Patents by Inventor Howard E. Chen

Howard E. Chen 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).

  • Publication number: 20180240763
    Abstract: A packaged radio-frequency device is disclosed, including a packaging substrate configured to receive one or more components, the packaging substrate including a first side and a second side. The packaging substrate may include a first component mounted on the first side of the packaging substrate and a first overmold structure implemented on the first side of the packaging substrate, the first overmold structure substantially encapsulating the first component. The packaging substrate may further include a set of through-mold connections implemented on the second side of the packaging substrate, the set of through-mold connections including signal pins and ground pins, a second component mounted on the second side of the packaging substrate, the second component being located in an area of the second side configured to implement redundant ground pins and a second overmold structure substantially encapsulating one or more of the second component or the set of through-mold connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Howard E. CHEN, Robert Francis DARVEAUX, Anthony James LOBIANCO
  • Publication number: 20180226271
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of fabricating a packaged radio-frequency (RF) device. The disclosed methods use a film during fabrication to control the distribution of an under-fill material between one or more components and a packaging substrate. The method includes mounting components to a first side of a packaging substrate and applying a film to a second side of a packaging substrate. The method also includes mounting a lower component to the second side of the packaging substrate and under-filling the lower component mounted on the second side of the packaging substrate with an under-filling agent. The method also includes removing the film on the second side of the packaging substrate and mounting solder balls to the second side of the packaging substrate after removal of the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Howard E. CHEN, Hoang Mong Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20180226361
    Abstract: Controlled standoff for module with ball grid array. In some embodiments, a packaged module can include a packaging substrate having an underside, and an arrangement of conductive features implemented on the underside of the packaging substrate to define an underside area and to allow mounting of the packaged module on a circuit board. The packaged module can further include an underside component mounted to the underside of the packaging substrate within the underside area. The packaged module can further include one or more standoff structures implemented on the underside of the packaging substrate and configured to inhibit damage to the underside component when some or all of the arrangement of conductive features collapses during or after mounting of the packaged module on the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Howard E. CHEN, Hoang Mong NGUYEN
  • Patent number: 10043763
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed, related to shielding and packaging of radio-frequency (RF) devices on substrates. In some embodiments, A radio-frequency (RF) module comprises a lead-frame package with a plurality of pins and at least one pin exposed from overmold compound. The module further includes a metal-based covering over a portion of the lead-frame package. Additionally, the metal-based covering can be in contact with the at least one pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard E. Chen
  • Publication number: 20180146541
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods related to ground paths implemented with surface mount devices to facilitate shielding of radio-frequency (RF) modules. In some embodiments, a method for fabricating a radio-frequency module includes providing a packaging substrate, the packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components and the packaging substrate including a ground plane. In some embodiments, the method includes mounting a surface mount device on the packaging substrate, and forming or providing a conductive layer over the surface mount device such that the surface mount device electrically connects the conductive layer with the ground plane to thereby provide radio-frequency shielding between first and second regions about the surface mount device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventor: Howard E. CHEN
  • Patent number: 9955582
    Abstract: Single-die or multi-die packaged modules that incorporate three-dimensional integration of active devices with discrete passive devices to create a package structure that allows active devices (such as, silicon or gallium-arsenide devices) to share the same footprint area as an array of passive surface mount components. In one example, a module includes at least one active device stacked on top of an array of passive surface mount components on a substrate. A conductive or non-conductive adhesive can be used to adhere the active device to the array of passive devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Kuhlman, Anthony James LoBianco, Thomas Noll, Robert W. Warren, Howard E. Chen
  • Publication number: 20180096951
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing packaged radio-frequency devices is disclosed, including providing a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components, the packaging substrate including a first side and a second side. The method further includes forming a shielded package on the first side of the packaging substrate, the shielded package including a first circuit and a first overmold structure, the shielded package configured to provide radio-frequency shielding for at least a portion of the first circuit. The method includes mounting a component on the second side of the packaging substrate, forming a second overmold structure over the component and forming a set of cavities in the second overmold structure, the set of cavities positioned relative to the component. The method includes forming a set of through-mold connections in the set of cavities in the second overmold structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Howard E. CHEN, Robert Francis DARVEAUX, Hoang Mong NGUYEN
  • Publication number: 20180096949
    Abstract: A packaged radio-frequency device is disclosed, including a packaging substrate configured to receive one or more components, the packaging substrate including a first side and a second side. A shielded package may be implemented on the first side of the packaging substrate, the shielded package including a first circuit and a first overmold structure, the shielded package configured to provide radio-frequency shielding for at least a portion of the first circuit. A set of through-mold connections may be implemented on the second side of the packaging substrate, the set of through-mold connections defining a mounting volume on the second side of the packaging substrate. The device may include a component implemented within the mounting volume and a second overmold structure substantially encapsulating one or more of the component or the set of through-mold connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Howard E. CHEN, Robert Francis DARVEAUX
  • Publication number: 20180096950
