Patents by Inventor Cary J. Baerlocher

Cary J. Baerlocher has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8716849
    Abstract: A stiffener molded to a semiconductor substrate, such as a lead frame, and methods of molding the stiffener to the substrate are provided. The stiffener is molded to the substrate to provide rigidity and support to the substrate. A stiffener material can comprise a polymeric material molded to the substrate by a molding technique such as transfer molding, injection molding, and spray molding, or using an encapsulating material. One or more dies, chips, or other semiconductor or microelectronic devices can be disposed on the substrate to form a die assembly. The stiffener can be molded to a substrate comprising one or more dies, over which an encapsulating material can be applied to produce a semiconductor die package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. Cobbley, Cary J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 8508034
    Abstract: Various embodiments for molding tools for moisture-resistant image sensor packaging structures and methods of assembly are disclosed. Image sensor packages of the present invention include an interposer, a housing structure formed on the interposer for surrounding an image sensor chip, and a transparent cover. The housing structure may cover substantially all of the interposer chip surface. In another embodiment, the housing structure also covers substantially all of the interposer edge surfaces. The housing structure may also cover substantially all of the interposer attachment surface. An image sensor chip is electrically connected to the interposer with sealed wire bond connections or with sealed flip-chip connections. The housing structure may include runners that enable simultaneous sealing of the interior of the image sensor package and of the transparent cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd O. Bolken, Cary J. Baerlocher, Steven W. Heppler, Chad A. Cobbley
  • Publication number: 20120187552
    Abstract: A stiffener molded to a semiconductor substrate, such as a lead frame, and methods of molding the stiffener to the substrate are provided. The stiffener is molded to the substrate to provide rigidity and support to the substrate. The stiffener material can comprise a polymeric material molded to the substrate by a molding technique such as transfer molding, injection molding, and spray molding, or using an encapsulating material. One or more dies, chips, or other semiconductor or microelectronic devices can be disposed on the substrate to form a die assembly. The stiffener can be molded to a substrate comprising one or more dies, over which an encapsulating material can be applied to produce a semiconductor die package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Chad A. Cobbley, Cary J. Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20120126386
    Abstract: Various embodiments for molding tools for moisture-resistant image sensor packaging structures and methods of assembly are disclosed. Image sensor packages of the present invention include an interposer, a housing structure formed on the interposer for surrounding an image sensor chip, and a transparent cover. The housing structure may cover substantially all of the interposer chip surface. In another embodiment, the housing structure also covers substantially all of the interposer edge surfaces. The housing structure may also cover substantially all of the interposer attachment surface. An image sensor chip is electrically connected to the interposer with sealed wire bond connections or with sealed flip-chip connections. The housing structure may include runners that enable simultaneous sealing of the interior of the image sensor package and of the transparent cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Todd O. Bolken, Cary J. Baerlocher, Steven W. Heppler, Chad A. Cobbley
  • Patent number: 8148803
    Abstract: A stiffener molded to a semiconductor substrate, such as a lead frame, and methods of molding the stiffener to the substrate are provided. The stiffener is molded to the substrate to provide rigidity and support to the substrate. The stiffener material can comprise a polymeric material molded to the substrate by a molding technique such as transfer molding, injection molding, and spray molding, or using an encapsulating material. One or more dies, chips, or other semiconductor or microelectronic devices can be disposed on the substrate to form a die assembly. The stiffener can be molded to a substrate comprising one or more dies, over which an encapsulating material can be applied to produce a semiconductor die package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. Cobbley, Cary J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 8115296
    Abstract: Various embodiments for molding tools for moisture-resistant image sensor packaging structures and methods of assembly are disclosed. Image sensor packages of the present invention include an interposer, a housing structure formed on the interposer for surrounding an image sensor chip, and a transparent cover. The housing structure may cover substantially all of the interposer chip surface. In another embodiment, the housing structure also covers substantially all of the interposer edge surfaces. The housing structure may also cover substantially all of the interposer attachment surface. An image sensor chip is electrically connected to the interposer with sealed wire bond connections or with sealed flip-chip connections. The housing structure may include runners that enable simultaneous sealing of the interior of the image sensor package and of the transparent cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd O. Bolken, Cary J. Baerlocher, Steven W. Heppler, Chad A. Cobbley
  • Patent number: 8093730
