Lidded vs. Lidless Devices - XAPP1377

Designing Thermal Solutions for AMD Embedded Devices (XAPP1377)

Document ID
XAPP1377
Release Date
2025-06-27
Revision
2.0 English

The first-order classification is whether or not the package has a lid. In general, lidless devices offer better thermal performance due to the fact that they are not adding extra junction-to-case thermal resistance in the form of a TIM1 inside the package between the die and the lid itself. TIM1 is the material applied by AMD within the lidded device package to thermally couple the die to the device lid. Lidless devices allow the thermal solution to get as close as possible to the source of the heat, which is the die. On the other hand, lidded devices can be easier to design with, as they are the more traditional approach to IC packaging, and off-the-shelf thermal solutions can be easier to find. In most basic terms, lidded packages allow the mounting of a flat base thermal solution whereas lidless might require the use of a pedestal milled or otherwise integrated into the thermal solution base to properly contact the die.

Figure 1. Lidless and Lidded Cross Sections

From a reliability standpoint, lidded devices do offer more protection to the die while lidless devices with stiffener ring offer higher rigidity. This allows the lidless package to have higher board level reliability (BLR) characteristics. BLR refers to factors that can impact the device adhesion and signal contact to the board such as shock, drop, and vibration. It also can encompass factors like board bend, flex, and deflection that can result in partial or full separation of the device from the board.

There is also a common misconception that lidded devices offer protection from contaminants entering the package body and touching the die, inner package substrate, or packaging capacitors while lidless does not. While it is undeniable that lidded devices do offer more protection from this occurrence, the fact that lidded parts have vent holes to allow off gassing and moisture evaporation means that lidded packages cannot be considered sealed bodies, and similar risks of such contamination can occur. While there are certainly differences at the macro level for the reliability of lidded versus lidless, overall both are highly reliable package types with similar considerations for designing thermal systems.
Note: Thermal simulation is the best way to evaluate the impact of lidless packaging improved thermal performance. However, looking at the JESD51-14 θjc specification for equivalent lidded and lidless packages, there is an 11x improvement in thermal performance. For more information, see Addressing Thermal Challenges with Innovative Packaging Solutions (WP563).