Patents by Inventor Todd Bolken

Todd Bolken 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: 8709878
    Abstract: A method of packaging imager devices and optics modules is disclosed which includes positioning an imager device and an optics module in each of a plurality of openings in a carrier body, introducing an encapsulant material into each of the openings in the carrier body and cutting the carrier body to singulate the plurality of imager devices and optics modules into individual units, each of which comprise an imager device and an optics module. A device is also disclosed which includes an imager device comprising a plurality of photosensitive elements and an optics module coupled to the imager device, the optics module comprising at least one lens that, when the optics module is coupled to the imager device, is positioned a fixed, non-adjustable distance from the plurality of photosensitive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Scott Willmorth, Bradley Bitz
  • Publication number: 20120135560
    Abstract: A method of packaging imager devices and optics modules is disclosed which includes positioning an imager device and an optics module in each of a plurality of openings in a carrier body, introducing an encapsulant material into each of the openings in the carrier body and cutting the carrier body to singulate the plurality of imager devices and optics modules into individual units, each of which comprise an imager device and an optics module. A device is also disclosed which includes an imager device comprising a plurality of photosensitive elements and an optics module coupled to the imager device, the optics module comprising at least one lens that, when the optics module is coupled to the imager device, is positioned a fixed, non-adjustable distance from the plurality of photosensitive elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd BOLKEN, Scott WILLMORTH, Bradley BITZ
  • Patent number: 8110884
    Abstract: A method of packaging imager devices and optics modules is disclosed which includes positioning an imager device and an optics module in each of a plurality of openings in a carrier body, introducing an encapsulant material into each of the openings in the carrier body and cutting the carrier body to singulate the plurality of imager devices and optics modules into individual units, each of which comprise an imager device and an optics module. A device is also disclosed which includes an imager device comprising a plurality of photosensitive elements and an optics module coupled to the imager device, the optics module comprising at least one lens that, when the optics module is coupled to the imager device, is positioned a fixed, non-adjustable distance from the plurality of photosensitive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Scott Willmorth, Bradley Bitz
  • Publication number: 20090152658
    Abstract: A method of packaging imager devices and optics modules is disclosed which includes positioning an imager device and an optics module in each of a plurality of openings in a carrier body, introducing an encapsulant material into each of the openings in the carrier body and cutting the carrier body to singulate the plurality of imager devices and optics modules into individual units, each of which comprise an imager device and an optics module. A device is also disclosed which includes an imager device comprising a plurality of photosensitive elements and an optics module coupled to the imager device, the optics module comprising at least one lens that, when the optics module is coupled to the imager device, is positioned a fixed, non-adjustable distance from the plurality of photosensitive elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Scott Willmorth, Bradley Bitz
  • Publication number: 20070145556
    Abstract: Techniques for fabricating multiple device components. Specifically, techniques for fabricating a stacked package comprising at least one I/C module and a multi-chip package. The multi-chip package includes a plurality of integrated circuit dices coupled to a carrier. The dice are encapsulated such that conductive elements are exposed through the encapsulant. The conductive elements are electrically coupled to the chips. The I/C module comprises an interposer having a plurality of integrated circuit dice disposed thereon. The dice of the I/C module are electrically coupled to the interposer via bondwires. The interposer is configured such that vias are aligned with the conductive elements on the multi-chip package. The multi-chip package and I/C module may be fabricated separately and subsequently coupled together to form a stacked package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Chad Cobbley
  • Publication number: 20070108579
    Abstract: Packaging assemblies for optically interactive devices and methods of forming the packaging assemblies in an efficient manner that eliminates or reduces the occurrence of process contaminants. In a first embodiment, a transparent cover is attached to a wafer of semiconductor material containing a plurality of optically interactive devices. The wafer is singulated, and the optically interactive devices are mounted on an interposer and electrically connected with wire bonds. In a second embodiment, the optically interactive devices are electrically connected to the interposer with back side conductive elements. In a third embodiment, the optically interactive devices are mounted to the interposer prior to attaching a transparent cover. A layer of encapsulant material is formed over the interposer, and the interposer and encapsulant material are cut to provide individual packaging assemblies. In a fourth embodiment, the optically interactive devices are mounted in a preformed leadless chip carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Chad Cobbley
  • Publication number: 20060267169