    Abstract: An apparatus and method may be used for packaging a semiconductor die and a carrier substrate to substantially prevent trapped moisture therebetween and provide a robust, inflexible cost-effective bond. The semiconductor die is attached to the carrier substrate with a plurality of discrete adhesive elements so as to provide a gap or standoff therebetween. Wire bonds may then be formed between bond pads on the semiconductor die to conductive pads or terminals on the carrier substrate. With this arrangement, a dielectric filler material is disposed in the gap or standoff to form a permanent bonding agent between the semiconductor die and the carrier substrate. By applying the dielectric filler material after forming the wire bonds, the dielectric filler material coats at least a portion of the wire bonds to stabilize the wire bonds and prevent wire sweep in an encapsulation process, such as transfer molding, performed thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank L. Hall, Cary J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7851907
    Abstract: Integrated circuit packages that connect solder balls between solder ball pads of a die and substrate pads of a printed circuit board (PCB). The solder balls are electrically disconnected from any circuit of the die, i.e., “dummy” solder balls, and are used to temporarily hold the die in position with respect to the PCB until the circuit is wire bonded and an underfill material is cured between the die and the PCB to more permanently connect them together. The underfill material is selected to have a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is substantially equal to the CTE of the solder balls to prevent thermal mismatch problems. An overmolding compound is disposed about the die and the underfill material and about the wire bonds to complete the package. Various arrangements of the solder ball pads on the die include columnar and row, corner, diagonal, cross, and periphery arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank L. Hall, Cary J. Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20100264532
    Abstract: Various embodiments for molding tools for moisture-resistant image sensor packaging structures and methods of assembly are disclosed. Image sensor packages of the present invention include an interposer, a housing structure formed on the interposer for surrounding an image sensor chip, and a transparent cover. The housing structure may cover substantially all of the interposer chip surface. In another embodiment, the housing structure also covers substantially all of the interposer edge surfaces. The housing structure may also cover substantially all of the interposer attachment surface. An image sensor chip is electrically connected to the interposer with sealed wire bond connections or with sealed flip-chip connections. The housing structure may include runners that enable simultaneous sealing of the interior of the image sensor package and of the transparent cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Todd O. Bolken, Cary J. Baerlocher, Steven W. Heppler, Chad A. Cobbley
  • Patent number: 7468559
    Abstract: Integrated circuit packages that connect solder balls between solder ball pads of a die and substrate pads of a printed circuit board (PCB). The solder balls are electrically disconnected from any circuit of the die, i.e., “dummy” solder balls, and are used to temporarily hold the die in position with respect to the PCB until the circuit is wire bonded and an underfill material is cured between the die and the PCB to more permanently connect them together. The underfill material is selected to have a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is substantially equal to the CTE of the solder balls to prevent thermal mismatch problems. An overmolding compound is disposed about the die and the underfill material and about the wire bonds to complete the package. Various arrangements of the solder ball pads on the die include columnar and row, corner, diagonal, cross, and periphery arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank L. Hall, Cary J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7459773
    Abstract: A memory package having a plurality of vertically stacked ball grid arrays. Each of the vertically stacked ball grid arrays has a memory chip coupled thereto. Further, each of the plurality of ball grid arrays includes non-metal mateable alignment features. Each of the plurality of ball grid arrays is coupled to another of the plurality of ball grid arrays to from the vertically stacked memory package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd O. Bolken, Cary J. Baerlocher, Chad A. Cobbley, David J. Corisis
  • Patent number: 7423331
    Abstract: A stiffener molded to a semiconductor substrate, such as a lead frame, and methods of molding the stiffener to the substrate are provided. The stiffener is molded to the substrate to provide rigidity and support to the substrate. The stiffener material can comprise a polymeric material molded to the substrate by a molding technique such as transfer molding, injection molding, and spray molding, or using an encapsulating material. One or more dies, chips, or other semiconductor or microelectronic devices can be disposed on the substrate to form a die assembly. The stiffener can be molded to a substrate comprising one or more dies, over which an encapsulating material can be applied to produce a semiconductor die package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A Cobbley, Cary J Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20080142950
    Abstract: Integrated circuit packages that connect solder balls between solder ball pads of a die and substrate pads of a printed circuit board (PCB). The solder balls are electrically disconnected from any circuit of the die, i.e., “dummy” solder balls, and are used to temporarily hold the die in position with respect to the PCB until the circuit is wire bonded and an underfill material is cured between the die and the PCB to more permanently connect them together. The underfill material is selected to have a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is substantially equal to the CTE of the solder balls to prevent thermal mismatch problems. An overmolding compound is disposed about the die and the underfill material and about the wire bonds to complete the package. Various arrangements of the solder ball pads on the die include columnar and row, corner, diagonal, cross, and periphery arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank L. Hall, Cary J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7344921