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing packaged radio-frequency devices is disclosed, including providing a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components, the packaging substrate including a first side and a second side. The method includes forming a shielded package on the first side of the packaging substrate, the shielded package including a first circuit and a first overmold structure, the shielded package configured to provide RF shielding for at least a portion of the first circuit. The method further includes mounting a component on the second side of the packaging substrate and arranging a set of through-mold connections on the second side of the packaging substrate such that the set of through-mold connections is positioned relative to the component. The method includes forming a second overmold structure over the component and the set of through-mold connections and removing a portion of the second overmold structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Howard E. CHEN, Robert Francis DARVEAUX, Hoang Mong NGUYEN
  • Patent number: 9871599
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to determining the location and/or density of vias that form part of an RF isolation structure of a packaged module and the resulting RF isolation structures. From electromagnetic interference (EMI) data, locations of where via density can be increased and/or decreased without significantly degrading the EMI performance of the RF isolation structure can be identified. In certain embodiments, one or more vias can be added and/or removed from a selected area of the packaged module based on the EMI data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard E. Chen, Matthew Sean Read, Hoang Mong Nguyen, Anthony James LoBianco, Guohao Zhang, Dinhphuoc Vu Hoang
  • Publication number: 20180005958
    Abstract: Shielded radio-frequency (RF) module having reduced area. In some embodiments, a method for fabricating a radio-frequency module includes forming or providing a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components. The method may include mounting one or more devices on the packaging substrate such that the packaging substrate includes a first area associated with mounting of each of the one or more devices. In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a plurality of shielding wirebonds on the packaging substrate to provide RF shielding functionality for one or more regions on the packaging substrate, such that the packaging substrate includes a second area associated with formation of each shielding wirebond, the mounting of each device implemented with respect to a corresponding shielding wirebond such that a portion of the first area associated with the device overlaps at least partially with a portion of the second area associated with the corresponding shielding wirebond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Howard E. CHEN, Matthew Sean READ
  • Publication number: 20170337317
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Howard E. Chen, Matthew Sean Read, Hoang Mong Nguyen, Anthony James LoBianco, Guohao Zhang, Dinhphuoc Vu Hoang
  • Publication number: 20170317710
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Yi LIU, Anthony James LOBIANCO, Matthew Sean READ, Hoang Mong NGUYEN, Howard E. Chen, Stephane Richard Marie WLOCZYSIAK, William J. DOMINO, Bipul AGARWAL
  • Publication number: 20170301629
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew Sean Read, Hoang Mong Nguyen, Anthony James LoBianco, Howard E. Chen, Dinhphuoc Vu Hoang
  • Patent number: 9788466
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods related to ground paths implemented with surface mount devices to facilitate shielding of radio-frequency (RF) modules. In some embodiments, a module can include a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components. The module can further include an RF component mounted on the packaging substrate and configured to facilitate processing of an RF signal. The module can further include an RF shield disposed relative to the RF component, with the RF shield being configured to provide shielding for the RF component. The RF shield can include at least one shielding-component configured to provide one or more electrical paths between a conductive layer on an upper surface of the module and a ground plane of the packaging substrate. The shielding-component can include a surface-mount device such as an RF filter implemented as a chip size surface acoustic wave (SAW) device (CSSD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard E. Chen
  • Patent number: 9761537
    Abstract: Shielded radio-frequency (RF) module having reduced area. In some embodiments, an RF module can include a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components, and a plurality of shielding wirebonds implemented on the packaging substrate and configured to provide RF shielding functionality for one or more regions on the packaging substrate. The packaging substrate can include a first area associated with implementation of each shielding wirebond. The RF module can further include one or more devices mounted on the packaging substrate. The packaging substrate can further include a second area associated with mounting of each of the one or more devices. Each device can be mounted with respect to a corresponding shielding wirebond such that the second area associated with the device overlaps at least partially with the first area associated with the corresponding shielding wirebond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard E. Chen, Matthew Sean Read
  • Publication number: 20170236785
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed, related to shielding and packaging of radio-frequency (RF) devices on substrates. In some embodiments, A radio-frequency (RF) module comprises a lead-frame package with a plurality of pins and at least one pin exposed from overmold compound. The module further includes a metal-based covering over a portion of the lead-frame package. Additionally, the metal-based covering can be in contact with the at least one pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Howard E. CHEN
  • Patent number: 9703913
    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. The racetrack layout can be determined based on identifying low radiating areas of a module and/or areas of a module that are less sensitive to external radiation. The racetrack can be disposed below a surface of a module on which a radio frequency component is disposed. The racetrack and a conductive layer over the radio frequency component can form part of a radio frequency isolation structure around the RF component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard E. Chen, Matthew Sean Read, Hoang Mong Nguyen, Anthony James LoBianco, Guohao Zhang, Dinhphuoc Vu Hoang
  • Publication number: 20170149466
    Abstract: Devices and methods related to packaging of radio-frequency (RF) devices on ceramic substrates. In some embodiments, a packaged electronic device can include a ceramic substrate configured to receive one or more components. The ceramic substrate can include a conductive layer in electrical contact with a ground plane. The packaged electronic device can further include a die having an integrated circuit and mounted on a surface of the ceramic substrate. The packaged electronic device can further include a conformal conductive coating implemented over the die to provide shielding functionality. The packaged electronic device can further include an electrical connection between the conformal conductive coating and the conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Anthony James LOBIANCO, Howard E. CHEN, David Scott WHITEFIELD
  • Patent number: 9653409
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Sean Read, Hoang Mong Nguyen, Anthony James LoBianco, Howard E. Chen, Dinhphuoc Vu Hoang