Abstract: A curable method useful for encapsulating solid state devices includes (A) an epoxy resin; (B) an effective amount of a cure catalyst comprising (B1) a first latent cationic cure catalyst comprising a diaryl iodonium hexafluoroantimonate salt; (B2) a second latent cationic cure catalyst comprising (B2a) a diaryl iodonium cation, and (B2b) an anion selected from perchlorate, imidodisulfurylfluoride anion, unsubstituted and substituted (C1-C12)-hydrocarbylsulfonates, (C2-C12)-perfluoroalkanoates, tetrafluoroborate, unsubstituted and substituted tetra-(C1-C12)-hydrocarbylborates, hexafluorophosphate, hexafluoroarsenate, tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methyl anion, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methyl anion, bis(trifluoromethylsulfuryl)imide anion, and combinations thereof; and (B3) a cure co-catalyst selected from free-radical generating aromatic compounds, peroxy compounds, copper (II) salts of aliphatic carboxylic acids, copper (II) salts of aromatic carboxylic acids, copper (II) acetylacetonate, and combinations

Abstract: A method of making a fluid cooled microelectronic package in which fluid is circulated through the package in fluid-carrying channels defined at least in part by voids in an encapsulant that surrounds the package components. Preferably, the encapsulant channels are defined in part by heat producing components of the package so that coolant fluid directly contacts such components. The coolant fluid can be electrically conductive or non-conductive depending on the type of components being cooled. The coolant channels are formed by insert-molding a form in the encapsulant, and removing the form following the molding process. Alternately, the encapsulant is formed in two or more pieces that are joined to form the package, and the coolant channels are defined by recesses formed in at least one of the encapsulant pieces.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques for forming a seal between parts of an overmold component. The overmold component includes a first part forming one or more thorough-holes and a second part overmolded to the first part. A through-hole may be, for example, a screw hole or an overmold material entrance hole. The through-holes formed by the first part are surrounded by an adhesive prior to overmolding the second part. After overmolding, the adhesive locally bonds the surface of the first part to the overmold part to make a seal around the through holes. For example, the overmold component may combine with a cover to form a housing of a disc drive or other electronic device defining an internal environment. In this example, the adhesive prevents external contaminants from entering the internal environment via the through-holes.

Abstract: Molded pre-forms that are used to protect electronic components and assemblies from damage due to vibration, shock and/or thermal exposure. The pre-forms can be singularly molded or co-molded. Co-molded pre-forms can include hard surface layers over softer molded compositions. The pre-forms are molded in molds that are formed using modified images obtained from printed circuit boards having the electronic components thereon. Images of the printed circuit boards are obtained and modified to improve vibrational dampening and/or heat transfer. The molded pre-forms allow for access to the printed circuit boards for purposes of replacing or repairing the printed circuit boards. The molded pre-forms are particularly suitable for down hole applications.

Abstract: An electrical component in the form of an inductor or transformer is disclosed which includes one or more coils and a magnetic polymer material located near the coils or supporting the coils to provide an electromagnetic interaction therewith. The magnetic polymer material is preferably a cured magnetic epoxy which includes a mercaptan derivative having a ferromagnetic atom chemically bonded therein. The ferromagnetic atom can be either a transition metal or rare-earth atom.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and an overmolded mounting base. A plate is provided with mounting surfaces having a range of alignments including a nominal alignment. The plate is overmolded to form an overmolded plate. The overmolding changes the alignment of the mounting surfaces. The overmolded plate is maintained at a creep temperature for a time interval sufficient for creep to restore the alignment toward the nominal alignment.

Abstract: A hydraulic switch body (1) has a metal plate (10) and a resin main portion (20) molded on a first surface (13) of the metal plate (10). A hydraulic switch (2) and busbar circuits (30) are mounted in recesses (21) of the main portion (20). Grooves (22) connect the recesses (21) and the outer peripheral edge of the main portion (20) to release a tensile stress created at the outer surface (14) of the main portion (20) due to a difference between shrinkage ratios of resin and metal during the resin molding to prevent the hydraulic switch body (1) from warping. The lengths of the grooves (22) are shortened by using the recess portions (21). Therefore, the grooves (22) are less likely to hinder the arrangement of other structural parts.

