extend outward for bonding to bond pads BP disposed on the module tape MT external to the winding core WC (in the manner shown in FIG. 2).
  • the winding core WC may be omitted, and the module antenna MA may be an air-core coil.
  • the two ends a, b of the module antenna MA wire may extend outward, and are connected to bonding pads BP on the module tape MT external the winding core WC.
  • the winding core WC may be omitted, and the module antenna may be an air-core coil.
  • FIGs. 2B and 2C a square pad is shown for receiving the chip CM.
  • a number of smaller bond pads are shown inside the winding cores WC which are connected internally to the module tape to the contact pads CP (not shown) on the face-up side of the module tape MT, and various contact terminals of the chip may be wire bonded thereto, followed by glob-top filling of the winding core WC to protect the wire bonds.
  • some interconnects are shown, others may be omitted, for illustrative clarity.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a plurality (approximately fifteen) of module antennas MA, such as the type shown in FIG. 2C (ends extending outward from WC) being wound on winding cores WC, on a 35mm chip carrier tape (module tape MT).
  • the winding cores WC may be disposed in two rows, two winding cores WC conveniently fitting side-by-side across the width of the 35mm carrier tape.
  • the 35mm chip carrier tape may advance along a stage, stopping to have a number (such as two) of modules antennas MA wound at a time.
  • a plurality (such as fifteen) of pairs of retractable "fixation" pins extend from the stage, adjacent the 35mm carrier tape, on both sides thereof, each pair of pins being associated with each of the (fifteen) winding cores WC.
  • a lesser number (fewer), such as two, of nozzles may be provided for supplying and winding the wire for the module antenna MA around a like number (such as two) of wire cores WC.
  • the nozzle may first wrap a first end of the wire around a first of the pair of pins, securing (anchoring, "fixing") the first end of the wire to the first pin.
  • the nozzle then moves towards the winding core WC, a first end portion of the wire extending (passing) over (across) a first of two bond pads BP on the module tape MT. Then the nozzle "flies" (orbits) around the winding core WC, a number (such as twenty) of times, winding the wire around the winding core WC - hence, the nomenclature "flyer” winding technique. After completing the designated number (such as twenty) of turns, the nozzle heads away from the winding core WC, a second end portion of the wire passing over a second of the two bond pads for the module antenna MA, to secure (tie off) the second end of the wire on the second of the pair of pins. Then the end portions of the wire passing over the two bond pads BP for the module antenna MA may be bonded to the respective bond pads.
  • module antennas MA it may be convenient to first form a plurality of module antennas MA, before bonding the end portions of the module antennas BP. Note in the figure that several /(six) module antennas MA have already been formed, with their two end portions extending over bond pads BP and tied off to a corresponding pairs of pins. Then, in a subsequent step, the end portions of the module antennas MA can be bonded (such as using a thermode) to the respective bond pads BP. After completing formation of the module antennas MA, residual portions (between the bond pads BP and associated pins) of the ends of the wire may be cut, the pins retracted, and "waste" wire removed such a with a suction system.
  • the formation of the module antenna MAs and bonding of their end portions to respective bond pads BP may be performed prior to inserting the chip CM onto module tape MT. By completing these steps before wire bonding of the chip CM (see, for example, FIG. 4D), the wire bonds to the chip CM will not disturbed during bonding of the ends of the module antenna MA.
  • the flyer winding technique illustrated in FIG. 3 is applicable to winding a module antenna MA on the dam structure DS of FIGs. 2,2A, as well as on the dam structure WC of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 3A shows some additional detail and/or variation(s) on the technique described above.
  • a row of four antenna modules (AMs) being formed are shown disposed along one side of a 35mm carrier tape.
  • a plurality of tubular, open-ended support structures (WC, DS) have been placed at a corresponding plurality of sites for forming a corresponding plurality of antenna modules AMs.
  • a plurality of retractable fixation pins for the wire ends are integrated into the shuttle (stage).
  • a pair of these pins (labeled #a, #b) is located adjacent the carrier tape at each corresponding site for an antenna modules.
  • An exemplary method of forming a sequence of module antennas MAs at sites for antenna modules AMs may comprise some or all of the following steps, in generally (but not limited to) the following sequence
  • the wire may be clamped by a clamping mechanism.
  • the wire may then be guided by the nozzle past a first pin la of a first pair (la, lb) of retractable fixation pins associated with a first (shown at the right) of the antenna modules AMs.
  • the winding nozzle may be controlled by an x-y-z servo system (not shown)
  • the wire may then be guided past a first opening in the shuttle to a first of the winding cores WC associated with the first antenna module AM
  • the openings in the shuttle may facilitate disconnection of the wire during bonding (occurs later)
  • the nozzle then moves (orbits) around the winding core WC, forming a predetermined number (such as 20) of turns of wire for the module antenna MA
  • the nozzle is then guided outwards, past the edge of the 35mm carrier tape, passing over a second opening in the shuttle, to the second lb of the first pair of retractable pins associated with the first antenna module
  • the nozzle guides the wire partially (such as approximately 90 degrees) around the second pin lb towards a first pin 2a of a next pair of pins (2a, 2b) associated with a next (second from the right) of the antenna modules.
  • This partial wrap of the wire may be sufficient to anchor (secure) the wire to the pin 2a.
