Abstract: A hybrid lead frame having leads for conventional lead-to-I/O wire bonding, and leads for power and ground bussing that extend over a surface of the semiconductor die are provided where the leads for bussing are held in place by lead-lock tape to prevent bending and/or other movement of the bussing leads during manufacturing. More specifically, the lead-lock tape is transversely attached across a plurality of bussing leads proximate to and outside of the position where the die is to be attached.

Abstract: A support assembly for mounting a semiconductor device vertically relative to a carrier substrate. The support assembly includes an interposer to which the semiconductor device is attached. The support assembly also includes traces carried on the interposer, which electronically connect the semiconductor device to contacts on the interposer. The contacts are disposed along a single edge of the interposer. The invention also includes an alignment device for releasably mounting the support assembly. The alignment device, which mounts to a carrier substrate, includes one or more receptacles. As a support assembly is inserted into a receptacle, the alignment device establishes an electrical connection between the contacts and corresponding terminals on the carrier substrate. The assembly may also include a cover that attaches to the top of the alignment device and biases the interposer against the carrier substrate.

Abstract: A 256 Meg dynamic random access memory is comprised of a plurality of cells organized into individual arrays, which are organized into 32 Meg array blocks, which are organized into 64 Meg quadrants. Sense amplifiers are positioned between adjacent rows in the individual arrays; row decoders are positioned between adjacent columns in the individual arrays. In certain of the gap cells, multiplexers are provided to transfer signals from I/O lines to data lines. A datapath is provided which, in addition to the foregoing, includes array I/O blocks, responsive to the datalines from each quadrant to output data to a data read mux, data buffers, and data driver pads. The write data path includes a data in buffer and data write muxes for providing data to the array I/O blocks. A power bus is provided which minimizes routing of externally supplied voltages, completely rings each of the array blocks, and provides gridded power distribution within each of the array blocks.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a two-part, coplanar, interdigitated decoupling capacitor formed as a part of the conductive lead frame. For down-bonded dice, the die attach paddle is formed as the interdigitated member. Alternatively, an interdigitated capacitor may be placed as a LOC type lead frame member between electrical bond pads on the die. The capacitor sections comprise Vcc and Vss bus bars.

Abstract: Channels are formed that pass through an active surface of a semiconductor substrate to provide isolation between adjacent active surface regions defining individual die locations. Bond pads on the substrate are bumped with intermediate conductive elements, after which a material used to encapsulate the active surface is applied, filling the channels and covering exposed peripheral edges of the active surface integrated circuitry. The encapsulant is then planarized to expose the ends of the bumps. External conductive elements such as solder balls are then formed on the exposed bump ends. The semiconductor wafer is diced in alignment with the channels to singulate the semiconductor devices, the encapsulant in the channels keeping the edges of the integrated circuitry substantially hermetically sealed.

Abstract: An LOC die assembly is disclosed including a die dielectrically adhered to the underside of a lead frame. The lead frame has stress relief slots formed in the undersides of the lead elements proximate the adhesive to accommodate filler particles lodged between the leads and the active surface of the die during transfer molding of a plastic encapsulant. The increased space created by the slots and flexure in the leads about the slots reduces point stresses on the active surface of the die by the filler particles. The increased flexure in the leads about the slots further enhances the locking of the leads in position with respect to the die.

Abstract: Flip-chip packaging for optically interactive devices such as images sensors and methods of assembly. In a first embodiment of the invention, conductive traces are formed directly on the second surface of a transparent substrate and an image sensor chip is bonded to the conductive traces. Discrete conductive elements are attached to the conductive traces and extend below a back surface of the image sensor chip. In a second embodiment, a secondary substrate having conductive traces formed thereon is secured to transparent substrate. In a third embodiment, a backing cap having a full array of attachment pads is attached to the transparent substrate of the first embodiment or the secondary substrate of the second embodiment. In a fourth embodiment, the secondary substrate is a flex circuit having a mounting portion secured to the second surface of the transparent substrate, and a backing portion bent over adjacent to the back surface of the image sensor chip.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrical contact for a semiconductor device comprises the steps of providing a semiconductor wafer section having a major surface with a plurality of conductive pads thereon and electrically coupling each pad with an elongated electrical interconnect. Next, each electrical interconnect is encased in a dielectric and the dielectric is sectioned to expose a portion of each interconnect. An inventive structure which can be formed by the inventive method is also described.

