Patents by Inventor Thomas Spann
Thomas Spann 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).
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Publication number: 20260136981Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor package. The method may include performing a lead attachment operation, comprising attaching at least one lead directly to a substrate that is configured to support one or more semiconductor die, wherein the at least one lead is attached to the substrate in singulated fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2024Publication date: May 14, 2026Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventors: Tiburcio A. Maldo, Jeff Grozen, Arnel Deveza, Thomas Spann, Roger Cadut, Rhodri Hughes
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Patent number: 12581990Abstract: A connector for contacting a semiconductor chip. The connector may include a tab, where the tab includes an outer portion, having a planar shape, the outer portion having a lower surface, adapted to contact a surface of the semiconductor chip, and an upper surface that defines a main plane of the tab. The tab may also include a ring portion, the ring portion connected to the outer portion and extending proud of the main plane, wherein the ring portion defines an inner hole within the tab structure, the inner hole being adapted to expose a contact portion of the surface of the semiconductor chip, wherein the ring portion includes at least two slots. The connector may further include a clip, comprising a connection portion, the connection portion having an aperture that is adapted to couple around the ring portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2023Date of Patent: March 17, 2026Assignee: Littlefuse, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Lachmann, Thomas Spann
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Patent number: 12545011Abstract: Novel methods of preparing a metal bonded substrate. A method may include providing a ceramic substrate, the ceramic substrate comprising a ceramic body. The method may include bonding a thick metal sheet to the ceramic substrate, wherein the bonding comprises forming a metal oxide layer by powder deposition on a metal surface, and bringing the ceramic substrate and thick metal sheet together, wherein the metal oxide layer and the thick metal sheet interact to form an interface layer between the thick metal sheet and the ceramic substrate, after the bonding.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2023Date of Patent: February 10, 2026Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Spann
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Patent number: 12543611Abstract: A method of manufacturing a power semiconductor device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure may include providing a substrate disposed atop a heatsink, electrically connecting a semiconductor die to a top surface of the substrate, disposing a thin metallic layer atop the substrate, disposing a terminal atop the thin metallic layer, and performing a welding operation wherein a laser beam is directed at a top surface of the terminal to produce a plurality of weld connections connecting the terminal to the substrate, wherein the weld connections are separated by gaps, and wherein heat generated during the welding operation melts the thin metallic layer and molten material of the thin metallic flows into the gaps.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2023Date of Patent: February 3, 2026Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Spann, Elaheh Arjmand
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Publication number: 20250253283Abstract: A connector for a semiconductor device package. The connector may include a middle portion, having a curved concave shape in a front view, with respect to a given surface. The connector may include a first contacting portion, integrally connected to the middle portion on a first side, as wells as a second contacting portion, integrally connected to the middle portion on a second side, wherein the first contacting portion and the second contacting portion define a curved convex surface in the front view. with respect to the given surface. In some implementations, the connector may include a slot assembly as well as one or more indents that define a meander path, which structure imparts a greater elastic flexibility, such as under mechanical load.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2024Publication date: August 7, 2025Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Spann, Thomas Lachmann
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Publication number: 20250218971Abstract: A press pack power semiconductor device can include a housing, a semiconductor, and a locator strip deformed into a ring-like shape to concentrically fit within the housing and concentrically locate at least part of the semiconductor therein. The locator strip can include a first plurality of regions regularly interspersed with a second plurality of regions along a length of the locator strip, and each of the first plurality of regions can have a first cross-sectional area that can be smaller than a second cross-sectional area of each of the second plurality of regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2023Publication date: July 3, 2025Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Spann, Joseph Geo
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Publication number: 20250121587Abstract: Novel methods of preparing a metal bonded substrate. A method may include providing a ceramic substrate, the ceramic substrate comprising a ceramic body. The method may include bonding a thick metal sheet to the ceramic substrate, wherein the bonding comprises forming a metal oxide layer by powder deposition on a metal surface, and bringing the ceramic substrate and thick metal sheet together, wherein the metal oxide layer and the thick metal sheet interact to form an interface layer between the thick metal sheet and the ceramic substrate, after the bonding.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2023Publication date: April 17, 2025Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Spann
