Patents by Inventor Margaret A. Szymanowski

Margaret A. Szymanowski 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).

  • Patent number: 9401342
    Abstract: A system and method for a package including a wire bond wall to reduce coupling is presented. The package includes a substrate, and a first circuit on the substrate. The first circuit includes a first electrical device, a second electrical device, and a first wire bond array interconnecting the first electrical device and the second electrical device. The package includes a second circuit on the substrate adjacent to the first circuit, the second circuit includes a second wire bond array interconnecting a third electrical device and a fourth electrical device. The package includes a wire bond wall including a plurality of wire bonds over the substrate between the first circuit and the second circuit. The wire bond wall is configured to reduce an electromagnetic coupling between the first circuit and the second circuit during an operation of at least one of the first circuit and the second circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Shun Meen Kuo, Margaret Szymanowski, Paul Hart
  • Publication number: 20160211222
    Abstract: A device (e.g., a Doherty amplifier) housed in an air cavity package includes one or more isolation structures over a surface of a substrate and defining an active circuit area. The device also includes first and second adjacent circuits within the active circuit area, first and second leads coupled to the isolation structure(s) between opposite sides of the package and electrically coupled to the first circuit, third and fourth leads coupled to the isolation structure(s) between the opposite sides of the package and electrically coupled to the second circuit, a first terminal over the first side of the package between the first lead and the third lead, a second terminal over the second side of the package between the second lead and the fourth lead, and an electronic component coupled to the package and electrically coupled to the first terminal, the second terminal, or both the first and second terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Shun Meen Kuo, Paul R. Hart, Margaret A Szymanowski
  • Patent number: 9337774
    Abstract: An embodiment of a packaged radio frequency (RF) device includes a device substrate with a voltage reference plane, a first input lead coupled to the device substrate, a first output lead coupled to the device substrate, a first transistor die coupled to a top surface of the device substrate with a solder bond, a second die coupled to the top surface of the device substrate with a conductive epoxy that electrically couples at least one component of the second die to the voltage reference plane, and non-conductive molding compound over the top surface of the device substrate and encompassing the first transistor die, the second die, a portion of the first input lead, and a portion of the first output lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Margaret A. Szymanowski, L. M. Mahalingam, Sarmad K. Musa, Fernando A. Santos, Jerry L. White
  • Patent number: 9331642
    Abstract: Embodiments of an integrated resistor may be incorporated into monolithic transistor circuits and packaged RF amplifier devices. An embodiment of an integrated resistor includes a semiconductor substrate and a resistor formed over the top surface of the semiconductor substrate from resistive material. The resistor includes at least first and second resistive sections. The first resistive section is tapered so that the first resistive section widens toward an input end of the resistor. The second resistive section is coupled in series with the first resistive section. According to a further embodiment, the second resistive section also is tapered so that the second resistive section widens toward an output end of the resistor. According to another further embodiment, a third resistive section with one or more meanders is coupled in series between the first and second resistive sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Sarmad K. Musa, Seungkee Min, Margaret A. Szymanowski
  • Publication number: 20160087588
    Abstract: An embodiment of a packaged RF amplifier device includes a device substrate, a transistor die coupled to the device substrate, and an isolation structure coupled to the transistor die. The transistor die has a top die surface, a bottom die surface, a semiconductor substrate, first and second transistors formed in the semiconductor substrate, a conductive structure at the top die surface and positioned between the first and second transistors, and a low resistance path that extends vertically through the semiconductor substrate between the conductive structure and the bottom die surface. The isolation structure is coupled to the conductive structure and extends into an area above the top die surface between the first and second transistors. The isolation structure may be a wirebond fence, a conductive wall, conductive pillars or vias, or a plated trench that extends vertically upward from the conductive structure. The device may be encapsulated with molding compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: MARGARET A. SZYMANOWSKI, KIMBERLY J. FOXX, ROBERT A. PRYOR
  • Publication number: 20160087586
    Abstract: An embodiment of a packaged radio frequency (RF) device includes a device substrate with a voltage reference plane, a first input lead coupled to the device substrate, a first output lead coupled to the device substrate, a first transistor die coupled to a top surface of the device substrate with a solder bond, a second die coupled to the top surface of the device substrate with a conductive epoxy that electrically couples at least one component of the second die to the voltage reference plane, and non-conductive molding compound over the top surface of the device substrate and encompassing the first transistor die, the second die, a portion of the first input lead, and a portion of the first output lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: MARGARET A. SZYMANOWSKI, L.M. MAHALINGAM, SARMAD K. MUSA, FERNANDO A. SANTOS, JERRY L. WHITE
  • Patent number: 9240390