Abstract: Flip-chip packaging for optically interactive devices such as images sensors and methods of assembly. In a first embodiment of the invention, conductive traces are formed directly on the second surface of a transparent substrate and an image sensor chip is bonded to the conductive traces. Discrete conductive elements are attached to the conductive traces and extend below a back surface of the image sensor chip. In a second embodiment, a secondary substrate having conductive traces formed thereon is secured to transparent substrate. In a third embodiment, a backing cap having a full array of attachment pads is attached to the transparent substrate of the first embodiment or the secondary substrate of the second embodiment. In a fourth embodiment, the secondary substrate is a flex circuit having a mounting portion secured to the second surface of the transparent substrate, and a backing portion bent over adjacent to the back surface of the image sensor chip.

Abstract: Flip-chip packaging for optically interactive devices such as images sensors and methods of assembly. In a first embodiment of the invention, conductive traces are formed directly on the second surface of a transparent substrate and an image sensor chip is bonded to the conductive traces. Discrete conductive elements are attached to the conductive traces and extend below a back surface of the image sensor chip. In a second embodiment, a secondary substrate having conductive traces formed thereon is secured to transparent substrate. In a third embodiment, a backing cap having a full array of attachment pads is attached to the transparent substrate of the first embodiment or the secondary substrate of the second embodiment. In a fourth embodiment, the secondary substrate is a flex circuit having a mounting portion secured to the second surface of the transparent substrate, and a backing portion bent over adjacent to the back surface of the image sensor chip.

Abstract: Methods for packaging optically interactive devices such as images sensors. In a first embodiment of the invention, conductive traces are formed directly on the second surface of a transparent substrate and an image sensor chip is bonded to the traces. Discrete conductive elements are attached to the traces and extend below a back surface of the image sensor chip. In a second embodiment, a secondary substrate having conductive traces formed thereon is secured to transparent substrate. In a third embodiment, a backing cap having a full array of attachment pads is attached to the transparent substrate of the first embodiment or the secondary substrate of the second embodiment. In a fourth embodiment, the secondary substrate is a flex circuit having a mounting portion secured to the second surface of the transparent substrate, and a backing portion bent over adjacent to the back surface of the image sensor chip.

Abstract: Flip-chip packaging for optically interactive devices such as images sensors and methods of assembly. In a first embodiment of the invention, conductive traces are formed directly on the second surface of a transparent substrate and an image sensor chip is bonded to the conductive traces. Discrete conductive elements are attached to the conductive traces and extend below a back surface of the image sensor chip. In a second embodiment, a secondary substrate having conductive traces formed thereon is secured to transparent substrate. In a third embodiment, a backing cap having a full array of attachment pads is attached to the transparent substrate of the first embodiment or the secondary substrate of the second embodiment. In a fourth embodiment, the secondary substrate is a flex circuit having a mounting portion secured to the second surface of the transparent substrate, and a backing portion bent over adjacent to the back surface of the image sensor chip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a semiconductor die to terminals of a die package in which the die is housed. The apparatus comprises a die having first and second terminals. A first conductive member is elongated between a first end portion and a second end portion thereof such that the second end portion is proximate to the first terminal. A second conductive member is elongated between a first end portion and second end portion thereof such that the second end portion of the second conductive member is proximate to the second terminal of the die and the second conductive member is generally parallel to the first conductive member. The second end portions of the first and second conductive members may be coupled with conductive couplers to the first and second die terminals, respectively. The conductive members and conductive couplers may be sized and shaped to produce a selected capacitance and/or a selected impedance at the die terminals.