Abstract: A method of insert molding a preformed item into a molded product, the molded product being formed by injecting a moldable material into a mold, is disclosed. The method includes adhering the preformed item to a surface of the mold with an adhesive, wherein the surface to which the preformed item is adhered is free of any features provided for holding the preformed item in place on the mold surface. The method next includes injecting the moldable material into the mold such that the moldable material at least partially surrounds the preformed item, and curing the moldable material. Articles molded via the disclosed method are also described.

Abstract: The upper and lower mold plates of a transfer molding machine are configured for one-side encapsulation of a pair of substrate mounted electronic devices having an opposite conductor-grid-array and/or bare heat sink/dissipater. A buffer member, optionally with cut-outs or apertures, may be placed between the two back-to-back substrates for protecting the grid-arrays and enabling encapsulation of devices with varying thicknesses without adjustment of the molding machine. Alternately, the upper and lower plates are configured for one-side encasement using covers of a pair of substrate mounted electronic devices having an opposite conductor-grid-array and/or bare heat sink/dissipater.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the surface level of a liquid residing within a relatively vertically stationary workpiece support platform disposed within a reservoir for use in stereolithographic processes wherein a layered object or structure is formed by selectively curing portions of the liquid to at least a semisolid state in multiple, at least partially superimposed layers. Providing precise control of liquid depth over the vertically stationary platform as well as focusing of a laser beam for curing the liquid at the varying surface levels thereof relative to the vertically stationary platform is effected using a laser range finder system controlled by a computer used to control the stereolithographic process in a closed loop fashion.

Abstract: A tablet for producing a semiconductor device with substantially no bowing, comprising an epoxy resin composition comprising an epoxy resin and a curing agent, wherein the tablet has the characteristic of an amount reduced by heating being less than 0.05% by weight; a wafer with a resin layer and a semiconductor device produced by using the tablet; and a process for producing the wafer and the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing board warpage during the application and curing or drying of liquid epoxies, or the like, on printed circuit boards using a clamping fixture assembly, which includes at least one clamping fixture support and at least one clamping fixture overlay. If desired, a plurality of printed circuit boards may be processed using an appropriate clamping fixture assembly. Furthermore, the clamping fixture may be constructed so a slight bow or curvature thereof can counter either a convex or concave bow or curvature of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite magnetic body containing metallic magnetic powder and thermosetting resin and having a packing ratio of the metallic magnetic powder of 65 vol % to 90 vol % and an electrical resistivity of at least 104 &OHgr;·cm. When a coil is embedded in this composite magnetic body, a miniature magnetic element can be obtained that has a high inductance value and is excellent in DC bias characteristics.

Abstract: An optical sensor that includes a light source and a detector is located within a cavity in a polishing pad so as to face the surface that is being polished. Light from the light source is reflected from the surface being polished and the detector detects the reflected light. The electrical signal produced by the detector is conducted to a hub located at the central aperture of the polishing pad. The disposable polishing pad is removably connected, both mechanically and electrically to the hub. The hub contains electronic circuitry that is concerned with supplying power to the optical sensor and with transmitting the electrical signal to a non-rotating station. Several techniques are described for accomplishing these tasks. The system permits continuous monitoring of an optical characteristic of a surface that is being polished, even while the polishing machine is in operation, and permits the end point of the polishing process to be determined.

Abstract: A resin molding die includes: a cavity; a resin inlet through which a liquid resin to be cured is injected into the cavity; and an air vent through which air is released to an exterior space of the resin molding die during injection of the resin, the air vent being provided on an opposite side from the resin inlet with respect to the cavity.

Abstract: An optical sensor that includes a light source and a detector is located within a cavity in a polishing pad so as to face the surface that is being polished. Light from the light source is reflected from the surface being polished and the detector detects the reflected light. The electrical signal produced by the detector is conducted to a hub located at the central aperture of the polishing pad. The disposable polishing pad is removably connected, both mechanically and electrically to the hub. The hub contains electronic circuitry that is concerned with supplying power to the optical sensor and with transmitting the electrical signal to a non-rotating station. Several techniques are described for accomplishing these tasks. The system permits continuous monitoring of an optical characteristic of a surface that is being polished, even while the polishing machine is in operation, and permits the end point of the polishing process to be determined.