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor component coupled with a lead frame, and an integrated circuit package encompassing at least a portion of the semiconductor component. The package has a first surface and a second surface, and side surfaces, where the first surface is opposite the second surface. A parting line of the integrated circuit package is offset toward the second surface of the package, where the first surface optionally comprises the bottom surface of the package. The first surface of the package has one or more recessed areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Tandy, Matt E. Schwab, Cary J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7342319
    Abstract: Integrated circuit packages that connect solder balls between solder ball pads of a die and substrate pads of a printed circuit board (PCB). The solder balls are electrically disconnected from any circuit of the die, i.e., “dummy” solder balls, and are used to temporarily hold the die in position with respect to the PCB until the circuit is wire bonded and an underfill material is cured between the die and the PCB to more permanently connect them together. The underfill material is selected to have a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is substantially equal to the CTE of the solder balls to prevent thermal mismatch problems. An overmolding compound is disposed about the die and the underfill material and about the wire bonds to complete the package. Various arrangements of the solder ball pads on the die include columnar and row, corner, diagonal, cross, and periphery arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank L. Hall, Cary J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7288431
    Abstract: A stiffener molded to a semiconductor substrate, such as a lead frame, and methods of molding the stiffener to the substrate are provided. The stiffener is molded to the substrate to provide rigidity and support to the substrate. The stiffener material can comprise a polymeric material molded to the substrate by a molding technique such as transfer molding, injection molding, and spray molding, or using an encapsulating material. One or more dies, chips, or other semiconductor or microelectronic devices can be disposed on the substrate to form a die assembly. The stiffener can be molded to a substrate comprising one or more dies, over which an encapsulating material can be applied to produce a semiconductor die package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. Cobbley, Cary J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7276802
    Abstract: Integrated circuit packages that connect solder balls between solder ball pads of a die and substrate pads of a printed circuit board (PCB). The solder balls are electrically disconnected from any circuit of the die, i.e., “dummy” solder balls, and are used to temporarily hold the die in position with respect to the PCB until the circuit is wire bonded and an underfill material is cured between the die and the PCB to more permanently connect them together. The underfill material is selected to have a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is substantially equal to the CTE of the solder balls to prevent thermal mismatch problems. An overmolding compound is disposed about the die and the underfill material and about the wire bonds to complete the package. Various arrangements of the solder ball pads on the die include columnar and row, corner, diagonal, cross, and periphery arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank L. Hall, Cary J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7268067
    Abstract: Integrated circuit packages that connect solder balls between solder ball pads of a die and substrate pads of a printed circuit board (PCB). The solder balls are electrically disconnected from any circuit of the die, i.e., “dummy” solder balls, and are used to temporarily hold the die in position with respect to the PCB until the circuit is wire bonded and an underfill material is cured between the die and the PCB to more permanently connect them together. The underfill material is selected to have a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is substantially equal to the CTE of the solder balls to prevent thermal mismatch problems. An overmolding compound is disposed about the die and the underfill material and about the wire bonds to complete the package. Various arrangements of the solder ball pads on the die include columnar and row, corner, diagonal, cross, and periphery arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank L. Hall, Cary J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7262074
    Abstract: An apparatus and method may be used for packaging a semiconductor die and a carrier substrate to substantially prevent trapped moisture therebetween and provide a robust, inflexible cost-effective bond. The semiconductor die is attached to the carrier substrate with a plurality of discrete adhesive elements so as to provide a gap or standoff therebetween. Wire bonds may then be formed between bond pads on the semiconductor die to conductive pads or terminals on the carrier substrate. With this arrangement, a dielectric filler material is disposed in the gap or standoff to form a permanent bonding agent between the semiconductor die and the carrier substrate. By applying the dielectric filler material after forming the wire bonds, the dielectric filler material coats at least a portion of the wire bonds to stabilize the wire bonds and prevent wire sweep in an encapsulation process, such as transfer molding, performed thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank L. Hall, Cary J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7239029
    Abstract: A ball grid array assembly includes a package cover that encapsulates a die and a portion of a substrate to which the die is attached, including an edge of the substrate. Encapsulation of the substrate edge by the cover reduces penetration of moisture or other contaminants into the substrate. The cover includes a rib that extends to contact a circuit board to which the ball grid array assembly is connected. With such a rib, planarity between the circuit board and the substrate is maintained during soldering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd O. Bolken, Cary J. Baerlocher, David J. Corisis, Chad A. Cobbley