Patent ID: 6617197
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method of packaging integrated circuits comprising:providing a lead frame panel having at least one matrix of device areas formed thereon, wherein at least some of the device areas include a die attach pad, a plurality of rows of contacts that are located about the die attach pad, and a multiplicity of tie bars that provide support for the contacts, wherein some of the tie bars are arranged to extend between adjacent contacts in the same row and some of the tie bars are arranged to extend diagonally between associated contacts in adjacent rows; attaching a die to each die attach pad; electrically connecting bond pads on the dice to associated contacts; molding one or more plastic caps over the integrated circuit dice and the contacts thereby encapsulating the bonding wires, wherein the one or more caps are molded such that the bottom surface of the contacts remain exposed to facilitate electrical connection to external devices and the one or more caps substantially completely cover the top surfaces of the contacts; and cutting along lines that run adjacent the rows of contacts to sever the tie bars after the molding operation.