Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gas sensor device that includes a plurality of gas sensors. Each of the gas sensors includes a semiconductor metal oxide (SMO) film, a heater, and a temperature sensor. Each of the SMO films is designed to be sensitive to a different gas concentration range. As a result, the gas sensor device is able to obtain accurate readings for a wide range of gas concentration levels. In addition, the gas sensors are selectively activated and deactivated based on a current gas concentration detected by the gas sensor device. Thus, the gas sensor device is able to conserve power as gas sensors are on when appropriate instead of being continuously on.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gas sensor device that detects gases with large molecules (e.g., a gas with a molecular weight between 150 g/mol and 450 g/mol), such as siloxanes. The gas sensor device includes a thin film gas sensor and a bulk film gas sensor. The thin film gas sensor and the bulk film gas sensor each include a semiconductor metal oxide (SMO) film, a heater, and a temperature sensor. The SMO film of the thin film gas sensor is an thin film (e.g., between 90 nanometers and 110 nanometers thick), and the SMO film of the bulk film gas sensor is an thick film (e.g., between 5 micrometers and 20 micrometers thick). The gas sensor device detects gases with large molecules based on a variation between resistances of the SMO thin film and the SMO thick film.

Abstract: A universal electrochemical micro-sensor can be used either as a biosensor or an environmental sensor. Because of its small size and flexibility, the micro-sensor is suitable for continuous use to monitor fluids within a live subject, or as an environmental monitor. The micro-sensor can be formed on a reusable glass carrier substrate. A flexible polymer backing, together with a set of electrodes, forms a reservoir that contains an electrolytic fluid chemical reagent. During fabrication, the glass carrier substrate protects the fluid chemical reagent from degradation. A conductive micromesh further contains the reagent while allowing partial exposure to the ambient biological or atmospheric environment. The micromesh density can be altered to accommodate fluid reagents having different viscosities. Flexibility is achieved by attaching a thick polymer tape and peeling away the micro-sensor from the glass carrier substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor package having a die with a sidewall protected by molding compound, and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The package includes a die with a first surface opposite a second surface and sidewalls extending between the first and second surfaces. A redistribution layer is formed on the first surface of each die. An area of the first surface of the die is greater than an area of the redistribution layer, such that a portion of the first surface of the die is exposed. When molding compound is formed over the die and the redistribution layer to form a semiconductor package, the molding compound is on the first surface of the die between an outer edge of the redistribution layer and an outer edge of the first surface. The molding compound is also on the sidewalls of the die, which provides protection against chipping or cracking during transport.

Abstract: An image sensing device includes an interconnect layer and a number of grid array contacts arranged on a bottom side of the interconnect layer. An image sensor integrated circuit (IC) is carried by the interconnect layer and has an image sensing surface. A number of electrical connections are coupled between the image sensor IC and an upper side of the interconnect layer. A transparent plate overlies the image sensing surface of the image sensor IC. A cap is carried by the interconnect layer and has an opening overlying transparent plate and the image sensing surface. The cap has an upper wall spaced above the interconnect layer and the image sensor IC to define an internal cavity and the cap defines an air vent coupled to the internal cavity.

Abstract: Miniature resistive gas detectors incorporate thin films that can selectively identify specific gases when heated to certain characteristic temperatures. A solid state gas sensor module is disclosed that includes a gas sensor, a heater, and a temperature sensor, stacked over an insulating recess. The insulating recess is partially filled with a support material that provides structural integrity. The solid state gas sensor module can be integrated on top of an ASIC on a common substrate. With sufficient thermal insulation, such a gas detector can be provided as a low-power component of mobile electronic devices such as smart phones. A method of operating a multi-sensor array allows detection of relative concentrations of different gas species by either using dedicated sensors, or by thermally tuning the sensors to monitor different gas species.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a lead frame, a die, a discrete electrical component, and electrical connections. The lead frame includes leads and a die pad. Some of the leads include engraved regions that have recesses therein and the die pad may include an engraved region or multiple engraved regions. Each engraved region is formed to contain and confine a conductive adhesive from flowing over the edges of the engraved leads or the die pad. The boundary confines the conductive adhesive to the appropriate location on the engraved lead or the engraved die pad when being placed on the engraved regions. By utilizing a lead frame with engraved regions, the flow of the conductive adhesive or the wettability of the conductive adhesive can be contained and confined to the appropriate areas of the engraved lead or engraved die pad such that a conductive adhesive does not cause cross-talk between electrical components within a semiconductor package or short circuiting within a semiconductor package.

Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to system in package (SiP) for optical devices, including proximity sensor packaging. One embodiment is directed to optical sensor that includes a substrate, an image sensor die and a light-emitting device. A first surface of the image sensor die is coupled to the substrate, and a recess is formed extending into the image sensor die from the first surface toward a second surface of the image sensor die. A light transmissive layer is formed in the image sensor die between the recess and the first surface. The optical sensor further includes a light-emitting device that is coupled to the substrate and positioned within the recess formed in the image sensor die.

Abstract: A method of testing integrated circuit die for presence of a crack includes performing back end integrated circuit fabrication processes on a wafer having a plurality of integrated circuit die, the back end fabrication including an assembly process. The assembly process includes a) lowering a tip of a first manipulator arm to contact a given die such that pogo pins extending from the tip make electrical contact with conductive areas on the given die so that the pogo pins are electrically connected to a crack detector on the given die, b) picking up the given die using the first manipulator arm, and c) performing a conductivity test on the crack detector using the pogo pins to determine presence of a crack in the given die that extends from a periphery of the die, through a die seal ring of the die, and into an integrated circuit region of the die.

Abstract: A method for forming a molded proximity sensor with an optical resin lens and the structure formed thereby. A light sensor chip is placed on a substrate, such as a printed circuit board, and a diode, such as a laser diode, is positioned on top of the light sensor chip and electrically connected to a bonding pad on the light sensor chip. Transparent, optical resin in liquid form is applied as a drop over the light sensor array on the light sensor chip as well as over the light-emitting diode. After the optical resin is cured, a molding compound is applied to an entire assembly, after which the assembly is polished to expose the lenses and have a top surface flush with the top surface of the molding compound.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a support substrate to which a first electronic chip and a second electronic chip are mounted in a position situated on top of one another. First electrical connection elements are interposed between the first electronic chip and the support substrate. Second electrical connection elements are interposed between the second electronic chip and the support substrate and are situated at a distance from a periphery of the first electronic chip. Third electrical connection elements are interposed between the first electronic chip and the second electronic chip.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a package that includes an electric device having a recess. In one embodiment, the electric device is a sensor and the recess reduces signal drift of the sensor caused by thermal expansion of the package. In another embodiment, the recess is substantially filled with adhesive material, thus increasing adhesion between the electric device and a substrate of the package while at the same time allowing for lower adhesive fillets.

Abstract: A package packaged with a cap. The package features trenches, through holes, and a non-conductive coupling element forming a locking mechanism integrated embedded or integrated within a substrate. The package has a cap coupled to the non-conductive coupling element through ultrasonic plastic welding. The package protects the dice from an outside environment or external stresses or both. A method is desired to form package to reduce glue overflow defects in the package. Fabrication of the package comprises drilling holes in a substrate; forming trenches in the substrate; forming a non-conductive coupling element in the through holes and the trenches to form a locking mechanism; allowing the non-conductive coupling element to harden and cure; coupling a die or dice to the substrate; and coupling a cap to the non-conductive coupling element to protect the die or dice from an outside environment or external stresses or both.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gas sensor that includes an active sensor area that is exposed to an environment for detection of elements. The gas sensor may be an air quality sensor that can be fixed in position or carried by a user. The gas sensor includes a heater formed above chamber. The gas sensor includes an active sensor layer above the heater that forms the active sensor area. The gas sensor can include a passive conductive layer, such as a hotplate that further conducts and distributes heat from the heater to the active sensor area. The heater can include a plurality of extensions. The heater can also include a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer on the first conductive layer where the second conductive layer includes a plurality of openings to increase an amount of heat and to more evenly distribute heat from the heater to the active sensor area.