    Abstract: A device (e.g., a Doherty amplifier) housed in an air cavity package includes one or more isolation structures over a surface of a substrate and defining an active circuit area. The device also includes first and second adjacent circuits within the active circuit area, first and second leads coupled to the isolation structure(s) between opposite sides of the package and electrically coupled to the first circuit, third and fourth leads coupled to the isolation structure(s) between the opposite sides of the package and electrically coupled to the second circuit, a first terminal over the first side of the package between the first lead and the third lead, a second terminal over the second side of the package between the second lead and the fourth lead, and an electronic component coupled to the package and electrically coupled to the first terminal, the second terminal, or both the first and second terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Shun Meen Kuo, Paul R. Hart, Margaret A. Szymanowski
  • Publication number: 20150381122
    Abstract: Embodiments of an integrated resistor may be incorporated into monolithic transistor circuits and packaged RF amplifier devices. An embodiment of an integrated resistor includes a semiconductor substrate and a resistor formed over the top surface of the semiconductor substrate from resistive material. The resistor includes at least first and second resistive sections. The first resistive section is tapered so that the first resistive section widens toward an input end of the resistor. The second resistive section is coupled in series with the first resistive section. According to a further embodiment, the second resistive section also is tapered so that the second resistive section widens toward an output end of the resistor. According to another further embodiment, a third resistive section with one or more meanders is coupled in series between the first and second resistive sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: SARMAD K. MUSA, SEUNGKEE MIN, MARGARET A. SZYMANOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20150311131
    Abstract: A system and method for packaging a semiconductor device that includes a structure to reduce electromagnetic coupling is presented. The semiconductor device has a substrate on which a first circuit and a second circuit with inputs and outputs are formed proximate to each other. An isolation structure of electrically conductive material is located between components of the first and second circuits, the isolation structure being configured to reduce inductive coupling between those components during an operation of the semiconductor device. The isolation structure may be positioned on or over exterior surfaces of the semiconductor device housing or inside the housing. In one embodiment, the isolation structure includes a first leg extending transverse to the surface of the substrate and a first cross member connected to and projecting from the first leg over the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Michael E. Watts, Shun Meen Kuo, Margaret A. Szymanowski
  • Publication number: 20150170986
    Abstract: A system and method for packaging a semiconductor device that includes a wall to reduce electromagnetic coupling is presented. A semiconductor device has a substrate on which a first circuit and a second circuit are formed proximate to each other. An isolation wall of electrically conductive material is located between the first circuit and the second circuit, the isolation wall being configured to reduce inductive coupling between the first and second circuits during an operation of the semiconductor device. Several types of isolation walls are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Margaret A. Szymanowski, Sarmad K. Musa, Fernando A. Santos, Mahesh K. Shah
  • Publication number: 20150002229
    Abstract: A device (e.g., a Doherty amplifier) housed in an air cavity package includes one or more isolation structures over a surface of a substrate and defining an active circuit area. The device also includes first and second adjacent circuits within the active circuit area, first and second leads coupled to the isolation structure(s) between opposite sides of the package and electrically coupled to the first circuit, third and fourth leads coupled to the isolation structure(s) between the opposite sides of the package and electrically coupled to the second circuit, a first terminal over the first side of the package between the first lead and the third lead, a second terminal over the second side of the package between the second lead and the fourth lead, and an electronic component coupled to the package and electrically coupled to the first terminal, the second terminal, or both the first and second terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: SHUN MEEN KUO, PAUL R. HART, MARGARET A. SZYMANOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20150002226
    Abstract: A system and method for a package including a wire bond wall to reduce coupling is presented. The package includes a substrate, and a first circuit on the substrate. The first circuit includes a first electrical device, a second electrical device, and a first wire bond array interconnecting the first electrical device and the second electrical device. The package includes a second circuit on the substrate adjacent to the first circuit, the second circuit includes a second wire bond array interconnecting a third electrical device and a fourth electrical device. The package includes a wire bond wall including a plurality of wire bonds over the substrate between the first circuit and the second circuit. The wire bond wall is configured to reduce an electromagnetic coupling between the first circuit and the second circuit during an operation of at least one of the first circuit and the second circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Shun Meen Kuo, Margaret Szymanowski, Paul Hart
  • Patent number: 8890339