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Publication number: 20250062270Abstract: A connector for contacting a semiconductor chip. The connector may include a tab, where the tab includes an outer portion, having a planar shape, the outer portion having a lower surface, adapted to contact a surface of the semiconductor chip, and an upper surface that defines a main plane of the tab. The tab may also include a ring potion, the ring portion connected to the outer portion and extending proud of the main plane, wherein the ring portion defines an inner hole within the tab structure, the inner hole being adapted to expose a contact portion of the surface of the semiconductor chip, wherein the ring portion includes at least two slots. The connector may further include a clip, comprising a connection portion, the connection portion having an aperture that is adapted to couple around the ring portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2023Publication date: February 20, 2025Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Lachmann, Thomas Spann
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Publication number: 20240355718Abstract: A method of manufacturing a power semiconductor device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure may include providing a substrate disposed atop a heatsink, electrically connecting a semiconductor die to a top surface of the substrate, disposing a thin metallic layer atop the substrate, disposing a terminal atop the thin metallic layer, and performing a welding operation wherein a laser beam is directed at a top surface of the terminal to produce a plurality of weld connections connecting the terminal to the substrate, wherein the weld connections are separated by gaps, and wherein heat generated during the welding operation melts the thin metallic layer and molten material of the thin metallic flows into the gaps.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2023Publication date: October 24, 2024Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventors: THOMAS SPANN, ELAHEH ARJMAND
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Publication number: 20240014090Abstract: A power semiconductor device package. The package may include a baseplate that has a plurality of through holes. The package may also include an insulating body, affixed to a top side of the baseplate The insulating body may include a main portion, to enclose a set of semiconductor devices therein, and a plurality of locking structures, the plurality of locking structures disposed along a lower periphery of the main portion, and integrally formed within the insulating body, wherein the plurality of locking structures extend through the baseplate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2022Publication date: January 11, 2024Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Spann
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Patent number: 11811180Abstract: Provided herein are semiconductor packages with improved electrical contacts (e.g. pins). In some embodiments, an assembly may include a substrate and an electrical contact coupled to the substrate, the electrical contact consisting of a first component defined by a complex 3D designed receiving pin. The electrical contact may further include a second component defined by another complex 3D designed penetrating pin, wherein the first component engages the second component to deform mechanically and to weld when the first component and the second component are coupled together.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: IXYS Semiconductor GmbHInventors: Yong Ai-Ong, Thomas Spann
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Patent number: 11798868Abstract: A semiconductor die having a metal tab connected thereto. The metal tab includes at least one slot on at least one side of the metal tab, wherein the at least one slot i) creates an opening between at least two portions of the metal tab and ii) exposes the semiconductor die in relation to the metal tab. The semiconductor die can be a silicon (Si) die and the metal tab can be a copper (Cu) tab, where the at least one slot includes at least four slots corresponding to each of at least four sides of the metal, and wherein with respect to each of the at least four sides, each corresponding slot i) creates an opening between at least two portions of the Cu metal tab and ii) exposes the Si semiconductor die in relation to the Cu metal tab.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Inventor: Thomas Spann
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Publication number: 20220310409Abstract: A method to connect power terminals to substrates within semiconductor packages is disclosed. The power terminal connection method minimally adapts the power terminal so that laser treatment can be used to connect the power terminal to the substrate. The power terminal may be adapted in a variety of ways, such that an interface between the power terminal and the substrate may be transformed (melted with consecutive rapid solidification) by the laser device, allowing the power terminal to be connected to the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2021Publication date: September 29, 2022Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventors: ELAHEH ARJMAND, HAMILTON SEIROCO, THOMAS SPANN
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Publication number: 20220085525Abstract: Provided herein are semiconductor packages with improved electrical contacts (e.g. pins). In some embodiments, an assembly may include a substrate and an electrical contact coupled to the substrate, the electrical contact consisting of a first component defined by a complex 3D designed receiving pin. The electrical contact may further include a second component defined by another complex 3D designed penetrating pin, wherein the first component engages the second component to deform mechanically and to weld when the first component and the second component are coupled together.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Applicant: IXYS Semiconductor GmbHInventors: Yong Ai-Ong, Thomas Spann