  • the nozzle guides the wire around the pin 2a towards the wire core of the second (from the right) antenna module, passing over another opening in the shuttle.
  • the nozzle then moves (orbits) around the second winding core WC, forming a predetermined number (such as 20) of turns of wire for the module antenna MA.
  • the wire can be cut, pins retracted, and residual wire removed.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a winding core WC 420 upon which a module antenna MA may be wound.
  • the winding core WC which may be referred to as a "support structure” may be made of a plastic material, such as glass fiber reinforced PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide).
  • the winding core WC may be in the form of a ring, or tubular structure, having a circular or substantially rectangular cross-section, and two opposite open ends 420a, 420b, one of which ends will be secured (affixed) to the underside of a module tape MT, the other of which is a free end (un-mounted).
  • the winding core WC comprises a main body portion B 422, and a flange portion F 424 extending radially (to the left or right, as viewed) outward from the top (as viewed) free end of the body portion B. (This is in contrast with the dam DS 220 in which both ends are essentially the same as one another.)
  • the flange F serves to stiffen the body portion B, and also to constrain (contain) the windings of the module antenna MA as it is being wound.
  • the flange F when installed on the module tape MT, the flange F serves as one flange of a "bobbin", the surface of the module tape MT serves as the second flange of the "bobbin”.
  • the module antenna MA will be wound in a coil winding area between the two "bobbin" flanges.
  • FIG. 4 shows a portion of the module tape MT in phantom (dashed lines), and indicates the coil winding area formed between the flange F and the underside surface of the module tape MT.
  • the module tape MT may be epoxy-glass, copper-clad on both sides, etched to form bond pads BP on the underside, contact pads CP on the face-up side.
  • the winding core WC 420 may have the following dimensions (approximate):
  • width fw of the flange F ⁇ 0.5 mm
  • the coil winding area between the flange F and the surface of the module tape MT may accommodate (contain) approximately 20 turns of 112 ⁇ diameter self -bonding wire for the module antenna MA. Wire having other diameters, greater or less than 112 ⁇ may be used for the module antenna MA.
  • a process for forming a module antenna MA 430 on the winding core WC, further forming an antenna module AM is described with respect to FIGs. 4A - 4F, and generally comprises:
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a first step, wherein the winding core WC 420 is affixed to the module tape MT, such as with an adhesive.
  • the adhesive may be applied to either of the end 420b of the winding core WC or the surface of the module tape MT.
  • the final thickness of the adhesive may be approximately 30 ⁇ .
  • the winding core WC may be affixed to the module tape MT without adhesive, such as by spin-welding (a frictional welding technique).
  • a winding core WC (or simply "ring”) may be placed at a plurality of locations along a 35mm carrier tape in preparation for coil winding (winding of the module antenna MA on the winding core WC, or dam DS). This step may be referred to as "ring placement".
  • Contact pads CPs (compare 104) for a contact interface (with an external reader) are shown in on the face-up (bottom, as viewed) surface of the module tape MT, for a dual interface (DI) antenna module AM.
  • DI dual interface
  • the invention can be practiced in the context of an antenna module AM that operates solely in contactless mode, without such contact pads CP.
  • FIG. 4B illustrates the winding core WC affixed (assembled, mounted) to the module tape MT.
  • a coil winding area is formed between the flange F and the surface of the module tape MT.
  • the adhesive is omitted, for illustrative clarity.
  • FIG. 4C illustrates a next step, wherein the module antenna MA 430 is wound on the winding core WC, around the body portion B, in the coil winding area between the flange F and the surface of the module tape MT. This may be done in the manner shown in and described with respect to FIG. 3 (using the "flyer" winding technique). Other coil winding techniques may be used to form the coils of the module antenna MA.
  • the ends (a, b) of the module antenna MA, extending outward from the winding core WC, may be connected with respective bond pads BP in this step.
  • the winding core 420 may have at least one slot (S), comparable to the at least one slot (S) shown in FIG. 2B, to allow the ends (a, b) of the module antenna MA to extend to bond pads (BP) located the inside of the winding core WC.
  • the coils (turns) of wire may not be so neatly arranged, as illustrated. Nevertheless, the coils (turns) of wire are constrained within the coil winding area by the flange F and the surface of the module tape MT, as shown.
  • the module antenna MA may comprise a total of 20 turns (coils) of wire in the coil winding area, and two ends (a, b) extending over respective bond pads BP on the surface of the module tape MT.
  • FIG. 4D illustrates a next step of forming the antenna module MA, wherein the chip CM (compare 110) is installed in the interior area of the winding core WC. Then, wire bonds wb (compare 114a, 114b) may be formed between the terminals (compare 110a, 110b) of the chip 110 and selected ones of the bond pads BP on the surface of the module tape MT. The ends (a, b) of the module antenna MA may also be bonded to the selected ones of the bond pads BP on the surface of the module tape MT in this step, if they were not previously connected.
  • wire bonds wb (compare 114a, 114b) may be formed between the terminals (compare 110a, 110b) of the chip 110 and selected ones of the bond pads BP on the surface of the module tape MT.