    Abstract: A bond pad region is provided that reduces parasitic capacitance generated between bond pad metallization and underlying silicon by reducing the effective area of the bond pad, while maintaining flexibility of wire bond sites and ensuring mechanical integrity of the wire bonds. Embodiments provide, in a region that would be populated by a traditional bus bar bond pad, a small bus bar bond pad that is less than half the area of the region and populating at least a portion of the remaining area with metal tiles that are not electrically connected to the small bus bar bond pad or to each other. The metal tiles provide an attachment area for at least a portion of one or more wire bonds. Only those tiles involved in connection to a wire bond contribute to parasitic capacitance, along with the small bus bar pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando A. Santos, Margaret A. Szymanowski, Mohd Salimin Sahludin
  • Publication number: 20140319703
    Abstract: A bond pad region is provided that reduces parasitic capacitance generated between bond pad metallization and underlying silicon by reducing the effective area of the bond pad, while maintaining flexibility of wire bond sites and ensuring mechanical integrity of the wire bonds. Embodiments provide, in a region that would be populated by a traditional bus bar bond pad, a small bus bar bond pad that is less than half the area of the region and populating at least a portion of the remaining area with metal tiles that are not electrically connected to the small bus bar bond pad or to each other. The metal tiles provide an attachment area for at least a portion of one or more wire bonds. Only those tiles involved in connection to a wire bond contribute to parasitic capacitance, along with the small bus bar pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Fernando A. Santos, Margaret A. Szymanowski, Mohd Salimin Sahludin
  • Patent number: 8134241
    Abstract: Electronic elements having an active device region and bonding pad (BP) region on a common substrate desirably include a dielectric region underlying the BP to reduce the parasitic impedance of the BP and its interconnection as the electronic elements are scaled to higher power and/or operating frequency. Mechanical stress created by plain (e.g., oxide only) dielectric regions can adversely affect performance, manufacturing yield, pad-to-device proximity and occupied area. This can be avoided by providing a composite dielectric region having electrically isolated inclusions of a thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) less than that of the dielectric material in which they are embedded and/or closer to the substrate TEC. For silicon substrates, poly or amorphous silicon is suitable for the inclusions and silicon oxide for the dielectric material. The inclusions preferably have a blade-like shape separated by and enclosed within the dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Jones, Margaret A. Szymanowski, Michele L. Miera, Xiaowei Ren, Wayne R. Burger, Mark A. Bennett, Colin Kerr
  • Publication number: 20110266687
    Abstract: Electronic elements having an active device region and bonding pad (BP) region on a common substrate desirably include a dielectric region underlying the BP to reduce the parasitic impedance of the BP and its interconnection as the electronic elements are scaled to higher power and/or operating frequency. Mechanical stress created by plain (e.g., oxide only) dielectric regions can adversely affect performance, manufacturing yield, pad-to-device proximity and occupied area. This can be avoided by providing a composite dielectric region having electrically isolated inclusions of a thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) less than that of the dielectric material in which they are embedded and/or closer to the substrate TEC. For silicon substrates, poly or amorphous silicon is suitable for the inclusions and silicon oxide for the dielectric material. The inclusions preferably have a blade-like shape separated by and enclosed within the dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Jones, Margaret A. Szymanowski, Michele L. Miera, Xiaowei Ren, Wayne R. Burger, Mark A. Bennett, Colin Kerr
  • Patent number: 7998852
    Abstract: Electronic elements (44, 44?, 44?) having an active device region (46) and bonding pad (BP) region (60) on a common substrate (45) desirably include a dielectric region underlying the BP (35) to reduce the parasitic impedance of the BP (35) and its interconnection (41) as the electronic elements (44, 44?, 44?) are scaled to higher power and/or operating frequency. Mechanical stress created by plain (e.g., oxide only) dielectric regions (36?) can adversely affect performance, manufacturing yield, pad-to-device proximity and occupied area. This can be avoided by providing a composite dielectric region (62, 62?, 62?) having electrically isolated inclusions (65, 65?, 65?) of a thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) less than that of the dielectric material (78, 78?, 78?) in which they are embedded and/or closer to the substrate (45) TEC. For silicon substrates (45), poly or amorphous silicon is suitable for the inclusions (65, 65?, 65?) and silicon oxide for the dielectric material (78, 78?, 78?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Jones, Margaret A. Szymanowski, Michele L. Miera, Xiaowei Ren, Wayne R. Burger, Mark A. Bennett, Colin Kerr
  • Publication number: 20100140814
    Abstract: Electronic elements (44, 44?, 44?) having an active device region (46) and bonding pad (BP) region (60) on a common substrate (45) desirably include a dielectric region underlying the BP (35) to reduce the parasitic impedance of the BP (35) and its interconnection (41) as the electronic elements (44, 44?, 44?) are scaled to higher power and/or operating frequency. Mechanical stress created by plain (e.g., oxide only) dielectric regions (36?) can adversely affect performance, manufacturing yield, pad-to-device proximity and occupied area. This can be avoided by providing a composite dielectric region (62, 62?, 62?) having electrically isolated inclusions (65, 65?, 65?) of a thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) less than that of the dielectric material (78, 78?, 78?) in which they are embedded and/or closer to the substrate (45) TEC. For silicon substrates (45), poly or amorphous silicon is suitable for the inclusions (65, 65?, 65?) and silicon oxide for the dielectric material (78, 78?, 78?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Jones, Margaret A. Szymanowski, Michele L. Miera, Xiaowei Ren, Wayne R. Burger, Mark A. Bennett, Colin Kerr