Patents by Inventor Thomas Scott Morris

Thomas Scott Morris 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).

  • Publication number: 20140021603
    Abstract: A semiconductor die, which includes a first semiconductor device, a first passivation layer, and a first interconnect bump, is disclosed. The first passivation layer is over the first semiconductor device, which includes a first group of device fingers. The first interconnect bump is thermally and electrically connected to each of the first group of device fingers. Additionally, the first interconnect bump protrudes through a first opening in the first passivation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Morris, Michael Meeder
  • Patent number: 8434220
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a meta-module having circuitry for two or more modules is formed on a substrate, which is preferably a laminated substrate. The circuitry for the different modules is initially formed on the single meta-module. Each module will have one or more component areas in which the circuitry is formed. A metallic structure is formed on or in the substrate for each component area to be shielded. A single body, such as an overmold body, is then formed over all of the modules on the meta-module. At least a portion of the metallic structure for each component area to be shielded is then exposed through the body by a cutting, drilling, or like operation. Next, an electromagnetic shield material is applied to the exterior surface of the body of each of the component areas to be shielded and in contact with the exposed portion of the metallic structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayanti Jaganatha Rao, Thomas Scott Morris, Milind Shah
  • Patent number: 8415567
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layer laminate or substrate manufacturing process for forming soldering surfaces on a substrate of a module without requiring a solder mask. In one embodiment, a substrate is provided having a substrate body, soldering pads, and a metal segment. A patterned mask is formed over the substrate such that soldering surfaces of the soldering pads remain exposed. The soldering surfaces of the soldering pads are plated to create plated soldering surfaces over the soldering pads. The plated soldering surfaces are the regions for solder placement. The patterned mask is then removed from the substrate. Next, an anti-wetting treatment is applied to the substrate such that any unplated metal surfaces react to the anti-wetting treatment to form treated surfaces. As such, the plated soldering surfaces will wet solder while the treated surface will not wet solder. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-wetting treatment is an oxidation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Sawyer, Thomas Scott Morris, Milind Shah
  • Patent number: 8296941
    Abstract: A meta-module having circuitry for two or more modules is formed on a substrate, which is preferably a laminated substrate. The circuitry for the different modules is initially formed on the single meta-module. Each module will have one or more component areas in which the circuitry is formed. A metallic structure is formed on or in the substrate for each component area to be shielded. A single body, such as an overmold body, is then formed over all of the modules on the meta-module. At least a portion of the metallic structure for each component area to be shielded is then exposed through the body by a cutting, drilling, or like operation. Next, an electromagnetic shield material is applied to the exterior surface of the body of each of the component areas to be shielded and in contact with the exposed portion of the metallic structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Hiner, Waite R. Warren, Jr., Donald Joseph Leahy, David Jandzinski, Thomas Scott Morris, David Halchin, Milind Shah, Mark Charles Held, Brian Howard Calhoun, Brian D. Sawyer, Ulrik Riis Madsen
  • Publication number: 20120262189
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods of non-destructively testing whether a laminated substrate satisfies structural requirements are disclosed herein. Additionally, laminated substrates that can be non-destructively tested are also disclosed along with methods of manufacturing the same. To non-destructively test whether the laminated substrates satisfies the structural requirement, an electrical characteristic of the laminated substrate may be detected. Since the detected electrical characteristic is related to a structural characteristic being tested, whether the structural characteristic complies with the structural requirement can be determined based on the electrical characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Morris, David C. Dening, Chris Botzis
  • Publication number: 20120217048
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a meta-module having circuitry for two or more modules is formed on a substrate, which is preferably a laminated substrate. The circuitry for the different modules is initially formed on the single meta-module. Each module will have one or more component areas in which the circuitry is formed. A metallic structure is formed on or in the substrate for each component area to be shielded. A single body, such as an overmold body, is then formed over all of the modules on the meta-module. At least a portion of the metallic structure for each component area to be shielded is then exposed through the body by a cutting, drilling, or like operation. Next, an electromagnetic shield material is applied to the exterior surface of the body of each of the component areas to be shielded and in contact with the exposed portion of the metallic structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Donald Joseph Leahy, Brian D. Sawyer, Stephen Parker, Thomas Scott Morris
  • Publication number: 20120217624
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a meta-module having circuitry for two or more modules is formed on a substrate, which is preferably a laminated substrate. The circuitry for the different modules is initially formed on the single meta-module. Each module will have one or more component areas in which the circuitry is formed. A metallic structure is formed on or in the substrate for each component area to be shielded. A single body, such as an overmold body, is then formed over all of the modules on the meta-module. At least a conductive vertical interconnect access structure (vias) associated with each component area to be shielded is then exposed through the body by a cutting, drilling, or similar operation. Next, an electromagnetic shield material is applied to the exterior surface of the body of each of the component areas to be shielded and in contact with the exposed conductive vias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Morris, Ulrik Riis Madsen, Donald Joseph Leahy
  • Publication number: 20120193781
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating a customized micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) integrated circuit using at least one redistribution layer. The method includes steps of providing a substrate on which MEMS components are fabricated and coupling predetermined ones of the MEMS components via the redistribution traces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Julio Costa, Jonathan Hale Hammond, Thomas Scott Morris
  • Publication number: 20120044653
