Multi-chip module (mcm) with chip-to-chip connection redundancy and method

Abstract

Disclosed is a multi-chip module (MCM) with redundant chip-to-chip communication connection(s) to minimize the need to discard a chip-mounting layer due to defective signal traces. The MCM includes at least first and second chips mounted on the chip-mounting layer. The chip-mounting layer includes signal traces that are electrically connected between first and second links on the first and second chips, respectively, to form communication connections including at least one redundant communication connection. Instead of being directly connected to the chip-to-chip communication connections, first and second interfaces on the first and second chips are connected via first and second multiplexors, respectively, to selected ones of multiple chip-to-chip communication connections. By employing the multiplexors and the redundant chip-to-chip communication connection(s), chip-to-chip communication connection(s) with defective signal trace(s) can be bypassed. Specifically, during MCM assembly, the multiplexors are programmed to avoid using chip-to-chip communication connections with defective signal traces.