Abstract: An integrated circuit is packaged, in one embodiment, by wire bonding to pads supported by tape. The tape also supports traces that run from the wire bonded location to a pad for solder balls. A heat spreader is thermally connected to the integrated circuit and is located not just in the area under the die but also extends to the edge of the package in the area outside the wire bonding location. This outer area is thermally connected to the area under the die by thermal bars that run between some of the wire bond locations. During the manufacturing of the package the heat spreader is connected to slotted rails by tie bars. During singulation, the tie bars are easily broken or sawed because they are significantly reduced in thickness from the thickness of the heat spreader as a whole.