Patents by Inventor Robert J. Wenzel

Robert J. Wenzel 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: 7553753
    Abstract: A method of forming an embedded device build-up package (10) includes forming a first plurality of features (22) over a packaging substrate (12,16,18), wherein the first plurality of features (22) comprises a first feature and a second feature, forming at least a first crack arrest feature (28) in a first crack arrest available region (26), wherein the first crack arrest available region is between the first feature and the second feature, forming a second plurality of features (32) over the first plurality of features (22) wherein the second plurality of features includes a third feature and a fourth feature, and forming at least a second crack arrest feature (36) in a second crack arrest available region (34), wherein the second crack arrest feature (36) is between the third feature and the fourth feature, and the second crack arrest feature (36) is substantially orthogonal to the first crack arrest feature (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Jie-Hua Zhao, George R. Leal, Robert J. Wenzel, Scott K. Pozder
  • Publication number: 20090152718
    Abstract: A structure includes a semiconductor die that has an arrangement of die pads on a surface of the semiconductor die. A first row of die pads consists of a first group of four die pads and run in a first direction. A second row of die pads are adjacent to the first row and consist of a second group of four die pads running in the first direction. The second row begins at a first offset in the first direction from where the first row begins. A third row of die pads are adjacent to the second row and comprise a third group of four die pads that run in the first direction. The third row begins at a second offset in the first direction from where the second row begins. This allows for relatively easy access to all of the die pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. Wenzel, Trung Q. Duong, Ilan Lidsky
  • Patent number: 7528069
    Abstract: Fine pitch contacts are achieved by using traces that extend to the contacts without requiring capture pads at the contact pads. Capture pads are desirably avoided because they have a diameter greater than the line to which they are attached. Preferably, adjacent contact pads are present in the same opening in the dielectric. The traces to the contact pads are in a line so that no widening is required where the lines make contact to the contact pads. The lines can be widened before they get to the contact pads but at the contact pads, they are substantially at the minimum width for the line. Thus, the contact pads can be at a pitch much lower than if capture pads were used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Wenzel, George R. Leal
  • Patent number: 7405102
    Abstract: A multi-layer structure (102) includes a first build-up layer structure (202) configured to connect to a heat-generating module (120), a second build-up layer structure (206) configured to connect to a substrate, and a middle layer (204) provided between the first build-up layer structure and the second build-up layer structure, the middle layer including at least one semiconductor component (110) and a heat spreader (130). A first set of thermal vias (210) extend through the first build-up layer structure to the heat spreader, and a second set of thermal vias (2100 extend through the second build-up layer structure to the heat spreader, wherein at least a portion of the first set of thermal vias is in thermal contact with the heat-generating module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Tien Yu T. Lee, Craig S. Amrine, Victor A. Chiriac, Lizabeth Ann Keser, George R. Leal, Robert J. Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20080164593
    Abstract: A method of packaging a semiconductor includes providing a support structure. An adhesive layer is formed overlying the support structure and is in contact with the support structure. A plurality of semiconductor die is placed on the adhesive layer. The semiconductor die are laterally separated from each other and have electrical contacts that are in contact with the adhesive layer. A layer of encapsulating material is formed overlying and between the plurality of semiconductor die and has a distribution of filler material. A concentration of the filler material is increased in all areas laterally adjacent each of the plurality of semiconductor die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin J. Hess, Chu-Chung Lee, Robert J. Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20080142960
    Abstract: A circuit device is placed within an opening of a conductive layer which is then partially encapsulated with an encapsulant so that the active surface of the circuit device is coplanar with the conductive layer. At least a portion of the conductive layer may be used as a reference voltage plane (e.g. a ground plane). Additionally, a circuit device may be placed on a conductive layer such that an active surface of circuit device is between conductive layer and an opposite surface of circuit device. The conductive layer has at least one opening to expose the active surface of circuit device. The encapsulant may be electrically conductive or electrically non-conductive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Leal, Jie-Hua Zhao, Edward R. Prack, Robert J. Wenzel, Brian D. Sawyer, David G. Wontor, Marc Alan Mangrum
  • Publication number: 20080141868
    Abstract: A flexible automatic broiler and method of use for variable batch cooking for particular use in quick serve and fast food service restaurants. The automatic cooking devices include a conveyorized cooking surface for alignment and discharge of food products, an altering/pulsating infrared energy radiation heat sources, and a control system. The arrangement and method facilitate a combination of batch preparation and made-to-order assembly of fast-food sandwiches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Cook, Robert J. Wenzel, Mark Finck, Steven M. Shei, Clement J. Luebke
  • Publication number: 20080138938
