Abstract: A computer system architecture in which functionally compatible electronic components are located on modular printed circuit boards. Thus, a type of processor used by the system can be changed by replacing the printed circuit board incorporating the processor. Similarly a type of peripheral bus used can be changed simply by replacing the printed circuit board containing the peripheral controller. High-density connectors connect the circuit boards. Some embodiments of the invention use a single backplane. Other embodiments place peripheral slots on a second, passive backplane.

Abstract: A computer system architecture in which functionally compatible electronic components are located on modular printed circuit boards. Thus, a type of processor used by the system can be changed by replacing the printed circuit board incorporating the processor. Similarly a type of peripheral bus used can be changed simply by replacing the printed circuit board containing the peripheral controller. High-density connectors connect the circuit boards. Some embodiments of the invention use a single backplane. Other embodiments place peripheral slots on a second, passive backplane.

Abstract: A die carrier for holding a die, such as a microdisplay die, may be electrically connected to a substrate by pressing the substrate against flexible, resilient leads of the die carrier. The package includes a housing and a shroud mounted to the housing. The substrate is inserted through a slot in the shroud and, within the shroud, engages against the flexible, resilient leads, thereby establishing an electrical contact.

Abstract: A semiconductor die carrier may include an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts arranged in rows and columns on the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, and a portion of each group overlaps into an adjacent row or an adjacent column of the groups of the array; a semiconductor die; and structure for providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and the conductive contacts.

Abstract: Ultrasonically formed seals, their use in semiconductor packages, and methods of fabricating semiconductor packages. A brittle center member (such as glass) has a molded edge member. That edge member is ultrasonically welded to a body. The molded edge member and body are comprised of ultrasonically weldable materials. A hermetically sealed semiconductor package includes a lid with a brittle center plate and a molded edge. The molded edge is ultrasonically welded to a body. Locating features that enable accurate positioning of the lid relative to the body, and energy directors can be included. Pins having a relieved portion and a protruding portion can also be hermetically sealed to the body. Such pins can have various lengths that enable stadium-type pin rows. The pins can be within channels, which can hold a sealant. The body can include a device that is electrically connected to the pins.

Abstract: A capacitor structure may be incorporated into an interposer or substrate associated with an IC chip to stabilize the input/output signals, such as power and ground, between the IC chip and a printed circuit board. In accordance with one embodiment, the capacitor structure may include a plurality of individual capacitors connected together to form a monolithic capacitor blade having a length, width, and height, wherein each of the length and height of the blade spans multiple of the individual capacitors. The blade includes multiple electrical conductive paths extending the height of the capacitor blade. According to another embodiment, the capacitor structure includes multiple interleaved power and ground layers separated by insulating layers. The power layers connect to power leads and the ground layers connect to ground leads.

Abstract: A computer system architecture in which functionally compatible electronic components are located on modular printed circuit boards. Thus, a type of processor used by the system can be changed by replacing the printed circuit board incorporating the processor. Similarly a type of peripheral bus used can be changed simply by replacing the printed circuit board containing the peripheral controller. High-density connectors connect the circuit boards. Some embodiments of the invention use a single backplane. Other embodiments place peripheral slots on a second, passive backplane.

Abstract: Optoelectronic packaging assemblies for optically and electrically interfacing a protected electro-optical device or system to both an optical fiber and to external circuitry. Such assemblies are comprised of body components that are comprised of plastic that coated or plated with a conductive material. Electrical contact pins in the form of transmission lines are used to couple external electrical signals with the package. The optoelectronic packaging assemblies are dimensioned with small cavities and with steps, breaks, walls, and/or fins molded into the body components. The optoelectronic packaging assemblies further include an optical input receptacle for receiving an optical ferrule and an optical fiber. The optoelectronic packaging assembly provides for cooling, such as by heat sink fins and/or a thermal-electric-cooler. The transmission line pins and body components are dimensioned to mate with a standardized circuit board having transmission line traces.

Abstract: A semiconductor die carrier includes a plurality of electrically insulative side walls; a plurality of electrically conductive leads extending from at least one of the side walls, each of the leads being individually manufactured without use of a lead frame; a semiconductor die positioned such that the electrically conductive leads are disposed at one or more locations around the periphery of the die; and structure for providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and corresponding ones of the electrically conductive leads.

Abstract: A modular connector assembly includes a modular frame having a first holes, second holes, and third holes formed at evenly spaced intervals. A plurality of modular interconnect components, fixable within the modular frame, have a back surface projection formed thereon. Each modular interconnect includes a contact housing made of electrically insulating material, an exterior of the contact housing comprising first and second side surfaces, a back surface, and a top surface. Contact signal pins are fixed within and electrically insulated from the contact housing.

