Padless Lead Frame IC Package with Nested Molding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Consumer electronics require more integrated circuits in a shrinking physical space with increased environmental demands, while existing technologies struggle to reduce package dimensions and manufacturing costs effectively.

Innovation Solution

The development of an integrated circuit package system using a padless lead frame, where a first molding compound supports the integrated circuit die, and a second molding compound encapsulates both the die and external interconnects, forming a hermetic seal to improve moisture sensitivity and reduce package height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing packaging technologies are used to integrate more functions into each integrated circuit, then functional integration is improved, but package dimensions are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidpackage dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nested encapsulation by placing a first molded integrated circuit die within a second molding compound. The first molding compound encapsulates the die and provides initial protection, while the second molding compound provides an additional encapsulation layer. This nested structure allows multiple functions to be integrated within a compact volume by efficiently utilizing internal space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from planar package layouts to a three-dimensional stacked architecture. By stacking integrated circuit dies vertically and encapsulating them in multiple molding layers, the design achieves higher functional integration without proportionally increasing the package footprint, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce overall package dimensions.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If existing manufacturing processes are reused to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but package dimensions are not reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidpackage dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: first encapsulation of the integrated circuit die in a first molding compound, followed by second encapsulation in a second molding compound. This segmentation allows each encapsulation step to be optimized independently, enabling cost-effective production using existing manufacturing processes while achieving reduced package dimensions through the cumulative effect of multiple encapsulation layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first molding compound provides preliminary encapsulation and protection to the integrated circuit die before the second encapsulation step. This preliminary action ensures the die is securely protected and positioned during subsequent manufacturing steps, enabling efficient production while achieving compact final package dimensions through the combined effect of both encapsulation layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If package height is reduced to save space, then space utilization is improved, but environmental protection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage heightVSAvoidenvironmental protection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite encapsulation using two different molding compounds with complementary properties. The first molding compound provides baseline protection against environmental factors, while the second molding compound adds enhanced protection capabilities. This composite structure achieves superior environmental protection against humidity and contaminants while maintaining reduced package height, as the protective function is distributed across multiple thin layers rather than requiring a single thick layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The dual encapsulation structure provides beforehand cushioning against environmental harm. The first molding compound establishes the first line of defense against moisture and contaminants, while the second molding compound provides an additional protective barrier. This layered protection approach ensures robust environmental resistance even when the overall package height is minimized, as each layer contributes to the cumulative protective effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS7871863B2Integrated circuit package system with multiple molding
Publication Date: 2011.01.18 STATS CHIPPAC LTD
  • US7871863B2 patent drawing
  • US7871863B2 patent drawing
  • US7871863B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An integrated circuit package system is provided forming a lead from a padless lead frame, and encapsulating the lead for supporting an integrated circuit die with a first molding compound for encapsulation with a second molding compound.