  • the ends (a, b) of the module antenna MA may also be bonded to the selected ones of the bond pads BP on the surface of the module tape MT in this step, if they were
  • FIG. 4E illustrates a next step, wherein the interior area of the winding core WC may be filled with glob- top potting compound GT, or the like, to protect the chip CM and wire bonds wb. If heat is applied to cure the glob-top GT, the heat may also cause sticking together of the self -bonding wire forming the turns (coils) of the module antenna MA.
  • FIG. 4F illustrates a next step, wherein a mold mass MM may be formed (by overmolding) over the module antenna MA, the ends (a, b) of the module antenna MA, the winding core WC, the glob-top GT (including over the chip CM and wire bonds).
  • the mold mass MM may extend over the outer edge (lip) of the flange F, slightly into the coil winding area (except where there is wire), which may helping retain the mold mass MM in place.
  • the dam structure DS (FIG. 2), which is also affixed at one end to the module tape MT, if used in lieu of the winding core WC, may also help to support (retain, capture) the mold mass MM.
  • Toppan '774 shows (FIG. 14) a coil wound around a coil frame or core having flanges mounted around the epoxy resin protecting the die and wire bonds to the die.
  • FIG. 14 shows (FIG. 14) a coil wound around a coil frame or core having flanges mounted around the epoxy resin protecting the die and wire bonds to the die.
  • the winding core WC has only one flange (the other "virtual" flange at the opposite open end of the support structure being the surface of the module tape MT),
  • tubular support structure (WC, DS) may serve as a dam for containing later-applied glob-top GT resin
  • the chip CM may be installed after the module antenna MA is formed upon the module tape MT (and the wire bonds to the chip CM also being performed after bonding the ends of the module antenna MA)
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the antenna module AM, which could be the antenna module 200 of FIG. 2 or the antenna module AM 400 of FIG. 4F, installed in a recess R in a card body CB of a smart card SC having a booster antenna BA having an outer portion at the periphery of the card body and a coupler coil CC at an interior area of the card body, such as surrounding the recess R. At least some (including all) of the turns of wire of the coupler coil CC may be embedded in the bottom of the recess R, to enhance the inductive (transformer) coupling between the coupler coil CC and the module antenna MA. Channels or a wide trench for receiving the turns of wire in the bottom of the recess R may be formed by laser ablation.
  • An Exemplary Antenna Module (AM)
  • FIG. 6A illustrates an antenna module AM having a double-sided tape, with openings in the module tape MT for the connection of the ends (a, b) of the module antenna MA to the undersides of contact pads CP (or other areas of top metallization).
  • the bottom metallization BM may be removed from under the module antenna MA since it is not needed for interconnecting the module antenna MA with the chip CM.
  • Conductive vias are provided through the module tape MT for connecting the chip CM to contact pads CP.
  • the chip CM may be flip-chip (ball) bonded to selected traces in the bottom metal layer MB which are associated with those vias.
  • Underfiller may be provided under (on top, as viewed) of the chip CM to support it on and secure it to the module tape MT.
  • FIG. 6B illustrates contact pad layout/assignments relevant to FIG. 6A.
  • the wire ends (a, b) of the module antenna MA may be connected to LA and LB on the underside of the module tape MT. It may be advantageous to remove metal, such as by laser ablation (or laser percussion drilling) from the contact pads CP of the antenna module AM to improve the electromagnetic coupling (read distance) with a external contact reader (FIG. 1).
  • This removal of metal from the contact pads (CP) can take various forms, such as a providing a plurality of perforations through selected ones of the contact pads, modifying the size of selected ones of the contact pads, or increasing the size of a gap between selected ones of the contact pads CP, or the like, such as may be described in 61/693,262 filed 8/25/2012.
  • a winding core WC generally in the form of a ring, or tubular structure having two ends, is mounted to the top (as viewed) surface of a chip carrier tape MT (or module tape, MT).
  • the end of the winding core WC away from the carrier tape MT has a flange F.
  • a coil winding area between the flange F and the top surface of the carrier tape MT may accommodate (contain) several (such as 20- 30) turns of wire, such as 112 ⁇ diameter self-bonding wire, to form a module antenna MA, which may be formed using a flyer winding technique. Ends "a", “b” of the module antenna MA may be bonded to two bond pads BP-a and BP-b on the top surface of the carrier tape MT.
  • Bond pads "bp” may also be disposed on the top surface of the carrier tape MT, in the interior area of the winding core WC, for connecting (such as by wire bonding) with an RFID chip (not shown) later to be disposed within the winding core WC on the top surface of the carrier tape MT.
  • Each of the bond pads "bp” is associated with a given one of the bond pads BP-a and BP-b, connected by conductive traces (not shown) therewith.
  • Contact pads CP for a contact interface may be disposed on the bottom (as viewed) surface of the carrier tape MT, and connected such as by vias (not shown) to additional bond pads (not shown) on the top surface of the carrier tape MT (in the interior area of the winding core WC) which will also be connected with the RFID chip .
  • FIG. 7 shows a module antenna MA formed by one coil having a total of 18 turns, and having two ends “a” and “b", both ends extending outward from the module antenna MA and connected with a respective one of two bond pads BP-a and BP-b on the carrier tape MT.
  • FIG. 7A shows diagrammatically a module antenna MA comprising two coils CI and C2, each of the coils having 9 turns, the overall module antenna MA having a total of 18 turns.
  • Each of the coils CI and C2 has two ends.