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Publication number: 20210272874Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include one or more power semiconductor device modules. A power semiconductor module can include: a power terminal, a housing, a heatsink and a protrusion, wherein the housing includes a first tab, and a first protrusion, and wherein the first tab contacts the substrate, and the first protrusion contacts the heatsink.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Spann
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Publication number: 20210272884Abstract: A semiconductor die having a metal tab connected thereto. The metal tab includes at least one slot on at least one side of the metal tab, wherein the at least one slot i) creates an opening between at least two portions of the metal tab and ii) exposes the semiconductor die in relation to the metal tab. The semiconductor die can be a silicon (Si) die and the metal tab can be a copper (Cu) tab, where the at least one slot includes at least four slots corresponding to each of at least four sides of the metal, and wherein with respect to each of the at least four sides, each corresponding slot i) creates an opening between at least two portions of the Cu metal tab and ii) exposes the Si semiconductor die in relation to the Cu metal tab.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Spann
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Patent number: 10446462Abstract: A power semiconductor device module includes, among other parts, a DMB structure. The DMB structure includes a ceramic sheet, a top metal plate that is directly bonded to the top of the ceramic, and a bottom metal plate that is directly bonded to the bottom of the ceramic. A power semiconductor device die is attached to the top metal plate. The bottom surface of the bottom metal plate has a plurality small cavities. When the bottom metal plate is attached to another metal member, a material between the plate and the member (for example, thermal grease or a PCM or solder) is forced into the cavities. This results in an improvement in thermal transfer between the plate and the member. Such cavities can alternatively, or in addition, be included on a metal surface other than a DMB, such as the bottom surface of a baseplate of the module.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: LITTELFUSE, INC.Inventor: Thomas Spann
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Publication number: 20190304857Abstract: A power semiconductor device module includes a metal baseplate and a plastic housing that together form a tray. Power electronics are disposed in the tray. A plastic cap covers the tray. Electrical press-fit terminals are disposed along the periphery of the tray. Each electrical terminal has a press-fit pin portion that sticks up through a hole in the cap. In addition, the module includes four mechanical corner press-fit anchors disposed outside the tray. One end of each anchor is embedded into the housing. The other end is an upwardly extending press-fit pin portion. The module is manufactured and sold with the press-fit pin portions of the electrical terminals and the mechanical corner anchors unattached to any printed circuit board (PCB). The mechanical anchors help to secure the module to a printed circuit board. Due to the anchors, screws or bolts are not needed to hold the module to the PCB.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2019Publication date: October 3, 2019Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Spann
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Patent number: 10347549Abstract: A power semiconductor device module includes a metal baseplate and a plastic housing that together form a tray. Power electronics are disposed in the tray. A plastic cap covers the tray. Electrical press-fit terminals are disposed along the periphery of the tray. Each electrical terminal has a press-fit pin portion that sticks up through a hole in the cap. In addition, the module includes four mechanical corner press-fit anchors disposed outside the tray. One end of each anchor is embedded into the housing. The other end is an upwardly extending press-fit pin portion. The module is manufactured and sold with the press-fit pin portions of the electrical terminals and the mechanical corner anchors unattached to any printed circuit board (PCB). The mechanical anchors help to secure the module to a printed circuit board. Due to the anchors, screws or bolts are not needed to hold the module to the PCB.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: LITTELFUSE, INC.Inventor: Thomas Spann
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Patent number: 10276472Abstract: A power semiconductor device module includes, among other parts, a DMB structure. The DMB structure includes a ceramic sheet, a top metal plate that is directly bonded to the top of the ceramic, and a bottom metal plate that is directly bonded to the bottom of the ceramic. A power semiconductor device die is attached to the top metal plate. The bottom surface of the bottom metal plate has a plurality small cavities. When the bottom metal plate is attached to another metal member, a material between the plate and the member (for example, thermal grease or a PCM or solder) is forced into the cavities. This results in an improvement in thermal transfer between the plate and the member. Such cavities can alternatively, or in addition, be included on a metal surface other than a DMB, such as the bottom surface of a baseplate of the module.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: IXYS, LLCInventor: Thomas Spann