Abstract: Method of making a proximity probe including providing a preform having an interior cavity accessible by an opened rearward end; coupling a coil to the preform proximate a forward most end of the preform for defining an assembly; locating a single support pin through the rearward end such that the support pin extends within the interior cavity while having an end emanating from the rearward end; cantilevering the emanating end between an upper and a lower mold plate defining a mold cavity for supporting the assembly; injecting moldable material into the mold cavity for molding an encapsulation of material over the assembly for defining an encapsulated probe tip, allowing the encapsulated probe tip to cure; removing the encapsulated probe tip from the mold cavity; removing the support pin from the assembly, and coupling a cable to the encapsulated probe tip for forming the proximity probe.

Abstract: The upper and lower mold plates of a transfer molding machine are configured for one-side encapsulation of a pair of substrate mounted electronic devices having an opposite conductor-grid-array and/or bare heat sink/dissipator. A buffer member, optionally with cut-outs or apertures, may be placed between the two back-to-back substrates for protecting the grid-arrays and enabling encapsulation of devices with varying thicknesses without adjustment of the molding machine. Alternately, the upper and lower plates are configured for one-side encasement using covers of a pair of substrate mounted electronic devices having an opposite conductor-grid-array and/or bare heat sink/dissipator.

Abstract: Surface modifications of a mold used during semiconductor device fabrication provide non-stick characteristics and a mold surface that is resistant to abrasion or wear. Such surface modifications are particularly useful in a mold having a quartz planar surface adapted to contact a photocurable polymer material applied to a semiconductor wafer surface during a fabrication process. The planar surface of the mold is capable of allowing transmission of ultraviolet light therethrough to cure the polymer material. A non-stick film is formed on the planar surface of the mold by a coating or deposition process in order to modify the mold surface. The non-stick film can be formed of a fluoroalkylsilane compound. or a hard material such as diamond or diamond-like carbon. The non-stick film of diamond or diamond-like carbon provides protection against abrasion or wear on the planar surface of the mold.

Abstract: A method for underfilling and encapsulating flip-chip configured semiconductor devices mounted on a carrier substrate using stereolithography (STL) to form, in situ, at least semisolid dam structures of photopolymeric material about the devices to entrap liquid, unpolymerized resin between the devices and substrate. Prior to the STL process, the carrier substrate and mounted devices are immersed in the liquid polymeric resin, optionally with vibratory energy, to purge contaminants from between the device and substrate, and to fill spaces between the semiconductor devices and carrier substrate with the liquid resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating an integrated circuit die and leadframe assembly. A prepackaged sproutless mold compound insert 71 is placed in a rectangular receptacle 91 in a bottom mold chase 81. The receptacle is coupled to a plurality of die cavities 85 by runners 87. Leadframe strip assemblies containing leadframes, integrated circuit dies, and bond wires coupling the leadframes and dies are placed over the bottom mold chase 81 such that the integrated circuit dies are each centered over a bottom mold die cavity 85. A top mold chase 90 is placed over the bottom mold chase 81 and the mold compound package 71. The top mold chase 90 has die cavities 95 corresponding to those in the bottom mold chase 81. The mold compound insert 71 is preferably packaged in a plastic film 75 which has heat sealed edges 77. The mold compound is forced through the package 75 and heat seals 77 during the molding process by the pressure applied by a rectangular plunger 101.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing board warpage during the application and curing or drying of liquid epoxies, or the like, on printed circuit boards using a clamping fixture assembly, which includes at least one clamping fixture support and at least one clamping fixture overlay. If desired, a plurality of printed circuit boards may be processed using an appropriate clamping fixture assembly. Furthermore, the clamping fixture may be constructed so a slight bow or curvature thereof can counter either a convex or concave bow or curvature of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An outer sheath for an electronic device which includes an electronic element is formed by placing a thermosetting resin on the outer surface of the electronic element to form a first thermosetting resin layer, placing a thermoplastic resin on the outer surface of the first thermosetting resin layer to form a thermoplastic layer and placing a thermosetting resin layer on the thermoplastic layer to form a second thermosetting resin layer. All three layers are then heated so as to cure the first and second thermosetting resin layers and to cause the thermoplastic layer to melt and form a non-porous layer which is subsequently solidified.