Abstract: A lead insertion machine includes a substrate supply, a conductive lead supply, and an lead insertion mechanism. The conductive leads are inserted into lead passages formed in side walls of the substrate. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor die carrier including the steps of forming a plurality of conductive leads, forming a substrate for holding a semiconductor die, the substrate having a plurality of insulative side walls defining an exterior surface of the substrate, each of the side walls having a plurality of lead passages formed therethrough, and simultaneously inserting at least one of the conductive leads into the lead passage of one of the side walls for retention therein and at least one other of the conductive leads into the lead passage of another of the side walls for retention therein.

Abstract: A packaged semiconductor device that is fabricated with a plurality of conductive leads defined in a strip that beneficially includes a radio frequency shield box. The conductive contacts are located in a housing, beneficially by insert molding or by sandwiching between a bottom piece and a top piece. The housing can further include a cavity that receives a semiconductor device, and the radio frequency shield can receive another semiconductor device. Bonding conductors electrically connect at least one semiconductor device to another semiconductor device and/or to the conductive contacts. A conductive cover is disposed over the housing. The cavity beneficially includes a beveled wall and the conductive leads and the radio frequency shield are beneficially comprised of copper.

Abstract: A semiconductor die carrier includes a plurality of electrically insulative side walls; a plurality of electrically conductive leads extending from at least one of the side walls, each of the leads being individually manufactured without use of a lead frame; a semiconductor die positioned such that the electrically conductive leads are disposed at one or more locations around the periphery of the die; and structure for providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and corresponding ones of the electrically conductive leads.

Abstract: A cluster grid array semiconductor die package and mating socket provide electrical connection between one or more semiconductor dies housed within the die package and substrate, such as a printed circuit board, on which the mating socket is mounted. The die package and the mating socket may be easily connected and disconnected. The die package may include power and ground planes built into and distributed within the housing of the die package.

Abstract: A die carrier for holding a die, such as a microdisplay die, may be electrically connected to a substrate by pressing the substrate against flexible, resilient leads of the die carrier. The package includes a housing and a shroud mounted to the housing. The substrate is inserted through a slot in the shroud and, within the shroud, engages against the flexible, resilient leads, thereby establishing an electrical contact.

Abstract: A micro grid array semiconductor die package includes a housing defining a cavity for holding at least one semiconductor die, said housing including a plurality of insulative side walls, each of said side walls having a bottom surface and an interior wall including a top surface, and an end plate joined to said side walls; and a plurality of substantially straight conductive leads extending through at least one of said side walls, each of said conductive leads including an internal lead section extending into the cavity from the top surface of the interior wall and a external lead section extending externally from said at least one bottom surface of said side wall.

Abstract: A modular semiconductor die package is provided. The semiconductor die package includes a polymer base for mounting at least one semiconductor die. A polymer cap is operatively secured over the base forming a cavity. The cap includes a light transmissive member operatively positioned to allow light of predetermined wavelengths to pass between at least a portion of the surface of the die and the light transmissive member. A plurality of conductive leads extend through the base to form connections with the semiconductor die(s) positioned in the cavity.

Abstract: A male connector connects with a female connector to establish an electrical connection. The male and female connectors each include a connector housing having hold-down tabs at opposite ends thereof for securing the connector housing to a substrate. The hold-down tabs are staggered or diagonally located such that one hold-down tab is proximal a first side of the connector housing and the other hold-down is proximal a second side of the connector housing. The staggered or diagonally-located hold-down tabs stabilize the connector housing against rocking or other movement on the substrate. The arrangement of hold-down tabs also permits the connector housing to nest or merge with another similarly-designed connector housing. The nested or merged connector housing conserve substrate space and permit a higher density of contacts in a given space on the substrate, whether the space is at an edge or in an interior of the substrate.

Abstract: Optoelectronic packaging assemblies for optically and electrically interfacing an electro-optical device to an optical fiber and to external circuitry. An optoelectronic packaging assembly includes a submount for holding an optical bench with an electro-optical device. Electrically conductive pins provide electrical contact to the electro-optical device. The optoelectronic packaging assembly includes an optical input receptacle for receiving an optical ferrule and an optical fiber. The optical input receptacle assists optical coupling of the electro-optical device to the optical fiber. The optoelectronic packaging assembly provides for cooling using a heat-sink or a thermal-electric-cooler. Beneficially, the optoelectronic packaging assembly is sealed using a cover.

Abstract: A semiconductor package having a molded body and a plurality of conductive pins that extend from the bottom of the molded body. The semiconductor package further includes a RF shield around a protected cavity that holds a first integrated circuit. The molded body can further include an unprotected plastic cavity for holding a second integrated circuit. The conductive pins form bonding pads that are used to electrically interconnect the first and second semiconductor devices to the external environment. A cover, beneficially comprised of copper, is disposed over the molded body. The plastic cavity beneficially includes a beveled wall that improves the routing of electrical conductors between the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit.