Patent ID: 6476471
Filing Date: 2002-11-05
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method of encapsulating a microelectronic device which has a circuit face and bonding pads on said circuit face wherein said circuit face has a circuit-face area that includes an area of said bonding pads and a sensitive area, the method comprising the steps of:providing a conductive-metal lead frame that includes a tie bar, a paddle that has a paddle area which is less than said circuit-face area and which is at least equal to said sensitive area, a plurality of elongate leads which have outer ends coupled to said tie bar and inner ends directed towards said paddle, and at least one tie bar support that couples said tie bar to said paddle; positioning said paddle so that it is spaced from said circuit face, covers said sensitive area and exposes said bonding pads; surrounding said sensitive area with a plastic ring that abuts said circuit face and said paddle; applying at least one of pressure and heat to said plastic ring to enhance its adhesion to said paddle and said circuit face; bonding each of a plurality of bonding wires between a respective one of said bonding pads and a respective one of said inner ends; and encapsulating said microelectronic device, said paddle, said ring, said bonding wires and said inner ends with an overmold; a void thereby defined between said circuit face, said paddle and said ring to protect said sensitive area from extraneous elements.