Abstract: A semiconductor package is provided that has a rigid metal substrate and a dielectric layer covering a first portion of the rigid metal substrate, with a second portion of the rigid metal substrate being substantially free of the dielectric layer. A semiconductor device is electrically bonded to the second portion of the rigid metal substrate and metal circuit traces defining electrical paths are formed on the dielectric layer, at least one of which contacts the rigid metal substrate through at least one via in the dielectric layer. Additionally, a method is provided for grounding a semiconductor device and at least one circuit trace on a rigid metal substrate substantially covered by a dielectric layer, which includes creating at least one via in the dielectric layer using a laser and creating circuit traces on the dielectric layer, at least one of which contacts the rigid metal substrate through at least one of the vias.

Abstract: There is provided a metallic component for an electronic package. The component is coated with an electrically non-conductive layer and has a plurality of conductive circuit traces are formed on a surface. The circuit traces are soldered directly to the input/output pads of an integrated circuit device and to a second plurality of circuit traces. The component may include a heat sink to enhance dissipation of heat from an encapsulated integrated circuit device.

Abstract: There is provided a base for an electronic package. The base includes a peripheral portion for a polymer adhesive and a central portion for one or more semiconductor devices. A lead support is adjacent the substrate and located between the peripheral portion and the central portion. When a polymer adhesive bonds a leadframe to the package base, the lead support prevents deflection of the inner lead tips.

Abstract: There are provided polymer plugs for sealing the vent hole of an adhesively sealed electronic package. The polymer vent hole plug is selected to be either an ultraviolet curable polymer or a thermosetting polymer resin. One effective vent hole plug is a cylindrical plug having a diameter under 1.4 millimeters formed from a UV-curable epoxy.

Abstract: There is disclosed an adhesively sealed electronic package in which a compensation apparatus is provided for excess adhesive. As a result, excess adhesive does not extend beyond the package perimeter, squeeze-out, or travel along the inner lead fingers interfering with wire bonding. The compensation is a chamfer on the peripheral edges and/or interior edges of the package base component and cover component.