    Abstract: Embodiments include devices and methods for manufacturing a module having a first shielded compartment and a second shielded compartment, wherein the first shielded compartment is electrically isolated from the second shielded compartment. Electrical conductivity is controlled in a manner in which current flow between shielded circuits is directed to reduce or eliminate energy from being coupled between one or more shielded compartments on the same module. Each module may have a plurality of individual shielded compartments, where each compartment has a dedicated ground plane. The shields for each compartment may be tied to the dedicated ground plane of the compartment. Because the dedicated ground planes are not tied together, each of the shielded compartments on the modules remains isolated from all the other shielded compartments on the modules. In some embodiments having a plurality of shielded compartments, there is at least one isolated shielded compartment depending upon the design needs of the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Morris, Ulrik Riis Madsen, Brian D. Sawyer, Milind Shah, John Robert Siomkos, Mark Alan Crandall, Dan Carey
  • Publication number: 20110225803
    Abstract: A meta-module having circuitry for two or more modules is formed on a substrate, which is preferably a laminated substrate. The circuitry for the different modules is initially formed on the single meta-module. Each module will have one or more component areas in which the circuitry is formed. A metallic structure is formed on or in the substrate for each component area to be shielded. A single body, such as an overmold body, is then formed over all of the modules on the meta-module. At least a portion of the metallic structure for each component area to be shielded is then exposed through the body by a cutting, drilling, or like operation. Next, an electromagnetic shield material is applied to the exterior surface of the body of each of the component areas to be shielded and in contact with the exposed portion of the metallic structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Hiner, Waite R. Warren, JR., Donald Joseph Leahy, David Jandzinski, Thomas Scott Morris, David Halchin, Milind Shah, Mark Charles Held, Brian Howard Calhoun, Brian D. Sawyer, Ulrik Riis Madsen
  • Patent number: 7999197
    Abstract: A method for making a dual sided electronic module. A substrate has a first surface that is substantially parallel to a second surface. The second surface forms a cavity extending into an interior portion of the substrate. The substrate has at least one through hole connecting the cavity to the first surface. A first component is mounted with respect to the first surface, and a second component is mounted at least partially within the cavity. An encapsulant is applied to the first surface and through the at least one through hole into the cavity about the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Sawyer, Milind Shah, Thomas Scott Morris, Carl Hinshaw
  • Publication number: 20100199492
    Abstract: A meta-module having circuitry for two or more modules is formed on a substrate, which is preferably a laminated substrate. The circuitry for the different modules is initially formed on the single meta-module. Each module will have one or more component areas in which the circuitry is formed. A metallic structure is formed on or in the substrate for each component area to be shielded. A single body, such as an overmold body, is then formed over all of the modules on the meta-module. At least a portion of the metallic structure for each component area to be shielded is then exposed through the body by a cutting, drilling, or like operation. Next, an electromagnetic shield material is applied to the exterior surface of the body of each of the component areas to be shielded and in contact with the exposed portion of the metallic structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Hiner, Waite R. Warren, JR., Donald Joseph Leahy, David Jandzinski, Thomas Scott Morris, David Halchin, Milind Shah, Mark Charles Held, Brian Howard Calhoun, Brian D. Sawyer, Ulrik Riis Madsen
  • Publication number: 20090000815
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a meta-module having circuitry for two or more modules is formed on a substrate, which is preferably a laminated substrate. The circuitry for the different modules is initially formed on the single meta-module. Each module will have one or more component areas in which the circuitry is formed. A metallic structure is formed on or in the substrate for each component area to be shielded. A single body, such as an overmold body, is then formed over all of the modules on the meta-module. At least a portion of the metallic structure for each component area to be shielded is then exposed through the body by a cutting, drilling, or like operation. Next, an electromagnetic shield material is applied to the exterior surface of the body of each of the component areas to be shielded and in contact with the exposed portion of the metallic structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Hiner, Waite R. Warren, JR., Donald Joseph Leahy, David Jandzinski, Thomas Scott Morris, David Halchin, Milind Shah, Mark Charles Held, Brian Howard Calhoun, Brian D. Sawyer, Ulrik Riis Madsen
  • Publication number: 20090000114
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a meta-module having circuitry for two or more modules is formed on a substrate, which is preferably a laminated substrate. The circuitry for the different modules is initially formed on the single meta-module. Each module will have one or more component areas in which the circuitry is formed. A metallic structure is formed on or in the substrate for each component area to be shielded. A single body, such as an overmold body, is then formed over all of the modules on the meta-module. At least a portion of the metallic structure for each component area to be shielded is then exposed through the body by a cutting, drilling, or like operation. Next, an electromagnetic shield material is applied to the exterior surface of the body of each of the component areas to be shielded and in contact with the exposed portion of the metallic structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jayanti Jaganatha Rao, Thomas Scott Morris, Milind Shah
  • Patent number: 7451539
    Abstract: An electromagnetic shield for an electronic module includes a surface finish that is applied to the surface of an electronic module so as to minimize the size of the shield. Once the shield is in place, the shield acts to address electromagnetic interference (EMI) concerns associated with the electronic module. An electronic module having a ring of conductive material embedded about its peripheral edge is formed. The electronic module is then sub-diced so as to expose the ring of conductive material. After sub-dicing, a conductive material may be applied through an electroless plating process followed by an electrolytic plating process. Alternatively, a conductive epoxy may be sprayed or painted onto the surface of the electronic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Morris, Milind Shah, Donald Joseph Leahy, Lewis Kermit Law, II
  • Patent number: 6884661
    Abstract: The present invention provides for attaching a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) semiconductor die to a package using bumps formed over a metallic heat sink covering the output transistor area of the semiconductor die. In general, one or more bumps are formed on the metallic heat sink, thereby eliminating stress on the bumps caused by stress risers on the surface of the semiconductor die. In addition, the upper and lower surfaces of the bumps are substantially planar, thereby maximizing contact with the semiconductor die and the package and allowing maximum heat transfer. The planarization is due to the conforming contact surface of the solder. The combination of the bumps and the metallic heat sink provide an efficient way to reduce the thermal and electrical impedance of the die. In one embodiment, the bumps are substantially copper. In another embodiment, the bumps are substantially gold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Morris, Milind Shah, Jon Jorgenson