  • Coil C2 is shown with "X's”.
  • Coil C2 is shown wound around the coil CI.
  • the module tape MT is shown as being double-sided, but may be single-sided.
  • FIG. 7B shows schematically that the two coils CI and C2 may be connected in parallel with one another. Coil C2 is shown in dashed lines. (The two coils CI and C2 may be connected in a different manner, as shown in FIG. 7D.)
  • the coil CI may be the first coil wound on the winding core WC, and may comprise 9 turns of wire and two ends la, lb.
  • the coil C2 may be the second coil wound on the winding core WC, and may comprise 9 turns of wire and two ends 2a, 2b.
  • a first end 2a of the second coil C2 may be connected with a first end la of the first coil CI at a first bond pad BP-a.
  • a second end 2b of the second coil C2 may be connected with a second end lb of the first coil CI at a second bond pad BP-b.
  • the module antenna MA having two coils CI, C2 may couple better with a booster antenna BA on the card body, or directly with an external contactless reader, when contrasted with a comparable (substantially the same size, same total number of turns, etc.) module antenna MA having but a single coil (FIG. 7), resulting in a greater read-write distance and energy harvesting, and potentially rendering the booster antenna BA superfluous.
  • This may be attributable to the RF signal being radiated (or received) by the two coils reinforcing one another, or a higher quality factor (Q), or another characteristic of the two coil versus one coil approach including, perhaps, capacitance formed by the parallel connected ends of the two coils.
  • the two coils CI and C2 can be wound either in the same or in opposite directions from one another the two coils CI and C2 may have non-equal numbers of turns, for example the inner coil CI having 10-12 turns and the outer coil C2 having 6-8 turns - more generally, the outer coil C2 having fewer (or more) turns than the inner coil CI.
  • the two coils CI and C2 may be connected in parallel with each other - the inner end la of the inner coil CI being connected with the inner end 2a of the outer coil C2, and the outer end lb of the inner coil CI being connected with the outer end 2b of the outer coil C2
  • the two coils CI and C2 may be connected in parallel with each other - the inner end la of the inner coil CI being connected with the outer end 2b of the outer coil C2, and the outer end lb of the inner coil CI being connected with the inner end 2a of the outer coil C2
  • the two coils CI and C2 may be connected other than in parallel with each other, for example the inner end la of the inner coil CI being connected with the outer end 2b of the outer coil C2, with the outer end lb of the inner coil CI being connected to one terminal of the RFID chip (via a bond pad) and the inner end 2a of the outer coil C2 being connected with another terminal of the
  • the two coils CI and C2 of the module antenna MA be arranged as an inner coil and an outer coil. Rather ..
  • one coil could be formed (wound) atop the other, rather than inside or outside of the other the various turns of the two coils can be interleaved with one another
  • the two coils CI and C2 may be wound simultaneously (both at once), in the manner of a bifilar coil
  • the coils CI and C2 need not be wound on the specific winding core(s) illustrated above. They may be wound on other cores, directly on resin or mold mass encapsulating the RFID chip, may be air core coils, etc.
  • the coils CI and C2 shown above as being concentric with one another, may be formed in a manner that is not concentric
  • the module antenna MA may comprise more that two coils, such as three coils (CI, C2, C3), each having six turns (for an 18-turn MA)
  • the coils CI and C2 need not be formed of wire, they may be formed as electrical traces using any additive (such as printing) or subtractive (such as etching) process
  • ferrite material such as a film, or particles
  • a coating such as the insulating coating
  • FIG. 7C (comparable to FIG. 6A of 61/693,262) illustrates the underside of a module tape MT for an antenna module (AM).
  • An antenna structure (AS) for a module antenna (MA) is shown, comprising two module antenna segments MAI and MA2.
  • These two module antenna segments MAI, MA2 may be arranged concentric with one another, as inner and outer antenna structures.
  • Both module antenna segments MAI, MA2 may be wound coils, or patterned tracks, or one may be a wound coil and the other a pattern of tracks.
  • the two module antenna segments MAI, MA2 may be interconnected with one another in any suitable manner to achieve an effective result.
  • FIG. 7D (comparable to FIG. 6B of 61/693,262) illustrates an exemplary antenna structure AS which may be used in an antenna module AM, having two segments (compare MAI, MA2) which are interconnected with one another, the antenna structure comprising
  • an inner segment IS having an outer end 9 and an inner end 10
  • the outer end 7 of the outer segment OS is connected with the inner end 10 of the inner segment IS
  • the contact pads CP and antenna structures AS described herein may be formed using laser etching (isolation technique) of copper cladded "seed" layers on a module tape MT using a UV nanosecond or picosecond laser.
  • the module antenna MA which encircles the chip CM may serve as a dam for glob-top which is applied to protect the chip CM and its connections to the module tape MT. See FIGs. IB, above. See also FIG. 7A of US 61595088. Rather than (or in some cases, in addition to) using glob-top, protection may be achieved by transfer molding a mold mass (MM), which covers/protects the module antenna MA as well as the chip CM and its connections.
  • MM mold mass
  • the chip CM may be mounted to the module tape MT before, or after mounting the module antenna MA to the module tape (and before transfer molding).
