Abstract: Packaged modules for use in wireless devices are disclosed. A substrate supports integrated circuit die including at least a portion of a baseband system and a front end system, an oscillator assembly, and an antenna. The oscillator assembly includes an enclosure to enclose the oscillator and conductive pillars formed at least partially within a side of the enclosure to conduct signals between the top and bottom surfaces of the oscillator assembly. Components can be vertically integrated to save space and reduce trace length. Vertical integration provides an overhang volume that can include discrete components. Radio frequency shielding and ground planes within the substrate shield the front end system and antenna from radio frequency interference. Stacked filter assemblies include passive surface mount devices to filter radio frequency signals.

Abstract: Front end systems and related devices, integrated circuits, modules, and methods are disclosed. One such packaged module includes a low noise amplifier in an interior of a radio frequency shielding structure and an antenna external to the radio frequency shielding structure. The low noise amplifier includes a first inductor, an amplification circuit, and a second inductor magnetically coupled to the first inductor to provide negative feedback to linearize the low noise amplifier. The radio frequency shielding structure can extend above a package substrate. The antenna can be on the package substrate. Other embodiments of front end systems are disclosed, along with related devices, integrated circuits, modules, methods, and components thereof.

Abstract: A packaged radio frequency module includes a package substrate. A semiconductor die is attached to the package substrate and includes one or more radio frequency circuits fabricated therein. A molding compound encapsulates the semiconductor die. An electromagnetic shielding structure at least partially covers the molding compound, the electromagnetic shielding structure having an outer layer including cobalt. A phone board assembly can include the packaged radio frequency module attached to a printed circuit board. The packaged radio frequency module can be incorporated into a mobile device.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to methods of selectively shielded radio frequency modules. A radio frequency module can be provided with a radio frequency component and an antenna. A shielding layer can be formed over a portion of the radio frequency module such that the radio frequency component is shielded by the shielding layer and the antenna is unshielded by the shielding layer.

Abstract: Apparatus related to conformal coating implemented with surface mount devices. In some embodiments, a radio-frequency (RF) module includes a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components. The RF also includes a surface mount device (SMD) mounted on the packaging substrate, the SMD including a metal layer that faces upward when mounted. The RF module further includes an overmold formed over the packaging substrate, the overmold dimensioned to cover the SMD. The RF module further includes an opening defined by the overmold at a region over the SMD, the opening having a depth sufficient to expose at least a portion of the metal layer. The RF module further includes a conformal conductive layer formed over the overmold, the conformal conductive layer configured to fill at least a portion of the opening to provide an electrical path between the conformal conductive layer and the metal layer of the SMD.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to methods of selectively shielded radio frequency modules. A radio frequency module can be provided with a radio frequency component and an antenna. A shielding layer can be formed over a portion of the radio frequency module such that the radio frequency component is shielded by the shielding layer and the antenna is unshielded by the shielding layer.

Abstract: Front end systems and related devices, integrated circuits, modules, and methods are disclosed. One such packaged module includes a low noise amplifier in an interior of a radio frequency shielding structure and an antenna external to the radio frequency shielding structure. The low noise amplifier includes a first inductor, an amplification circuit, and a second inductor magnetically coupled to the first inductor to provide negative feedback to linearize the low noise amplifier. The radio frequency shielding structure can extend above a package substrate. The antenna can be on the package substrate. Other embodiments of front end systems are disclosed, along with related devices, integrated circuits, modules, methods, and components thereof.

Abstract: Sputtering systems and methods for packaging applications. In some embodiments, a method for processing a plurality of packaged devices can include forming or providing a first assembly having a stencil and a two-sided adhesive member attached to a first side of the stencil, with the stencil having a plurality of openings, and the two-sided adhesive member having a plurality of openings corresponding to the openings of the stencil. The method can further include attaching the first assembly to a ring to provide a second assembly, with the ring being dimensioned to facilitate a deposition process. The method can further include loading a plurality of packaged devices onto the second assembly such that each packaged device is held by the two-sided adhesive member of the first assembly and a portion of each packaged device extends into the corresponding opening of the two-sided adhesive member.

Abstract: Packaged modules for use in wireless devices are disclosed. A substrate supports integrated circuit die including at least a portion of a baseband system and a front end system, an oscillator assembly, and an antenna. The oscillator assembly includes an enclosure to enclose the oscillator and conductive pillars formed at least partially within a side of the enclosure to conduct signals between the top and bottom surfaces of the oscillator assembly. Components can be vertically integrated to save space and reduce trace length. Vertical integration provides an overhang volume that can include discrete components. Radio frequency shielding and ground planes within the substrate shield the front end system and antenna from radio frequency interference. Stacked filter assemblies include passive surface mount devices to filter radio frequency signals.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a radio-frequency (RF) module is disclosed, the method including forming or providing a first assembly that includes a packaging substrate and an RF component mounted thereon, the first assembly further including one or more shielding-wirebonds formed relative to the RF component, forming an overmold over the packaging substrate to substantially encapsulate the RF component and the one or more shielding-wirebonds, the overmold formed by compression molding, and forming a conductive layer on an upper surface of the overmold such that the conductive layer is in electrical contact with some or all of the shielding-wirebonds.

