Abstract: The invention provides a subassembly to facilitate co-planar vertical surface mounting of subassembly boards. By “vertically mounting” is meant that a subassembly circuit board with a major surface is mounted perpendicular to the major surface of a circuit motherboard. In accordance with the invention, a subassembly for co-planar vertical surface mounting comprises a subassembly board coupled between a pair of base headers. Advantageously one base header comprises a plurality of mounting lugs secured to a transverse element in a co-planar configuration. The other base header conveniently comprises a plurality of connector pins secured to an elongated header element in co-planar configuration. The two headers interlock with the board to provide connection and co-planar support. Edge metallization of the subassembly board can provide enhanced thermal or electrical connection to the underlying portions of one or more lugs.

Abstract: The invention provides arrangements to facilitate surface mounting of subassembly boards on a motherboard with reliable, high conductivity interconnection. In accordance with the invention, the subassembly interconnection arrangement is composed of separate power and sense connector arms formed on one or more base headers. The arrangement interconnects and supports the subassembly board on the motherboard surface. Each power arm advantageously comprises a plurality of split-based mounting lugs secured to the arm in a coplanar configuration. Each sense connector arm preferably comprises a plurality of connector pins secured to the arm in a coplanar configuration. Embodiments are disclosed for vertical and horizontal surface mounting.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure to protect an integrated circuit module located within a card-type data carrier or smart card. The reinforcement structure is rigid, having a modulus of elasticity higher than modulus of elasticity of the smart card, and has a thickness dimension that is co-extensive with the thickness dimension of the smart card. The reinforcement structure is provided with a cavity for housing the integrated circuit module. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement structure is constructed of thermally and electrically conductive material that is castable or formable to facilitate integration of additional electronic circuit elements therein. In another embodiment, the reinforcement structure is configured in the shape of a SIMM card and is used in place of the normally flexible plastic SIMM card body.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure to protect an integrated circuit module located within a card-type data carrier or smart card. The reinforcement structure is rigid, having a modulus of elasticity higher than modulus of elasticity of the smart card, and has a thickness dimension that is co-extensive with the thickness dimension of the smart card. The reinforcement structure is provided with a cavity for housing the integrated circuit module. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement structure is constructed of thermally and electrically conductive material that is castable or formable to facilitate integration of additional electronic circuit elements therein. In another embodiment, the reinforcement structure is configured in the shape of a SIMM card and is used in place of the normally flexible plastic SIMM card body.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure to protect an integrated circuit module located within a smart card. The integrated circuit module is disposed in the smart card. The reinforcement structure, which has a modulus of elasticity higher than the modulus of elasticity of the smart card, is completely surrounded by the smart card and separated from the integrated circuit module. The integrated circuit module can also be completely surrounded by the smart card. In addition, the smart card can have a plurality of layers, with the integrated circuit module and/or the reinforcement structure extending into one or more of the card layers. The reinforcement structure relieves stress on the integrated circuit module during bending and torsion of the card.

Abstract: According to the invention, a packaged integrated circuit includes a lid attached to a base to enclose a cavity, an integrated circuit chip or chips being attached to each of the lid and base within the cavity. Preferably, the chip or chips that generate the most heat during operation of the packaged integrated circuit are attached to the lid and the lid is made of a material having good thermal conductivity such as aluminum nitride. The chips attached to the base generate relatively little heat and so do not require a heat sink to be included in the base. The packaged integrated circuit is formed in a cavity-up configuration, thereby enabling connection pins or solder balls to be formed over the entire exterior surface of the base, increasing interconnection density. Additionally, attachment of chips to both the lid and the base allows an increased number of electronic functions to be included in one packaged integrated circuit.