  • an antenna module (AM) for a smart card (SC) comprising: a module tape (MT); a chip (CM) disposed on a surface of the module tape (MT); and a module antenna (MA) disposed on the surface of the module tape (MT), and connected with the chip (CM); characterized by: the module antenna comprises a first coil (CI) and a second coil (C2).
  • the first and second coils may be connected in parallel with one another.
  • the second coil (C2) may be wound around the first coil (CI).
  • the second coil (C2) may have substantially the same number of turns as thee first coil (CI).
  • the first and second coils may be wound in the same direction as one another.
  • An antenna module may be made by affixing a tubular support structure (DS, WC) on a surface of a module tape (MT); and winding a wire for a module antenna (MA) around the tubular support structure (DS, WC); characterized in that the module antenna comprises two coils (CI, C2).
  • the module antenna (MA) may be wound using a flyer winding technique.
  • FIGs. 7E, 7F show an antenna module AM having a carrier substrate or tape MT, an RFID chip CM on the bottom (as viewed) side of the substrate MT, an antenna MA also mounted to the bottom side of the substrate MT, and ISO 7816 contact pads CP on the top (as viewed) side of the substrate MT.
  • glob top (compare FIG. 4E) is applied over the chip CM (and connections, if any), with the antenna MA serving as a dam to contain the glob top.
  • a mold mass (compare 4F) is disposed over the chip CM (and glob top, if any) and the antenna MA.
  • the antenna MA and chip CM are located directly under and are of commensurate size (occupy approximately the same overall area) as the contact pads CP. With regard to the area between the chip CM and the antenna MA, this is typically used for interconnections (compare FIGs. 2B, 2C) and is generally not available or usable for the antenna MA, thereby limiting the amount of area available for the antenna to only an outer portion of the overall area (see FIG. 7E).
  • FCOS Flip Chip On Substrate
  • FIGs. 8A and 8B reprise some prior art shown in FCOSTM Flip Chip On Substrate, by Infineon Technologies AG, which is directed to memory and microprocessor cards which are contact-type cards.
  • Two “chip modules” are shown, comprising an IC chip (comparable to what has been referred to hereinabove as chip or chip module “CM”) mounted to one side of a carrier substrate (FR4, PET) or tape (comparable to what has been referred to hereinabove as module tape MT), the IC chip (CM) being connected ISO contacts (comparable to what has been referred to hereinabove as contact pads CP) disposed on the other side of the substrate.
  • the chip modules do not have antennas (module antenna MA) incorporated therewith. Mention is made of 6-contact and 8-contact chip modules - in other words, chip modules having 6 or 8 contact pads.
  • FIG. 8A shows a standard chip module cross section, having an IC chip (CM) mounted to one side of a FR4 substrate (referred to as "card body", compare module tape MT) and ISO contacts (contact pads, CP) on the other side of the substrate.
  • CM IC chip
  • card body compare module tape MT
  • ISO contacts contact pads, CP
  • the IC chip is wire bonded to the undersides of contact pads on the other side of the substrate.
  • This is representative of a "single-sided" module tape (substrate) that has metallization which is patterned, on only one side of the tape.
  • the IC chip and wire bonds are encapsulated.
  • FIG. 8B shows an FCOSTM card, having an IC chip mounted with a non-conductive adhesive (NCA) to one side of a PET substrate, and electrical chip connections which are bumps (rather than bond wires).
  • the substrate has conductive traces on its bottom surface.
  • the IC chip is flip-chip mounted to the conductive traces, which connect with conductive vias extending through the substrate to the underside of the ISO contacts.
  • This is representative of a "double-sided" module tape (substrate) that has metallization which is patterned, on both sides of the tape. (Compare FIG. 6A.)
  • flip chip technology refers to a process of interconnecting semiconductor chips with carriers.
  • the technology makes it possible to increase the packing density of elements on a carrier and allows for a more direct and more stable electrical interconnection compared to wire bond technology.
  • wire bond technology which has been almost exclusively used in smart card modules up to now, the flip chip process involves flipping the chip, i.e. its electrical interconnections (pads) are turned toward the carrier side.
  • electrical interconnection is made using conductive materials, so-called bumps, located between the chip contacts and carrier.
  • the system is held together mechanically by means of an adhesive between the chip and carrier.
  • a smart card, chip card, or integrated circuit card is any pocket-sized card with embedded integrated circuits.
  • Smart cards are made of plastic, generally polyvinyl chloride, but sometimes polyethylene terephthalate based polyesters, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or polycarbonate.
  • Contact smart cards have a contact area of approximately 1 square centimeter (0.16 sq in), comprising several gold-plated contact pads. These pads provide electrical connectivity when inserted into a reader, which is used as a communications medium between the smart card and a host (e.g., a computer, a point of sale terminal) or a mobile telephone.
  • a host e.g., a computer, a point of sale terminal
  • Contactless smart cards communicate with the external reader through RF induction technology, and require only proximity to an antenna to communicate.
  • Dual- interface cards implement contactless and contact interfaces on a single card with some shared storage and processing. In the main, hereinafter, dual interface (DI, or DEF) cards are discussed.
  • FIG. 8C shows an antenna structure MA disposed on the chip (IC) side of the substrate.
  • a typical pattern for an antenna is generally rectangular, in the form of a flat (planar) coil (spiral) having a number (such 12) of turns (conductive tracks).