Abstract: A single chip integrated circuit (IC) package includes a die pad, and a spacer ring on the die pad defining a solder receiving area. A solder body is on the die pad within the solder receiving area. An IC die is on the spacer ring and is secured to the die pad by the solder body within the solder receiving area. Encapsulating material surrounds the die pad, spacer ring, and IC die. For a multi-chip IC package, a dam structure is on the die pad and defines multiple solder receiving areas. A respective solder body is on the die pad within a respective solder receiving area. An IC die is within each respective solder receiving area and is held in place by a corresponding solder body. Encapsulating material surrounds the die pad, dam structure, and plurality of IC die.

Abstract: A miniature oxygen sensor makes use of paramagnetic properties of oxygen gas to provide a fast response time, low power consumption, improved accuracy and sensitivity, and superior durability. The miniature oxygen sensor disclosed maintains a sample of ambient air within a micro-channel formed in a semiconductor substrate. O2 molecules segregate in response to an applied magnetic field, thereby establishing a measureable Hall voltage. Oxygen present in the sample of ambient air can be deduced from a change in Hall voltage with variation in the applied magnetic field. The magnetic field can be applied either by an external magnet or by a thin film magnet integrated into a gas sensing cavity within the micro-channel. A differential sensor further includes a reference element containing an unmagnetized control sample. The miniature oxygen sensor is suitable for use as a real-time air quality monitor in consumer products such as smart phones.

Abstract: A carrier wafer has a back face and a front face and a network of electrical connections between the back face and the front face. A first electronic chip is mounted with its bottom face on top of the front face of the carrier wafer. The first electronic chip has a through-opening extending between the bottom face and a face. A second electronic chip is installed in the through-opening and mounted to the front face of the carrier wafer.

Abstract: A miniature gas analyzer capable of detecting VOC gases in ambient air as well as sensing relative humidity and ambient temperature can be used to monitor indoor air quality. The VOC gas sensor is thermally controlled and can be tuned to detect a certain gas by programming an adjacent heater. An insulating air pocket formed below the sensor helps to maintain the VOC gas sensor at a desired temperature. A local temperature sensor may be integrated with each gas sensor to provide feedback control. The heater, local temperature sensor, gas sensor(s), relative humidity sensor, and ambient temperature sensor are in the form of patternable thin films integrated on a single microchip, e.g., an ASIC. The device can be incorporated into computer workstations, smart phones, clothing, or other wearable accessories to function as a personal air quality monitor that is smaller, more accurate, and less expensive than existing air quality sensors.

Abstract: A proximity sensor includes a printed circuit board substrate, a semiconductor die, electrical connectors, a lens, a light emitting assembly, and an encapsulating layer. The semiconductor die is positioned over the printed circuit board substrate with its upper surface facing away from the printed circuit board substrate. Each of the electrical connectors is in electrical communication with a contact pad of the semiconductor die and a respective contact pad of the printed circuit board substrate. The lens is positioned over a sensor area of the semiconductor die. The light emitting assembly includes a light emitting device having a light emitting area, a lens positioned over the light emitting area, and contact pads facing the printed circuit board substrate. The encapsulating layer is positioned on the printed circuit board substrate, at least one of the electrical connectors, the semiconductor die, the lens, and the light emitting assembly.

Abstract: A semiconductor package that is a proximity sensor includes a light transmitting die, a light receiving die, an ambient light sensor, a cap, and a substrate. The light receiving die and the light transmitting die are coupled to the substrate. The cap is coupled to the substrate forming a first chamber around the light transmitting die and a second chamber around the light receiving die. The cap further includes a recess with contact pads. The ambient light sensor is mounted within the recess of the cap and coupled to the contact pads. The cap includes electrical traces that are coupled to the contact pads within the recess coupling the ambient light sensor to the substrate. By utilizing a cap with a recess containing contact pads, a proximity sensor can be formed in a single semiconductor package all while maintaining a compact size and reducing the manufacturing costs of proximity sensors.