Abstract: According to the invention, a packaged integrated circuit includes a lid attached to a base to enclose a cavity, an integrated circuit chip or chips being attached to each of the lid and base within the cavity. Preferably, the chip or chips that generate the most heat during operation of the packaged integrated circuit are attached to the lid and the lid is made of a material having good thermal conductivity such as aluminum nitride. The chips attached to the base generate relatively little heat and so do not require a heat sink to be included in the base. The packaged integrated circuit is formed in a cavity-up configuration, thereby enabling connection pins or solder balls to be formed over the entire exterior surface of the base, increasing interconnection density. Additionally, attachment of chips to both the lid and the base allows an increased number of electronic functions to be included in one packaged integrated circuit.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure to protect an integrated circuit module located within a smart card. The integrated circuit module is positioned in a cavity formed in a first surface of the smart card. The reinforcement structure, which has a modulus of elasticity higher than the modulus of elasticity of the smart card, is positioned in a cavity formed in a second surface of the smart card. The first and second surfaces of the smart card are opposing surfaces of the smart card. The reinforcement structure can have various shapes. In addition, the reinforcement structure can be substantially planar, or can have flanges. An additional layer can be formed over the first surface to enclose the integrated circuit module. The reinforcement structure relieves stress on the integrated circuit module during bending and torsion of the card.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure to protect an integrated circuit module located within a smart card. The smart card has two semi-rigid layers, with a first opening through the first layer located below the second layer. The reinforcement structure, which has a modulus of elasticity higher than the modulus of elasticity of the smart card, has a first portion extending through the first opening and a second portion extending over the upper surface of the first card layer. The integrated circuit module is positioned in the second card layer and is separated from the reinforcement structure by the second card layer. The reinforcement structure, which can have various shapes, relives stress on the integrated circuit module during bending and torsion of the card.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure to protect an integrated circuit module located within a smart card. The reinforcement structure, which has a modulus of elasticity higher than the modulus of elasticity of the smart card, is positioned within the smart card and has a cavity extending partially through the reinforcement structure or an opening which extends completely through the reinforcement structure. The integrated circuit module is positioned in the cavity or opening of the reinforcement structure. When the integrated circuit module is positioned in a cavity, the integrated circuit module is completely disposed in the cavity. An additional layer can be formed on the card to enclose the integrated circuit module and reinforcement structure. The reinforcement structure, which can have various shapes, relieves stress on the integrated circuit module during bending and torsion of the card.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure to protect an integrated circuit module is located within a smart card. The integrated circuit module is positioned in a cavity formed in a first surface of the smart card. The reinforcement structure, which has a modulus of elasticity higher than the modulus of elasticity of the smart card, is positioned in the same cavity over the integrated circuit module. The reinforcement structure can have various shapes. In addition, the reinforcement structure can be substantially planar and can also have flanges extending downward into the cavity. The reinforcement structure relives stress on the integrated circuit module during bending and torsion of the card.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure to protect an integrated circuit module located within a smart card. The integrated circuit module is positioned in a cavity formed in a first surface of the smart card. The reinforcement structure, which has a modulus of elasticity higher than the modulus of elasticity of the smart card, is connected to a second surface and outer edge surfaces of the smart card. The first and second surfaces of the smart card are opposing surfaces and are joined by the outer edge surfaces at the outer perimeter of the smart card. In other embodiments, the reinforcement structure includes a second reinforcement structure connected to the first reinforcement structure and to the first surface of the smart card. The reinforcement structure relieves stress on the integrated circuit module during bending and torsion of the card.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure to protect an integrated circuit module located within a smart card. The reinforcement structure, which has a modulus of elasticity higher than the modulus of elasticity of the smart card, substantially laterally surrounds the integrated circuit module in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, the reinforcement structure is a plate positioned adjacent to the integrated circuit module. The reinforcement structure relieves stress on the integrated circuit module during bending and torsion of the card.

Abstract: A flexible structure includes two or more electronic and/or electromagnetic devices, electrical connection being made between the devices by flexible and compressible electrically conductive plugs located within cavities or holes formed within the flexible structure. The structure is assembled so that the plugs are compressed between electrical contacts formed on or connected to the respective devices. As a result, good electrical contact is maintained between the devices. Additionally, if the structure is flexible, when the flexible structure is bent or deformed, the plugs bend or deform with the rest of the flexible structure so that the electrical connections between the plugs and the respective device electrical contacts are not broken.

Abstract: A leadframe for use in an integrated circuit package is described. The leadframe comprises a plurality of electrically conductive leads, a die attach pad, and an electrically conductive ring or rings formed generally around the circumference of the die attach pad and between the die attach pad and leads. In one embodiment, at least one of the leads is formed integrally with each ring. The die attach pad may also be formed integrally with one or more leads. In another embodiment, the ring or rings are formed so that they are electrically isolated from the die attach pad, and the die attach pad, leads, and ring or rings are all formed in substantially the same plane. In some embodiments, the ring or rings are broken into electrically isolated sections. Each of the ring sections (and die attach pad, if appropriate) may be electrically connected to a voltage source outside the integrated circuit package (e.g., a power supply or ground).

Abstract: A semiconductor die is temporarily enclosed in a package. The packaged die is then electrically tested and burned in. The tested die is then removed from the package. If the die performed acceptably during test and burn-in, the die is retained and either used in a production integrated circuit or sold as an unpackaged individual die. The method is simple, inexpensive, and provides semiconductor dice of high reliability (packaged die yields approach 100%). Existing test and production facilities, equipment and process flows may be used with, at most, minor changes to process a semiconductor die for any application. Semiconductor dice processed by the method are particularly useful for complex and/or costly packaging options, e.g., multichip modules, hybrid circuits or chip-on-board.

Abstract: A leadframe for use in an integrated circuit package is described. The leadframe comprises a plurality of electrically conductive leads, a die attach pad, and an electrically conductive ring or rings formed generally around the circumference of the die attach pad and between the die attach pad and leads. In one embodiment, at least one of the leads is formed integrally with each ring. The die attach pad may also be formed integrally with one or more leads. In another embodiment, the ring or rings are formed so that they are electrically isolated from the die attach pad, and the die attach pad, leads, and ring or rings are all formed in substantially the same plane. In some embodiments, the ring or rings are broken into electrically isolated sections. Each of the ring sections (and die attach pad, if appropriate) may be electrically connected to a voltage source outside the integrated circuit package (e.g., a power supply or ground).