Isolated Inner Lead Rerouting in Semiconductor Leadframes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing leadframe technologies restrict pin assignment rerouting and increase packaging complexity due to fixed lead sequences, leading to higher costs and risks of wire bonding issues like height differences and displacement.

Innovation Solution

A method for forming isolated inner leads within a leadframe, allowing for pin assignment rerouting without additional internal components, using a leadframe design with defined molding and die-attaching areas, insulating tapes, and a connecting block to electrically isolate inner leads, enabling redistribution of electrical paths without increasing package height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If leads are formed from the same layer of leadframe with fixed sequence, then manufacturing is simple, but pin assignment rerouting is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepin assignment rerouting capabilityVSAvoidleadframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The leadframe is segmented into multiple independent metal layers, with each layer containing specific leads for different functions. The first metal layer contains outer leads for external connections, while the second metal layer contains inner leads for internal connections. This layering enables flexible pin assignment rerouting by selectively connecting different layers at bonding pads without increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional single-layer leadframe to a three-dimensional multi-layer structure. By adding the vertical dimension with multiple stacked metal layers, the patent enables pin assignment rerouting capabilities that were impossible in the planar single-layer configuration, while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard multi-layer fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If extra internal redistributing components are disposed on leadframe, then pin assignment rerouting is enabled, but packaging complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepin assignment rerouting capabilityVSAvoidpackaging process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the leadframe structure with the internal redistributing function by integrating multiple metal layers directly into the leadframe itself. The inner leads on the second metal layer serve dual purposes: providing structural support like traditional leads and enabling pin assignment rerouting through controlled connections at bonding pads. This eliminates the need for separate external redistributing components and simplifies packaging processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-layer metal structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, establishes electrical connections, enables pin assignment rerouting, and facilitates wire bonding. The inner leads on the second metal layer can be configured to connect to specific outer leads or remain isolated, providing universal adaptability for different pin assignment requirements without requiring additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8240029B2Method for forming an isolated inner lead from a leadframe
Publication Date: 2012.08.14 POWERTECH TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US8240029B2 patent drawing
  • US8240029B2 patent drawing
  • US8240029B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for forming an isolated inner lead from a leadframe is revealed. The leadframe primarily comprises a plurality of leads, the isolated inner lead, and an external lead. Each lead has an inner portion having a finger. The isolated inner lead having two fingers is completely formed inside a molding area and is made of the same metal leadframe as the leads. One finger of the isolated inner lead and the fingers of the leads are linearly arranged. The other finger of the isolated inner lead is adjacent to a finger of the external lead. At least one of the inner portions divides the isolated inner lead from the external lead. The isolated inner lead is integrally connected to an adjacent one of the inner portions by a connecting block. A tape-attaching step is performed to mechanically connect the isolated inner lead where two insulating tapes are attached in a manner that the connecting block can be removed. Therefore, the isolated inner lead is electrically isolated from the leads and can be mechanically fixed to replace extra redistributing components during semiconductor packaging processes.