  • the antenna is typically chemically etched from the metal layer (foil) on the chip side of the substrate.
  • the 7 filled circles and the dashed line circle under the chip CM represent vias ( a total of 8) through the substrate tape MT.
  • the RFID chip CM is typically disposed in the center of the spiral antenna pattern, making that space unavailable for turns of the antenna. Also, as mentioned above, a significant amount of space around the chip CM is unavailable for the etched antenna.
  • the module being shown here has 8 contact pads. Some dimensions (all approximate) for the module may be,
  • the 8 contact pads (see FIG. 8D) occupy an area of approximately 13 x 12 mm 2
  • a 6 pad design, FIG. 8E, may measure 12mm x 9mm
  • the antenna MA is shown having 12 "turns", or tracks.
  • Each track of the antenna MA has a width of 0.1mm
  • a gap between adjacent tracks is 0.075 mm
  • the outer dimension of the antenna MA is approximately 13mm x 12 mm
  • the chip CM measures 2mm x 2mm
  • the inner dimension of the antenna MA is approximately 9mm x 8mm. This is the area occupied by the chip CM and interconnects (and 7 of the vias).
  • the number of turns forming the antenna is limited to the space surrounding the central position of the silicon die which is attached and bonded to the module substrate.
  • This substrate is generally made of epoxy glass with a contact metallization layer on the face-up side and a bonding metallization layer on the face-down side of the module.
  • the chemically etched antenna is usually formed on the face-down side.
  • the overall dimensions of the antenna are typically commensurate with the overall dimensions of the contact pads which (all dimensions are approximate),
  • each contact shall have a minimum rectangular surface area not less than 1.7 x 2 mm
  • the chip may measure 2 mm x 2 mm, or 4 mm 2 , and this area is unavailable for the antenna, leaving (all dimensions are approximate). Generally, an area immediately surrounding the IC chip may also be unavailable for the antenna, for example, 3mm x 3mm (including the IC chip), or 10 mm 2
  • a 6-pad contact pattern may approximately 30-50% less space available for the antenna than an 8-pad contact pattern module.
  • an etched antenna is 2 dimensional, in one layer only.
  • FIGs. 1, 1A, IB, IC, 6A above show some examples of wire-wound module antennas (FIG. 7C shows antenna segments that may be wound coils, or patterned tracks.)
  • FIGs. 2, IB, 2C, 3, 3A, 4C- 4F, 5, 7, 7A above show some examples of wire antennas wound around a dam (DS) or winding core (WC).
  • DS dam
  • WC winding core
  • some exemplary and/or approximate dimensions, materials and specifications may be:
  • Module Tape epoxy-based tape (or Kapton), 75 ⁇ - 1 ⁇ thick
  • CM Chip Module
  • Antenna Module 13mm x 11.8mm and 195 ⁇ thick
  • Module Antenna (MA): several windings of 50 ⁇ or 80 ⁇ copper wire, approximately the size of the chip module CM (and not greater in size than the AM)
  • Card body CB 85.6mm x 53.97mm, 760 ⁇ thick, polycarbonate (PC).
  • the card body and its card antenna are significantly (such as 30 times) larger than the chip module CM and its module antenna MA.
  • Card Antenna CA 7 turns of 112 ⁇ copper, self-bonding wire, ultrasonically embedded in the card body CB.
  • a 6 pin (pad) dual interface (DI, DIF) module offers many advantages over an 8 pin module. Because of its reduced size in comparison to the 8 pin DIF module, there are cost savings in terms of the amount of gold which is required on the surface of each contact pad (copper, nickel gold), the milling time to produce a cavity in a card body is reduced because of the smaller space required to accommodate and protect the die, and the gold wires (0 24-32 ⁇ ) for wire bonding are no longer possible. Because of its smaller footprint, there is more space on the card body after insertion of the module for printing of brand logos and the embossing of character lines. Also, by virtue of being smaller than an 8 pin module, a 6 pin module can better survive card body flexing.
  • the chip CM may be flip-chip (ball) bonded to selected traces in the bottom metal layer MB which are associated with those vias.
  • Underfiller may be provided under (on top, as viewed) of the chip CM to support it on and secure it to the module tape MT.
  • a winding core or ring may be used to contain the flow of the glob top after wire bonding, while at the same time the ring is used as a supporting frame for a wire wound coil produced using the flyer principle of coil winding
  • the ring frame (winding core WC) may advantageously be used to flatten & stiffen the chip carrier tape to protect the flip chip bonds from flexing during normal use and when the card is inserted into a card terminal. Additionally, the ring frame (winding core WC) may advantageously be used firstly to keep the contact pad surfaces substantially homogenous and substantially completely flat. The flatness may determine the longevity of the card, especially when inserted regularly into a card terminal.
  • the winding core (WC) may stiffen, stabilize and planarize the module tape (MT), particularly in the area of the chip (CM) to enhance reliability.
  • the only reliable method to produce an inductive coupling module may be to use a wire wound coil (with several layers) mounted to a chip carrier tape having a die mounted to its surface by means of flip chip bonding.
  • the wire wound coil, serving as the module antenna MA may be wound on a winding core WC that is already mounted to the substrate tape MT, as described above with respect to FIGs. 4A-4F.