Abstract: The heat resisting fiber-reinforced composite material of the invention is a heat-resisting fiber-reinforced composite material used for a product or a part that generates temperature distribution; wherein the thermal expansion coefficient at a portion corresponding to a medium to low temperature range is greater than the thermal expansion coefficient at a portion corresponding to a high temperature range, and the boundary between the portion corresponding to medium to low temperature range and the portion corresponding to the high temperature range is a transition region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mould part of a mould for encapsulating electronic components mounted on a carrier, composing at least one mould cavity provided in said mould part and at least one runner for moulding material connecting to said mould cavity, wherein the gate from said runner to said mould cavity has an oblong shape. The invention also relates to a mould with at least one such mould part. The invention also provides a method for encapsulating electronic components mounted on a carrier, wherein the liquid moulding material is fed into the mould cavity through a wide supply opening. Finally, the invention also provides an encapsulated electronic component mounted on a carrier, which component is manufactured by this method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite magnetic body containing metallic magnetic powder and thermosetting resin and having a packing ratio of the metallic magnetic powder of 65 vol % to 90 vol % and an electrical resistivity of at least 104&OHgr;·cm. When a coil is embedded in this composite magnetic body, a miniature magnetic element can be obtained that has a high inductance value and is excellent in DC bias characteristics.

Abstract: In a lever-actuated connector, on one end part of a side surface of a connector body (23) is formed a protruding lever insertion rib (27), into which an end (24C) of a lever (24) is inserted, which allows the end (24C) of the lever (24) to rock, and which extends upwardly and downwardly. An upper rib linking part (27A) that joins opposing walls that surround a lever insertion slit (31) is formed larger than a lower rib linking part (27B), and an upper through hole (32) communicates between the upper end surface of the upper rib linking part (27A) and the lever insertion slit (31). By adopting this configuration, when the lever insertion slit (31) is formed, die removal is done upwardly and downwardly, and it is not necessary to use a sliding die, thereby simplifying the die construction for the connector body (23), reducing the cost, and also enabling smooth insertion and fitting together of connectors.

Abstract: A molded flexible circuit assembly and method of forming a molded flexible circuit assembly which use a molded stiffener, and do not require any additional type of stiffener, are described. A molded stiffener is formed on a flexible tape at the same time molded encapsulation units are formed to encapsulate circuit die which are attached to the flexible tape. The molded stiffeners provide adequate rigidity for processing of the molded flexible circuit assembly. When the stiffeners are no longer needed they are removed at the same time the mold runners are removed. No additional processing steps are required for either the formation or removal of the molded stiffeners.

Abstract: Method for implementing a multi-phase plastic package for electronic components, and packaged electronic components produced according to the method. The present invention contemplates the use of molding compounds having two or more discrete phases in a transfer molding process wherein a temperature differential is induced between the electronic component to be packaged and the mold of the molding apparatus prior to molding. Each of the molding compound phases, when used in a current transfer molding apparatus, generates a separate layer in the resultant package, and each of the resultant layers possesses certain unique properties. In its simplest implementation, the present invention provides a two-phase molding compound pellet which provides an outer layer containing mold release compounds to facilitate release of the completed packaged device from the mold, and an inner layer without mold release agents. Other implementations include multiple layers.

