Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) module comprises RF-shielding structure for providing three-dimensional electromagnetic interference shielding with respect to one or more RF devices disposed on the module. The RF-shielding may comprise wirebond structures disposed adjacent to or surrounding an RF device. Two or more intramodule devices may have wirebond structures configured to at least partially block certain types of RF signals disposed between the devices, thereby reducing effects of cross-talk between the devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods related to fabrication of shielded modules. In some embodiments, a carrier assembly can be provided for processing of packaged modules. The carrier assembly can include a plate having a first side that defines a plurality of openings, and an adhesive layer implemented on the first side of the plate. The adhesive layer can define a plurality of openings arranged to substantially match the openings of the plate, with each opening of the adhesive layer being dimensioned such that the adhesive layer is capable of providing an adhesive engagement between an underside perimeter portion of a package and a perimeter portion about the corresponding opening of the first side of the plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods 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 mound 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: 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.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) module comprises a conductive top layer configured to improve RF interference-shielding functionality with respect to one or more RF devices disposed on the module. The conductive top layer may be segmented as to form one or more segments of the top layer that are at least partially electrically isolated from surrounding segments or devices. A module may have a plurality of devices disposed thereon, wherein separate, at least partially isolated, top conductive layers correspond to different devices of the module. The top layer may be etched or cut to achieve such segmentation.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methods related to scanners that are utilized for multiple electrical and/or magnetic field measurements at different locations of a radio-frequency (RF) module. In some embodiments, a scanning system can includes a miniature probe such as a magnetic probe, a fixture system configured to hold a device under test (DUT) such as an RF module, an operating system configured to operate the DUT, and a measurement system configured to obtain field strength measurements through the miniature probe at different locations of the DUT. Such measurements can yield a near-field distribution over a plurality of selected areas of the DUT, with each of the selected areas being smaller than an overall lateral area of the DUT. In some implementations, such a scanning system is utilized to facilitate applications such as electromagnetic (EM) shielding designs.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods related to conformal coating of radio-frequency (RF) modules. In some embodiments, a module can include an overmold formed over an RF component mounted on a packaging substrate. The overmold can also cover a surface-mount device (SMD) such as an RF filter implemented as a chip size surface acoustic wave (SAW) device (CSSD). The module can further include a conductive layer formed over the overmold and configured to provide RF shielding functionality for the module. The conductive layer can be electrically connected to a ground plane of the packaging substrate through the SMD. An opening can be formed in the overmold over the SMD; and the conductive layer can conform to the opening to electrically connect the conductive layer with an upper surface of the SMD and thereby facilitate the grounding connection.

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 racetrack that forms part of an RF isolation structure of a packaged module and wireless devices that include such a packaged module. The racetrack can be disposed in a substrate and around an RF component that is on the substrate. The racetrack can include at least one break and/or at least one narrowed section without significantly degrading the EMI performance of the RF isolation structure.

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.

Abstract: Dual-sided radio-frequency package having ball grid array. In some embodiments, a packaged radio-frequency (RF) device may include a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components, the packaging substrate including a first side and a second side. The packaged RF device also includes a shielded package implemented on the first side of the packaging substrate, the shielded package including an RF circuit, the shielded package configured to provide RF shielding for at least a portion of the RF circuit. The packaged RF device further includes a ball-grid array (BGA) implemented on the second side of the packaging substrate, the BGA defining a mounting volume on the second side of the packaging substrate and a component implemented within the mounting volume.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to ceramic device embedded in laminate substrate. In some embodiments, a laminate substrate can include a plurality of laminate layers, and a ceramic device having a first side and a second side, and embedded at least partially within the plurality of laminate layers. The ceramic device can include a conductive path between the first side and the second side. In some embodiments, such a laminate substrate can be utilized as a packaging substrate for a packaged module such as a radio-frequency (RF) module.

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.

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: Devices and method related to metallization of ceramic substrates for shielding applications.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) module comprises RF-shielding structure for providing three-dimensional electromagnetic interference shielding with respect to one or more RF devices disposed on the module. The RF-shielding may comprise wirebond structures disposed adjacent to or surrounding an RF device. Two or more intramodule devices may have wirebond structures configured to at least partially block certain types of RF signals disposed between the devices, thereby reducing effects of cross-talk between the devices.

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.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) module comprises a conductive top layer configured to improve RF interference-shielding functionality with respect to one or more RF devices disposed on the module. The conductive top layer may be segmented as to form one or more segments of the top layer that are at least partially electrically isolated from surrounding segments or devices. A module may have a plurality of devices disposed thereon, wherein separate, at least partially isolated, top conductive layers correspond to different devices of the module. The top layer may be etched or cut to achieve such segmentation.

Abstract: Devices and methods related to support for packaging substrate panel having cavities. In some embodiments, a device for fabricating radio-frequency (RF) modules can include a support plate having a receiving side configured to receive a packaging substrate panel having a plurality of pockets. The receiving side can include a plurality of support features. Each support feature can be dimensioned to fit at least partially into the corresponding pocket and provide support for a portion of the packaging substrate panel associated with the pocket. Among others, such a device can allow formation of an overmold on the side of packaging substrate panel opposite from the pockets, without mechanical deformation of the packaging substrate panel.

Abstract: Devices and method related to dual-sided radio-frequency package having substrate cavity. In some embodiment, a packaged RF device includes a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components, the packaging substrate including a first side and a second side, the second side of the packaging substrate defining a pocket. The packaged RF device also includes a shielded package implemented on the first side of the packaging substrate, the shielded package including an RF circuit, the shielded package configured to provide RF shielding for at least a portion of the RF circuit. The packaged RF device further includes a component mounted substantially within the pocket of the second side of the packaging substrate.