  • the coil may first be wound on the core, then the coil with core may be mounted to the substrate tape MT.
  • FIG. 9 shows an antenna module AM, wherein the chip CM (compare 110) is installed on one side (the chip side) of the module tape (or substrate) MT in an interior area of the winding core WC which may have previously been mounted to the chip side of the substrate MT.
  • the chip is flip-chip mounted and connected to conductive traces and pads on the chip side of the substrate MT, such as in the manner described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 6A or FIG. 8B, for example.
  • a wire module antenna MA may be wound on the winding core WC, in the manner described hereinabove (FIG. 3), either before or after mounting the chip CM, with the winding core WC already in place on the chip side of the substrate MT.
  • the module antenna MA is shown here having 3 layers, 6 turns each, neatly stacked, for illustrative purposes only. The wires need not be so neatly stacked, and there may be other than 18 turns.
  • a wire module antenna MA may first be wound on the winding core WC, or a modified version thereof, and subsequently attached to the chip side of the substrate MT. Subsequently, the ends (a, b) of the module antenna MA may be bonded to bond pads BP on the chip side of the substrate MT, if they were not previously connected.
  • the chip CM may be mounted and bonded to the substrate MT prior to affixing the winding core WC to the substrate MT, and thereafter winding the antenna MA on the winding core WC.
  • the winding core WC may be mounted to the substrate MT before mounting and bonding the chip CM.
  • the chip CM may be mounted to the substrate MT before mounting the winding core WC, then connected afterwards.
  • the opposite surface of the substrate MT may be provided with contact pads for ISO-7816, such as six contact pads (see FIG. 8E).
  • this typically means an epoxy glass tape, copper clad on both sides (double-sided).
  • the winding core WC may have the following dimensions (approximate):
  • width fw of the flange F ⁇ 0.5 mm
  • the winding core WC of FIG. 9 may be smaller overall - namely smaller OD and smaller ID. Firstly, it may be smaller because of the 6-pad versus 8-pad contact pad layout. Secondly, because the chip CM is flip chip mounted to the substrate MT, rather than being wire bonded thereto, less space is required around the chip CM, and the ID of the winding core WC can consequently be significantly smaller.
  • Some exemplary OD and ID dimensions for the winding core WC of FIG. 9 may be:
  • the coil winding area between the flange F and the surface of the module tape MT may accommodate (contain) approximately 20 turns of 112 ⁇ diameter self-bonding wire for the module antenna MA. Wire having other diameters, greater or less than 112 ⁇ may be used for the module antenna MA.
  • the interior area of the winding core WC may be filled with glob-top potting compound GT, or the like, to protect the chip CM. If heat is applied to cure the glob-top GT, the heat may also cause sticking together of the self -bonding wire forming the turns (coils) of the module antenna MA. (Compare FIG. 4E)
  • a mold mass MM may be formed (by overmolding) over the module antenna MA, the ends (a, b) of the module antenna MA, the winding core WC, and the glob-top GT (including over the chip CM).
  • the mold mass MM may extend over the outer edge (lip) of the flange F, slightly into the coil winding area (except where there is wire), which may helping retain the mold mass MM in place.
  • FCOS chip module utilizes an adhesive technology (such as DELO-MONOPOX or DELO- MONOPOX AC) to effect the connections between the chip and the substrate.
  • Process steps may include (i) adhesive application, (ii) placement of the flip-chip, (iii) curing by thermode with pressure and temperature, and optionally (iv) final curing in tunnel oven.
  • Gold-plated nickel particles or silver particles are used as filler for the adhesive (DELO- MONOPOX AC) in order to achieve the electrical conductivity. These solid particles are used for contacting flip-chips with flexible and rigid substrates. When pressing the particles, the oxide layers on the surfaces of metallic circuit paths are ruptured.
  • DELO-MONOPOX or DELO-MONOPOX AC are used on standard substrates like FR4 or PET for contacting flip chips.
  • substrate tape may be purchased from one vendor (such as Interplex), bumped chips may be purchased from another vendor (such as NXP), and the chips are joined and connected with the substrate using a selectively-conductive adhesive containing suitable electrically conductive particles (such as copper, nickel, gold, and the like).
  • a selectively-conductive adhesive is an adhesive, such as DELO-MONOPOX or DELO-MONOPOX AC, that becomes conductive only at areas where pressure is applied. Conductive areas of the adhesive are shown as shaded, in FIG. 10. Other adhesives, such as those which are conductive, may be used to connect the bumps to the pads, such as by applying only to those areas.
  • FIG. 10 shows a chip (CM) 1010 having two bumps 1012 and a substrate (MT) 1020 having two corresponding pads 1022.
  • a "selectively conductive adhesive" 1030 is disposed between the chip 1010 and the substrate 1020.
  • selected areas (portions) 1032 of the adhesive 1030 become conductive, the remaining area of the adhesive remains non- conductive.
  • the adhesive 1030 secures (mechanically connects) the chip 1010 to the substrate 1020, and electrical connections are made between the bumps 1012 and corresponding pads 1022.
  • a conductive material may be applied to the bumps 1012 of the chip and/or to the pads 1022 of the substrate.
  • a quantity 1014 of conductive material is shown on the bumps 1012
  • a quantity of conductive material 1024 is shown on the pads 1022.