Abstract: Apparatus related to conformal coating implemented with surface mount devices. In some embodiments, a radio-frequency (RF) module includes a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components. The RF also includes a surface mount device (SMD) mounted on the packaging substrate, the SMD including a metal layer that faces upward when mounted. The RF module further includes an overmold formed over the packaging substrate, the overmold dimensioned to cover the SMD. The RF module further includes an opening defined by the overmold at a region over the SMD, the opening having a depth sufficient to expose at least a portion of the metal layer. The RF module further includes a conformal conductive layer formed over the overmold, the conformal conductive layer configured to fill at least a portion of the opening to provide an electrical path between the conformal conductive layer and the metal layer of the SMD.

Abstract: According to certain aspects, a method can include: providing a packaging substrate having an upper side, a lower side, and a ground plane; implementing a radio-frequency circuit assembly on both of the upper and lower sides; forming an upper overmold on the upper side to cover an upper portion of the radio-frequency circuit assembly; forming one or more openings through the upper overmold to expose contact pads on the upper side; covering an upper surface and the one or more openings of the upper overmold with a conductive layer; implementing a plurality of contact features on the lower side; forming a lower overmold on the lower side to cover a lower portion of the radio-frequency circuit assembly and some or all of each of the contact features on the lower side; and processing the lower overmold to expose the contact features to allow the dual-sided module to be mounted on a circuit board.

Abstract: Described herein are radio-frequency (RF) modules that include shielding for improved RF performance. The RF modules including a packaging substrate with a receiving system implemented thereon. The RF module includes a shield implemented to provide RF shielding for at least a portion of the receiving system. The receiving system can include any combination of pre-amplifier or post-amplifier bandpass filters, amplifiers, switching networks, impedance matching components, phase-shifting components, input multiplexers, and output multiplexers. The shielding can include a conductive layer within a conformal shielding on an upper side and side walls of the RF module. The shielding can be an overmold formed over the packaging substrate. The conductive layer can be connected to one or more ground planes. The packaging substrate can include contact features on an underside of the substrate for mounting an underside component.

Abstract: A packaging substrate can include a first surface and a second opposing surface, the first surface having a mounting region configured to receive electronic components, and electrical contacts formed on the second opposing surface. A saw street region can surround the mounting region and the electrical contacts, a metal layer and a solder mask layer being formed within the saw street region on the second opposing surface, and the solder mask layer being formed over the metal layer. An electronic module can include a packaging substrate including a first surface and a second opposing surface, the first surface including a mounting region. A plurality of electronic components can be mounted on the mounting region. A ground pad can be formed on the second opposing surface of the packaging substrate, the ground pad including a solder mask layer formed thereon, the solder mask layer having a plurality of openings.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to determining a layout of a racetrack that forms part of an RF isolation structure of a packaged module and the resulting RF isolation structures. Locations of where the racetrack can be adjusted (for example, narrowed) and/or removed without significantly degrading the EMI performance of the RF isolation structure can be identified. In certain embodiments, a portion of the racetrack can be removed to create a break and/or a portion of the racetrack can be narrowed in a selected area.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods related to shielded modules. In some embodiments, a module processing system can include a first sub-system configured to prepare or provide a carrier assembly that includes a ring having an inner boundary and configured to be utilized in a deposition apparatus, and a stencil having a plurality of openings, with each opening dimensioned to receive a portion of a packaged module. The carrier assembly can further include an adhesive member that attaches the stencil to the ring such that the stencil is positioned at least partially within the inner boundary of the ring, to allow the carrier assembly to be utilized in the deposition apparatus. The system can further include a second sub-system configured to position a plurality of packaged modules over the respective openings of the stencil to thereby allow the plurality of packaged modules to be processed in the deposition apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods related to a conductive paint layer configured to provide radio-frequency (RF) shielding for a packaged semiconductor module. Such a module can include a packaging substrate, one or more RF components mounted on the packaging substrate, a ground plane disposed within the packaging substrate, and a plurality of RF-shielding wirebonds disposed on the packaging substrate and electrically connected to the ground plane. The module can further include an overmold structure formed over the packaging substrate and dimensioned to substantially encapsulate the RF component(s) and the RF-shielding wirebonds. The overmold structure can define an upper surface that exposes upper portions of the RF-shielding wirebonds. The module can further include a conductive paint layer having silver flakes disposed on the upper surface of the overmold structure so that the conductive paint layer, the RF-shielding wirebonds, and the ground plane form an RF-shield for the RF component(s).

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a packaged module with a radio frequency isolation structure that includes a racetrack, a conductive layer, and a conductive feature in an electrical path between the racetrack and the conductive layer. The racetrack can be disposed in a substrate and configured at a ground potential. The racetrack can include a break.

Abstract: A packaged radio frequency module includes a package substrate. A semiconductor die is attached to the package substrate and includes one or more radio frequency circuits fabricated therein. A molding compound encapsulates the semiconductor die. An electromagnetic shielding structure at least partially covers the molding compound, the electromagnetic shielding structure having an outer layer including cobalt. A phone board assembly can include the packaged radio frequency module attached to a printed circuit board. The packaged radio frequency module can be incorporated into a mobile device.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a radio-frequency (RF) module is disclosed, the method including forming or providing a first assembly that includes a packaging substrate and an RF component mounted thereon, the first assembly further including one or more shielding-wirebonds formed relative to the RF component, and forming an overmold over the packaging substrate to substantially encapsulate the RF component and the one or more shielding-wirebonds, the overmold formed by compression molding that includes reducing a volume of melted resin in a direction having a component perpendicular to a plane defined by the packaging substrate.