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for packaging for electronic devices that are light or other radiation-sensitive, such as image sensors including CCD or CMOS chips. In one embodiment of the invention, an image sensor package is assembled by surrounding a chip with a barrier of transfer mold compound and covering the chip with a transparent lid. In another embodiment of the invention, the perimeter area of a chip, including interconnections such as wire bonds and bond pads, is encapsulated with a liquid dispensed epoxy, and a transparent lid is attached. In yet another embodiment of the invention, chip encapsulation is accomplished with a unitary shell of entirely transparent material. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a substrate-mounted chip and a transparent lid are loaded into a transfer mold that holds them in optimal alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Chad Cobbley
  • Publication number: 20060169490
    Abstract: Various embodiments for molding tools for moisture-resistant image sensor packaging structures and methods of assembly are disclosed. Image sensor packages of the present invention include an interposer, a housing structure formed on the interposer for surrounding an image sensor chip, and a transparent cover. The housing structure may cover substantially all of the interposer chip surface. In another embodiment, the housing structure also covers substantially all of the interposer edge surfaces. The housing structure may also cover substantially all of the interposer attachment surface. An image sensor chip is electrically connected to the interposer with sealed wire bond connections or with sealed flip-chip connections. The housing structure may include runners that enable simultaneous sealing of the interior of the image sensor package and of the transparent cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Cary Baerlocher, Steven Heppler, Chad Cobbley
  • Publication number: 20060157838
    Abstract: A semiconductor card is made using a method which, in one molding step, forms a plastic body on a substrate attached to a surrounding frame by narrow connecting segments spanning a peripheral opening. The connecting segments are motivated downward by pins outside of the card periphery, holding the substrate against a lower level of the mold cavity during molding. Molded wings extending laterally from the card periphery are also formed. Following molding and curing, the casting is removed and the card singulated by excising the wings from the card. The resulting card has smooth edge surfaces and precise dimensions. Separate glob top encapsulation is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Inventor: Todd Bolken
  • Publication number: 20060110850
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor card includes a printed circuit substrate upon which is mounted a card circuit including one or more semiconductor components such as dice or packages. External contacts link the card circuit to the circuit of another apparatus by removable insertion therein. The substrate is defined by a peripheral opening in a surrounding frame, which may be part of a multiframe strip. The substrate is connected to the frame by connecting segments. The card includes a first plastic casting molded to the substrate and encapsulating the semiconductor components while leaving a peripheral portion of the substrate uncovered. A second plastic casting is molded to the peripheral portion to abut the first plastic casting and form the card periphery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Todd Bolken
  • Publication number: 20060055020
    Abstract: A memory package having a plurality of vertically stacked ball grid arrays. Each of the vertically stacked ball grid arrays has a memory chip coupled thereto. Further, each of the plurality of ball grid arrays includes non-metal mateable alignment features. Each of the plurality of ball grid arrays is coupled to another of the plurality of ball grid arrays to from the vertically stacked memory package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Cary Baerlocher, Chad Cobbley, David Corisis
  • Publication number: 20060051890
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for packaging for electronic devices that are light or other radiation-sensitive, such as image sensors including CCD or CMOS chips. In one embodiment of the invention, an image sensor package is assembled by surrounding a chip with a barrier of transfer mold compound and covering the chip with a transparent lid. In another embodiment of the invention, the perimeter area of a chip, including interconnections such as wire bonds and bond pads, is encapsulated with a liquid dispensed epoxy, and a transparent lid is attached. In yet another embodiment of the invention, chip encapsulation is accomplished with a unitary shell of entirely transparent material. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a substrate-mounted chip and a transparent lid are loaded into a transfer mold that holds them in optimal alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Chad Cobbley
  • Publication number: 20060051891
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for packaging for electronic devices that are light or other radiation-sensitive, such as image sensors including CCD or CMOS chips. In one embodiment of the invention, an image sensor package is assembled by surrounding a chip with a barrier of transfer mold compound and covering the chip with a transparent lid. In another embodiment of the invention, the perimeter area of a chip, including interconnections, is encapsulated with a liquid dispensed epoxy, and a transparent lid is attached. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a unitary shell of entirely transparent material is used. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a substrate-mounted chip and a transparent lid are loaded into a transfer mold that holds them in optimal alignment. The transfer mold is then filled with molding compound to encapsulate the chip and interconnections, and to retain the transparent lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Chad Cobbley
  • Publication number: 20060051892