Abstract: A semiconductor device package and method of fabricating same. The package includes a lead frame having a die paddle and a plurality of lead fingers. The active surface of a first semiconductor die is adhered to the underside of the die paddle and is electrically coupled with one or more of the plurality of lead fingers. A second semiconductor die may be adhered to the upper side of the die paddle along a surface which is opposite to its active surface and is electrically coupled with one or more of the plurality of lead fingers. The die paddle may be formed to exhibit a smaller peripheral outline than that of the first semiconductor die such that the die paddle does not interfere with any peripherally located bond pads of the first semiconductor die. The die paddle may further serve as a heat spreader, resulting in a more thermally stable package.

Abstract: An image sensor package and methods for simultaneously fabricating a plurality of such packages. A layer of barrier material comprising a matrix of raised walls is formed around chip attachment areas located in an array on a carrier substrate to create chip cavities. Image sensor chips are wire bonded within the chip cavities, and a unitary transparent cover is sealed in place over the entire assembly. The resultant image sensor package array is then singulated along lines running between the chip attachment areas and in parallel to the raised walls to provide individual image sensor packages. The layer of barrier material may be formed directly on the carrier substrate by molding methods or by depositing a series of curable layers of liquid or flowable material in a stacked fashion. Alternatively, the layer of barrier material may be preformed as a unitary frame and then secured to the carrier substrate.

Abstract: A vertically mountable semiconductor device assembly including a semiconductor device and a mechanism for attaching the semiconductor device to a carrier substrate. The semiconductor device has each of its bond pads disposed proximate a single edge thereof. Preferably, at least a portion of the semiconductor device is exposed. An alignment device is attached to a carrier substrate. A mounting element on the vertically mountable semiconductor device package engages the alignment device to interconnect the semiconductor device and the alignment device. Preferably, the alignment device secures the vertically mountable semiconductor device package perpendicular relative to the carrier substrate. The distance between the bond pads and corresponding terminals on the carrier substrate is very small in order to reduce impedance. The vertically mountable semiconductor device package may also be readily user-upgradable.

Abstract: A semiconductor device package and method of fabricating same. The package includes a lead frame having a die paddle and a plurality of lead fingers. The active surface of a first semiconductor die is adhered to the underside of the die paddle and is electrically coupled with one or more of the plurality of lead fingers. A second semiconductor die may be adhered to the upper side of the die paddle along a surface which is opposite to its active surface and is electrically coupled with one or more of the plurality of lead fingers. The die paddle may be formed to exhibit a smaller peripheral outline than that of the first semiconductor die such that the die paddle does not interfere with any peripherally located bond pads of the first semiconductor die. The die paddle may further serve as a heat spreader, resulting in a more thermally stable package.

Abstract: A support assembly for mounting a semiconductor device vertically relative to a carrier substrate is disclosed. The support assembly includes an interposer to which the semiconductor device is attached. The support assembly also includes traces carried on the interposer, which electronically connect the semiconductor device to contacts on the interposer. The contacts are disposed along a single edge of the interposer. The invention also includes an alignment device for releaseably mounting the support assembly. The alignment device, which mounts to a carrier substrate, includes one or more receptacles. As a support assembly is inserted into a receptacle, the alignment device establishes an electrical connection between the contacts and corresponding terminals on the carrier substrate. The assembly may also include a cover that attaches to the top of the alignment device and biases the interposer against the carrier substrate.

Abstract: Methods for making a semiconductor assembly and, specifically, interconnecting a semiconductor die to a carrier substrate. The carrier substrate includes a first surface and a second surface with at least one opening therethrough. The die includes an active surface and a back surface, wherein the die is attached facedown to the first surface of the carrier substrate with conductive bumps therebetween. In addition, a plurality of bond wires is attached through the at least one opening in the carrier substrate between the active surface of the die and the second surface of the carrier substrate. With this arrangement, both the conductive bumps and the bond wires share in the electrical interconnection between the die and the carrier substrate, thereby allowing more space for bond pads to interconnect with bond wires and/or allowing for smaller die sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus package for high-temperature thermal applications for ball grid array semiconductor devices and a method of packaging ball grid array semiconductor devices.