  • An exemplary conductive material is silver nanowires, such as 100 ⁇ long, which will form a network (mesh) on the bump and/or pad surface(s) to improve mechanical and electrical connection between the bumps and the pads.
  • Silver nanowire material is available from Seashell Technology (http://www.seashelltech.com/nanoRods.shtml), incorporated by reference herein, and may be applied to one or both of the bumps and the pads by spraying, inkjet application, aerosol application, and the like.
  • conventional flip-chip bonding involving re-flowing solder bumps, may be used to mount and connect the chip (CM) to the substrate (MT).
  • the area for the antenna MA was limited to a peripheral area of the module substrate MT, the central area of the module substrate MT being utilized by the chip CM and its associated interconnects (and vias).
  • One end of the antenna MA terminated at a pad (via) near the edge of the module substrate MT, the other end of the antenna MA was shown as terminating on a pad (via) under the chip CM.
  • FIGs. 11 and 11A illustrate that the antenna MA may be formed on an antenna substrate AS (or tape layer) which is substantially the same size as the module substrate MT (or tape layer) and separate from the module substrate MT.
  • An opening OP in the antenna substrate AS which may be only slightly larger than the chip CM, may be provided through the antenna substrate AS for accommodating the chip CM (the chip CM may protrude through the opening OP) when the antenna substrate AS is joined (and connected) to the module substrate MT.
  • the chip CM and its interconnections are shown in dashed lines.
  • the antenna substrate AS may be and may have bumps on its bottom (as viewed) surface which will be connected with corresponding pads on the top (as viewed) surface of the module substrate MT, such as by using a conductive adhesive (compare FIG. 10, 1030).
  • the bumps (which may be pads) are shown as filled circles in FIG. 11.
  • the antenna substrate AS may be opaque, or dark in color to conceal the underling module substrate MT, chip CM and antenna MA. This may be an important security feature if the module substate MT is transparent (such as sesx).
  • the antenna MA may be formed of wire, embedded in the antenna substrate AS, such as shown in US 6,233,818.
  • the antenna MA may be chemically etched from a metal layer (foil) on the antenna substrate AS (compare FIG. 8C).
  • the antenna MA may be laser etched, which may allow for finer pitch, and more tracks.
  • the antenna may be laser etched (isolation technique) into a copper cladded "seed" layer (face-down side of the pre-preg) having a thickness of 17 ⁇ , using a UV or Green nanosecond or picosecond laser with a distance between tracks dimensionally equal to the width of the laser beam, approximately 25 ⁇ .
  • the antenna substrate AS may further be processed by one or more of sand blasting to remove residual laser ablated particles and to prepare for plating adhesion; depositing carbon to support the through-hole plating of the vertical interconnects; dry film application and photo-masking process; electroless deposition copper (Cu ⁇ 6 ⁇ ) to increase the thickness of the tracks; electro-plating of nickel and nickel phosphorous (Ni/NiP ⁇ 9 ⁇ ) or nickel (Ni ⁇ 9 ⁇ ) and palladium/gold or gold(Pd/Au or Au -0.1 ⁇ /0.03 ⁇ or 0.2 ⁇ ) to prevent oxidization.
  • sand blasting to remove residual laser ablated particles and to prepare for plating adhesion
  • depositing carbon to support the through-hole plating of the vertical interconnects
  • dry film application and photo-masking process electroless deposition copper (Cu ⁇ 6 ⁇ ) to increase the thickness of the tracks

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Abstract

L'invention concerne notamment une puce RFID (CM) qui est montée par retournement de puce et reliée à une surface d'un substrat (MT), par exemple pour un module d'antenne (AM) ISO à 6 plages pour carte à puce. Un noyau d'enroulement (WC) pour antenne (MA) rigidifie, stabilise et aplanit le substrat (MT) pour améliorer la fiabilité des connexions. Le module d'antenne à puce retournée (FCAM) s'interface avec un lecteur sans contact. Des plages de contact (CP) sur la face opposée du substrat (MT) constituent une interface de contact. L'invention concerne également un procédé comportant les étapes consistant à former d'abord une antenne (MA) sur un substrat d'antenne (AS), puis à la joindre au substrat de module (MT). Une telle antenne peut être un fil enrobé ou une couche de métal gravée.
EP13704572.0A 2012-02-05 2013-02-05 Modules et procédés pour antennes rfid Withdrawn EP2810338A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP13704572.0A EP2810338A1 (fr) 2012-02-05 2013-02-05 Modules et procédés pour antennes rfid

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201261595088P 2012-02-05 2012-02-05
PCT/EP2012/066183 WO2013034426A1 (fr) 2011-09-11 2012-08-20 Modules d'antenne rfid et leurs procédés de fabrication
US201261693262P 2012-08-25 2012-08-25
US201261704624P 2012-09-24 2012-09-24
EP13704572.0A EP2810338A1 (fr) 2012-02-05 2013-02-05 Modules et procédés pour antennes rfid
PCT/EP2013/052200 WO2013113945A1 (fr) 2012-02-05 2013-02-05 Modules et procédés pour antennes rfid

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EP2810338A1 true EP2810338A1 (fr) 2014-12-10

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EP (1) EP2810338A1 (fr)

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *
See also references of WO2013113945A1 *

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