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for packaging for electronic devices that are light or other radiation-sensitive, such as image sensors including CCD or CMOS chips. In one embodiment of the invention, an image sensor package is assembled by surrounding a chip with a barrier of transfer mold compound and covering the chip with a transparent lid. In another embodiment of the invention, the perimeter area of a chip, including interconnections such as wire bonds and bond pads, is encapsulated with a liquid dispensed epoxy, and a transparent lid is attached. In yet another embodiment of the invention, chip encapsulation is accomplished with a unitary shell of entirely transparent material. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a substrate-mounted chip and a transparent lid are loaded into a transfer mold that holds them in optimal alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Chad Cobbley
  • Publication number: 20060046351
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for packaging for electronic devices that are light or other radiation-sensitive, such as image sensors including CCD or CMOS chips. In one embodiment of the invention, an image sensor package is assembled by surrounding a chip with a barrier of transfer mold compound and covering the chip with a transparent lid. In another embodiment of the invention, the perimeter area of a chip, including interconnections such as wire bonds and bond pads, is encapsulated with a liquid dispensed epoxy, and a transparent lid is attached. In yet another embodiment of the invention, chip encapsulation is accomplished with a unitary shell of entirely transparent material. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a substrate-mounted chip and a transparent lid are loaded into a transfer mold that holds them in optimal alignment. The transfer mold is then filled with molding compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2005
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Chad Cobbley
  • Publication number: 20060023107
    Abstract: Microelectronic imagers comprising imaging units and optics units with optics supports having threadless interfaces and methods for packaging such microelectronic imagers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the imaging unit can include a microelectronic substrate and a microelectronic die on and/or in the substrate. A first referencing element having one or more inclined steps arranged about an axis is fixed to the imaging unit. The imager can further include an optics unit having an optic member. A second referencing element having one or more complementary inclined steps is fixed to the optics unit. The second referencing element is seated with the first referencing element and at least one of the referencing elements can be rotatably adjusted with respect to the other to position the optic member at a desired location relative to the image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Chad Cobbley
  • Publication number: 20060006518
    Abstract: A semiconductor component includes a substrate and multiple stacked, encapsulated semiconductor dice on the substrate. A first die is back bonded to the substrate and encapsulated in a first encapsulant, and a second die is back bonded to the first encapsulant. The first encapsulant has a planar surface for attaching the second die, and can also include locking features for the second die. The component also includes a second encapsulant encapsulating the second die and forming a protective body for the component. A method for fabricating the component includes the steps of attaching the first die to the substrate, forming the first encapsulant on the first die, attaching the second die to the first encapsulant, and forming the second encapsulant on the second die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Chad Cobbley
  • Publication number: 20050287716
    Abstract: A packaged assembly including an interposer or substrate supporting on a first side thereof a chip that is encased with an encapsulant is described. A second side of the interposer or substrate includes a barrier that blocks the flow of encapsulant to create a uniform encapsulant edge on the second side of the interposer. The uniform edge helps prevent flaking of the encapsulant off the interposer. The packaged assembly is adapted to be used with a further electronic device to expand the capablilities of the further electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Walter Moden, Todd Bolken
  • Publication number: 20050280143
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling and packaging semiconductor die assemblies utilizes a coating element such as a wafer back side laminate formed on a back side of a semiconductor die is disclosed. The coating element may be formed from a somewhat compressible and, optionally, resilient material, which seals against a surface of a mold cavity while the semiconductor die assembly is being encapsulated. In this manner, the coating element prevents encapsulant material from covering at least a portion of the back side of the semiconductor die to prevent encapsulant flashing over the back side and thus improve heat dissipation characteristics of the packaged semiconductor die during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Inventors: Frank Hall, Todd Bolken
  • Publication number: 20050263312
    Abstract: Various embodiments for moisture-resistant image sensor packaging structures and methods of assembly are disclosed. Image sensor packages of the present invention include an interposer, a housing structure formed on the interposer for surrounding an image sensor chip, and a transparent cover. The housing structure may cover substantially all of the interposer chip surface. In another embodiment, the housing structure also covers substantially all of the interposer edge surfaces. The housing structure may also cover substantially all of the interposer attachment surface. An image sensor chip is electrically connected to the interposer with sealed wire bond connections or with sealed flip-chip connections. The housing structure may include runners that enable simultaneous sealing of the interior of the image sensor package and of the transparent cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Cary Baerlocher, Steven Heppler, Chad Cobbley