Patent ID: 6776598
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: B29C,H01L

Abstract:
A semiconductor chip molding apparatus, comprising:an upper platen and an upper mold fixed to the upper platen; a lower platen and a lower mold of electrically conductive material fixed to the lower platen, the lower mold including a molding block configured to receive a lead frame in an orientation proper for a molding process to be performed on the lead frame by the apparatus, the molding block defining at least one mold cavity; at least one electrically conductive detecting block disposed adjacent said lower mold such that when a lead frame is set on the lower mold askew from said proper orientation, a portion of the lead frame will contact said at least one detecting block while in contact with said lower mold, said at least one electrically conductive block being electrically insulated from all electrically conductive components of the molding apparatus that are electrically conductively connected to said lower mold; and a controller to which said at least one electrically conductive detecting block is connected, whereby when a voltage is imparted to said components while a lead frame positioned on the lower mold contacts the at least one detecting block, an electrical signal will flow to said controller via said at least one detecting block.