Abstract: A chip package is formed which has an array of leads, wherein successive leads are staggered in all three dimensions (X, Y, and Z) relative to one another to permit a large number of leads available in a confined space while maintaining the minimum separation necessary between adjacent leads. The leads are formed by placing asymmetric top and bottom masks on a lead frame, and partially etching the top of the lead frame, while partially and over etching the bottom of the lead frame. Although the resulting leads are staggered in three dimensions, no additional processing steps are needed beyond those used to fabricate conventional packages.

Abstract: A chip package having an array of leads, wherein successive leads are staggered in all three dimensions (X, Y, and Z) relative to one another. Such a staggered arrangement permits a large number of leads available in a confined space while maintaining the minimum separation necessary between adjacent leads. The leads are formed by placing asymmetric top and bottom masks on a lead frame, and partially etching the top of the lead frame, while partially and over etching the bottom of the lead frame. Although the resulting leads are staggering in three dimensions, no additional processing steps are needed beyond those used to fabricate conventional packages.

Abstract: The lead-frame in an integrated circuit package, a standard package designated SOT-89, has a plurality of leads of which at least one is an extension of a die-attach pad. At least one ground wing is formed as an extension of a peripheral portion of the die-attach pad and extends upward to approximately the plane of the top of the die. The ground wing has an upstanding portion and a horizontal portion that are at an angle to each other so as to lock the distal end of the wing in the body of encapsulating resin. An integrated circuit die having at least one electrical connection which is grounded electrically via a terminal and wire bonded to the distal part of the ground wing. A contact surface near the distal end of wing is positioned approximately in the plane of the top of the die. This ground circuit can parallel and can be redundant to a ground circuit through the die via the conductive bond that attaches the bottom of the die to the die-attach pad.