    Abstract: A method that locates a plurality of die for forming a plurality of packaged integrated circuits. A frame is placed over the support structure, wherein the frame includes a plurality of openings therein and each opening of the plurality of openings has at least two walls. Each die of a plurality of die is placed over the support structure, wherein each die has at least two adjacent edges. The relative placing of the frame and the die results in each die being in an opening of the plurality of openings. Encapsulant is applied to the plurality of die. Either or both of the plurality of die and frame are moved in relation to the other in a manner that causes the two adjacent edges of each die of the plurality of die to substantially abut to and align with the two walls of an opening of the plurality of openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. Wenzel, Matthew A. Ruston, David M. Wells
  • Patent number: 7361987
    Abstract: A circuit device (15) is placed within an opening of a conductive layer (10) which is then partially encapsulated with an encapsulant (24) so that the active surface of the circuit device (15) is coplanar with the conductive layer (10). At least a portion of the conductive layer (10) may be used as a reference voltage plane (e.g. a ground plane). Additionally, a circuit device (115) may be placed on a conductive layer (100) such that an active surface of circuit device (115) is between conductive layer (100) and an opposite surface of circuit device (115). The conductive layer (100) has at least one opening (128) to expose the active surface of circuit device (115). The encapsulant (24, 126, 326) may be electrically conductive or electrically non-conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Leal, Jie-Hua Zhao, Edward R. Prack, Robert J. Wenzel, Brian D. Sawyer, David G. Wontor, Marc Alan Mangrum
  • Publication number: 20080057696
    Abstract: A method of forming an embedded device build-up package (10) includes forming a first plurality of features (22) over a packaging substrate (12,16,18), wherein the first plurality of features (22) comprises a first feature and a second feature, forming at least a first crack arrest feature (28) in a first crack arrest available region (26), wherein the first crack arrest available region is between the first feature and the second feature, forming a second plurality of features (32) over the first plurality of features (22) wherein the second plurality of features includes a third feature and a fourth feature, and forming at least a second crack arrest feature (36) in a second crack arrest available region (34), wherein the second crack arrest feature (36) is between the third feature and the fourth feature, and the second crack arrest feature (36) is substantially orthogonal to the first crack arrest feature (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jie-Hua Zhao, George R. Leal, Robert J. Wenzel, Scott K. Pozder
  • Publication number: 20070284711
    Abstract: A multi-layer structure (102) includes a first build-up layer structure (202) configured to connect to a heat-generating module (120), a second build-up layer structure (206) configured to connect to a substrate, and a middle layer (204) provided between the first build-up layer structure and the second build-up layer structure, the middle layer including at least one semiconductor component (110) and a heat spreader (130). A first set of thermal vias (210) extend through the first build-up layer structure to the heat spreader, and a second set of thermal vias (2100 extend through the second build-up layer structure to the heat spreader, wherein at least a portion of the first set of thermal vias is in thermal contact with the heat-generating module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Tien Yu T. Lee, Craig S. Amrine, Victor A. Chiriac, Lizabeth Ann Keser, George R. Leal, Robert J. Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20070284704
    Abstract: A package assembly 200 includes a semiconductor die (e.g., an RF power amplifier) 208 fixed within the cavity of a conductive leadframe 204 using a thermally and electrically-conductive adhesive material 209. The semiconductor die 209 has a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes at least one active area, and the second side includes at least one contact region. The conductive leadframe (e.g., a copper leadframe) 204 has two planar surfaces and a cavity formed therein. The adhesive material 209 is configured to couple the semiconductor die 208 within the cavity of the conductive leadframe 204 such that the first side of the semiconductor die is substantially coplanar with the first surface of the conductive leadframe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: George R. Leal, Victor A. Chiriac, Tien Yu T. Lee, Marc A. Mangrum, Robert J. Wenzel
  • Patent number: 6921975
    Abstract: A circuit device (15) is placed within an opening of a conductive layer (10) which is then partially encapsulated with an encapsulant (24) so that the active surface of the circuit device (15) is coplanar with the conductive layer (10). At least a portion of the conductive layer (10) may be used as a reference voltage plane (e.g. a ground plane). Additionally, a circuit device (115) may be placed on a conductive layer (100) such that an active surface of circuit device (115) is between conductive layer (100) and an opposite surface of circuit device (115). The conductive layer (100) has at least one opening (128) to expose the active surface of circuit device (115). The encapsulant (24, 126,326) may be electrically conductive or electrically non-conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Leal, Jie-Hua Zhao, Edward R. Prack, Robert J. Wenzel, Brian D. Sawyer, David G. Wontor, Marc Alan Mangrum
  • Patent number: 6838776