Abstract: A transducer backing material includes a sticky epoxy resin containing tungsten particles and silver particles. A method of applying a backing material to a transducer includes pouring a mixture of epoxy resin, tungsten particles, and silver particles into a mold containing a layer of piezoelectric material, degassing the mixture, and curing the mixture at a pressure of approximately one atmosphere until the mixture dries.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating a workpiece, particularly a microelectronic device, to achieve a very thin encapsulating layer and reduce the finished device size. The method includes positioning the workpiece in the mold cavity of a mold capable of reducing its volume while the mold compound is in a liquid state from a first volume, where mold compound may be easily added without creating voids, to a second smaller volume which defines the finished workpiece size. The second volume is below the size which would permit the void-free encapsulation of the workpiece in a conventional thermosetting plastic transfer molding machine. The mold may be opened in two stages to prevent damage to thin molded microelectronic devices by opening the perimeter of the mold first while the molded device is still being supported by large molding surfaces. The invention also includes the mold used in the method.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating a workpiece, particularly a microelectronic device, to achieve a very thin encapsulating layer and reduce the finished device size. The method includes positioning the workpiece in the mold cavity of a mold capable of reducing its volume while the mold compound is in a liquid state from a first volume, where mold compound may be easily added without creating voids, to a second smaller volume which defines the finished workpiece size. The second volume is below the size which would permit the void-free encapsulation of the workpiece in a conventional thermosetting plastic transfer molding machine. The mold may be opened in two stages to prevent damage to thin molded microelectronic devices by opening the perimeter of the mold first while the molded device is still being supported by large molding surfaces. The invention also includes the mold used in the method.

Abstract: The upper and lower mold plates of a transfer molding machine are configured for one-side encapsulation of a pair of substrate mounted electronic devices having an opposite conductor-grid-array and/or bare heat sink/dissipator. The pair of devices is positioned back-to-back within a single mold cavity for simultaneous encapsulation. A buffer member optionally with cut-outs or apertures, may be placed between the two back-to-back substrates for protecting the grid-arrays and enabling encapsulation of devices with varying thicknesses without adjustment of the molding machine. Alternately, the upper and lower plates are configured for one-side encasement using covers of a pair of substrate mounted electronic devices having an opposite conductor-grid-array and/or bare heat sink/dissipator.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a transformer coil encapsulated in casting resin utilizing a disposable casting mold where the disposable mold acts both as a winding mandrel and as an inner mold shell for resin encapsulation. The disposable casting mold may be oval shaped or circular shaped depending upon the desired shape of the coils to be encapsulated. The inner and outer mold shells are made from thin sheet metal and thus may be adjusted for the manufacture of a wide variety of sizes of oval shaped or circular shaped epoxy encapsulated coils.

Abstract: Electronic packages that consist of dies sealed within hollow plastic enclosures with electrically conductive leads penetrating the enclosure walls to access the die circuitry are manufactured by applying a heat-curable adhesive to the leads at only those locations where the surfaces of the leads will interface with the enclosure material, molding the package around the leads, and curing the adhesive during the molding process or during a post-cure. The adhesive is formulated to form a gas-tight seal around the leads and to maintain the seal during the thermal cycling that the components are exposed to during the typical procedures involved in manufacturing the packages and in making the electrical connections to other circuitry, as well as the typical environmental changes that the finished and installed product is exposed to during use.

Abstract: A light transparent package (50) for an erasable integrated circuit (12), and a method for fabricating it are disclosed. The package (50) encapsulates a leadframe (14) that carries the circuit (12). The circuit (12) is an erasable integrated circuit, including an erasable programmable read only memory device. A light transparent window material (18) immiscible in molding compound (34) is emplaced conformally on a surface (30) of the circuit (12). The window material (18) is a gel, polymer preform, or other suitable conformal window forming material adherable to both the circuit (12) and to other components of the assembly, and is transparent to light, particularly ultraviolet light, following a curing process. The molding compound (34) and window material (18) are cured in situ in a cavity (22) of a mold (20).

Abstract: A solderless twist on wire connector and a method of making a solderless twist on wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector by securing a prior art twist on wire connector in a shell to produce a wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector that can in one operation permit the user to twist the connector to simultaneously compress the junction ends of electrical wires into low resistance electrical contact while encapsulating the junction ends of the electrical wires in a solderless substance. The process includes the method making a twist on wire connector by encapsulating a prior art twist on wire connector in a shell to produce a wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector having a chamber for an encapsulating material. In one embodiment the twist on wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector includes a puncturable seal and in another embodiment a second compartment for holding a mixable encapsulating materials.