Patents Represented by Attorney Michael A. Guth
  • Patent number: 6479323
    Abstract: A method and structure for attaching a lead frame to a heat sink are provided. In one embodiment, a layer of thermally conductive, electrically insulating epoxy is formed on a heat sink and the epoxy layer is fully cured. A thermoplastic adhesive layer is formed on the epoxy layer, and the heat sink is clamped to the lead frame such that the thermoplastic layer contacts the lead frame. The thermoplastic layer is heated to its melting point and then cooled, thereby joining the heat sink and the lead frame. In a variation, a partially cured B-stage epoxy layer is used to replace the thermoplastic layer. The B-stage epoxy layer is fully cured to connect the lead frame to the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Randy H. Y. Lo, Boonmi Mekdhanasarn, Daniel P. Tracy