    Abstract: In one embodiment, circuit device (15) is placed within an opening of a conductive layer (10) which is then partially encapsulated with an encapsulant (24) so that the active surface of the circuit device (15) is coplanar with the conductive layer (10). In this embodiment, at least a portion of the conductive layer (10) may be used as a reference voltage plane (e.g. a ground plane). In one embodiment, circuit device (115) is placed on a conductive layer (100) such that an active surface of circuit device (115) is between conductive layer (100) and an opposite surface of circuit device (115). In this embodiment, conductive layer (100) has at least one opening (128) to expose the active surface of circuit device (115). The encapsulant (24, 126, 326) may be electrically conductive for some embodiments, and electrically non-conductive for other embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Leal, Jie-Hua Zhao, Edward R. Prack, Robert J. Wenzel, Brian D. Sawyer, David G. Wontor, Marc Alan Mangrum
  • Patent number: 6812580
    Abstract: Closely-spaced bonding wires may be used in a variety of different packaging applications to achieve improved electrical performance. In one embodiment, two adjacent bonding wires within a wire grouping are closely-spaced if a separation distance D between the two adjacent wires is met for at least 50 percent of the length of the shorter of the two adjacent wires. In one embodiment, the separation distance D is at most two times a diameter of the wire having the larger diameter of the two adjacent wires. In another embodiment, the separation distance D is at most three times a wire-to-wire pitch between the two adjacent wires. Each wire grouping may include two of more closely-spaced wires. Wire groupings of closely-spaced bonding wires may be used to form, for example, power-signal-ground triplets, signal-ground pairs, signal-power pairs, or differential signal pairs or triplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Wenzel, Peter R. Harper
  • Publication number: 20040207068
    Abstract: In one embodiment, circuit device (15) is placed within an opening of a conductive layer (10) which is then partially encapsulated with an encapsulant (24) so that the active surface of the circuit device (15) is coplanar with the conductive layer (10). In this embodiment, at least a portion of the conductive layer (10) may be used as a reference voltage plane (e.g. a ground plane). In one embodiment, circuit device (115) is placed on a conductive layer (100) such that an active surface of circuit device (115) is between conductive layer (100) and an opposite surface of circuit device (115). In this embodiment, conductive layer (100) has at least one opening (128) to expose the active surface of circuit device (115). The encapsulant (24, 126, 326) may be electrically conductive for some embodiments, and electrically non-conductive for other embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: George R. Leal, Jie-Hua Zhao, Edward R. Prack, Robert J. Wenzel, Brian D. Sawyer, David G. Wontor, Marc Alan Mangrum
  • Publication number: 20040207077
    Abstract: In one embodiment, circuit device (15) is placed within an opening of a conductive layer (10) which is then partially encapsulated with an encapsulant (24) so that the active surface of the circuit device (15) is coplanar with the conductive layer (10). In this embodiment, at least a portion of the conductive layer (10) may be used as a reference voltage plane (e.g. a ground plane). In one embodiment, circuit device (115) is placed on a conductive layer (100) such that an active surface of circuit device (115) is between conductive layer (100) and an opposite surface of circuit device (115). In this embodiment, conductive layer (100) has at least one opening (128) to expose the active surface of circuit device (115). The encapsulant (24, 126, 326) may be electrically conductive for some embodiments, and electrically non-conductive for other embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: George R. Leal, Jie-Hua Zhao, Edward R. Prack, Robert J. Wenzel, Brian D. Sawyer, David G. Wontor, Marc Alan Mangrum
  • Patent number: 6239673
    Abstract: A dielectric resonator filter operating in a magnetic dipole mode includes a plurality of dielectric resonators disposed in a plurality of dielectric resonator cavities. A plurality of coupling mechanism provide an in-line coupling factor between respective resonators of electrically adjacent dielectric resonator cavities. At least one cross-coupling device provides cross-coupling between respective resonators of non-adjacent dielectric resonator cavities. A magnitude and sign of the in-line coupling factors and the cross-coupling factor, provide a dielectric resonator filter, for which a desired amplitude and phase response can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Bartley Machines & Manufacturing
    Inventors: Robert J. Wenzel, William G. Erlinger, Paul Bartley, Lucy Bartley
  • Patent number: 6171630
    Abstract: Food cooking apparatus for melting cheese disposed on a food product. The cheese topped food product, for example a bun half, burger patty and cheese stack, is transferred in and out of a cooking chamber by a trolley. Entry of the trolley to the cooking chamber starts a cooking cycle. A steam generator provides pressurized steam from a location just above the cheese by a distance of up to about 2.0 inches for a short time until the cheese is melted. The trolley carries a transport medium upon which the food product is placed. A plurality of holes is disposed in the medium to remove from it any water formed by condensation. The steam generator includes a heated platen and a lid that form a steam generating chamber. Water is injected into the chamber onto the heated platen in a small enough quantity that substantially all of the water is converted to steam substantially instantaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Lincoln Foodservice Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Stanger, Donald Ross Bedwell, Mitchell C. Henke, Robert J. Wenzel
  • Patent number: 6153244
    Abstract: Apparatus for high speed grilling and/or conditioning of a food product which comprises: a heatable surface which is capable caramelizing the food product at a temperature in the range between about 425.degree. F. to 575.degree. F.; a chamber for enclosing the food product on the heatable surface under pressure; and a steam injector for introducing steam into the chamber during the caramelization of the food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: The Frymaster Corporation
    Inventors: Keith A. Stanger, Mark H. Finck, Robert J. Wenzel