Abstract:
Conventional ways of coupling die packages to external devices include providing contacts on a separate area on a printed circuit board (PCB). These PCB contacts are configured to mate with connector contacts of a connector to enable coupling with external devices. Unfortunately, the PCB contacts take up significant amount of area of the PCB. Also, the connection can suffer from parasitic losses and signal integrity can be compromised. An on-package connection is proposed to address the short comings of the conventional ways. The on-package connection enables a die package to connect directly with the connector. This removes the need to provide a separate area for PCB contacts. Also, parasitic losses are minimized and signal integrity is enhanced.

Description:
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    One or more aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to semiconductor device packaging, and in particular, to an on-package connector such as in a flip chip (FC) module or in other wafer level packages that saves space, e.g., on a printed circuit board (PCB) and increases signal integrity. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Mobile electronics have many connectors between components and boards. Examples include multiple RF antennas, LCD, digitizer, power supply, camera (front and back), and sensors among others. The connectors typically take up large amount of PCB area and volume, and do not scale readily. The connectors, which are electrically driven by active components, also suffer from parasitic losses and the signal integrity can be compromised. Further, connectors and cables are often too bulky. 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a conventional module  100  such as a FC module. The conventional module  100  includes a die package  110  and a connector  180 . In this example, the die package  110  includes a die  120  with die bumps  125  on a substrate  130  with substrate bumps  135  mounted on a PCB  170 . The connector  180  includes a cable  190  and connector contacts  185 . The module  100  also includes PCB contacts  175 . 
         [0004]    While not explicitly shown, it may be assumed that the die bumps  125  are electrically coupled to inputs and/or outputs of the die  120 . It may also be assumed that there are interconnectors within the substrate  130  to route signals between the die bumps  125  and the solder bumps  135 . It may further be assumed that there are interconnectors within the PCB  170  to route signals between the solder bumps  135  and the PCB contacts  185 , which mate with the connector contacts  185  of the connector  180 . 
         [0005]    The connector  180  is used to provide connection between the die package  110  and external components. In the figure, an example electrical coupling, i.e., a signal path between the die  120  and the connector  180  is illustrated as a heavy dashed line. Note that the signal path between die  120  and the connector  180  can be lengthy since the signal traverses the PCB  170 . Also, it is common that the PCB contacts  175  occupy a separate area of the PCB  170 . 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    This summary identifies features of some example aspects, and is not an exclusive or exhaustive description of the disclosed subject matter. Whether features or aspects are included in, or omitted from this Summary is not intended as indicative of relative importance of such features. Additional features and aspects are described, and will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof. 
         [0007]    An exemplary die package is disclosed. The die package may comprise a die coupled to a substrate. The die package may also comprise a plurality of package contacts on an outer perimeter of the die package. The plurality of package contacts may be configured to mate with a connector. The die may be configured to electrically couple to the connector through a plurality of connector contacts if the plurality of package contacts are mated with the plurality of connector contacts. 
         [0008]    An exemplary method to form a die package is disclosed. The method may comprise coupling a die to a substrate. The method may also comprise forming a plurality of package contacts on an outer perimeter of the die package for mating with a connector and for electrically coupling to the connector through a plurality of connector contacts if the plurality of package contacts are mated with the plurality of connector contacts. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The accompanying drawings are presented to aid in the description of embodiments disclosed and are provided to show illustrations of the embodiments and not limitation thereof. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional flip chip (FC) module; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an example embodiment of a die package; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2B  illustrates an example embodiment of a die package mated with a connector; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a top view of a die package of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a top view of a die package mated with a connector; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates another example embodiment of a die package; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate top views of a die package of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates a flow chart of an example method to form a die package; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flow chart of an example process to form package contacts of a die package; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate different stages of a process to form a die package of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8D  illustrates a top view of a stage of forming a die package of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate different stages of another process of forming a die package  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9E  illustrates a top view of a stage of forming a die package  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 10A-10D  illustrate different stages of another process of forming a die package of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10E  illustrates another top view of a stage of forming a die package of  FIG. 4 ; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  illustrates a flow chart of an example method to form a die package. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Aspects are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the discussion. Additionally, well-known elements will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details. 
         [0027]    The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments” does not require that all embodiments of the disclosed subject matter include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. 
         [0028]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0029]    Further, many embodiments are described in terms of sequences of actions to be performed by, for example, elements of a computing device. It will be recognized that various actions described herein can be performed by specific circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, these sequence of actions described herein can be considered to be embodied entirely within any form of computer readable storage medium having stored therein a corresponding set of computer instructions that upon execution would cause an associated processor to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, the various aspects may be embodied in a number of different forms, all of which have been contemplated to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. In addition, for each of the embodiments described herein, the corresponding form of any such embodiments may be described herein as, for example, “logic configured to” perform the described action. 
         [0030]    As indicated above, electronic have many connectors between components and boards. Examples include multiple RF antennas, LCD, digitizer, power supply, camera (front and back), and sensors among others. In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an on-package connection may be provided. Some advantages of the present disclosure include those below, but is not so limited
       Reducing on-board connector area and electrical wiring parasitics;   Utilizing the die package as a connector;   Saving board area, routing, and logic board volume;   Increasing signal integrity;   Plating on molding can implement sidewall and top metallization; and   Shielding can be implemented together.       
 
         [0037]      FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B  illustrate an example embodiment of a die package  210 .  FIG. 2A  illustrates a side view of the die package  210  separated from a connector  280 . So as to minimize clutter, not all element labels are repeated in  FIG. 2B .  FIG. 3A  illustrates a top view of the die package  210  and  FIG. 3B  illustrates a top view of the die package  210  mated with the connector  280 . Again so as to minimize clutter, a mold  250  and a mounting board  270  (explained below) are not shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . In an aspect, a plurality of package contacts may be formed on an outer perimeter of the die package  210  and configured to mate with the connector  280 . For example, as seen in these figures, the die package  210  may comprise a die  220  coupled to a substrate  230 . The die package  210  may also comprise a plurality of first contacts  240  on an outer perimeter of the substrate  230 . The die  220  and the plurality of first contacts  240  may be electrically coupled through the substrate  230 . That is, the inputs and/or outputs (e.g., data and power inputs and/or outputs) of the die  220  may be electrically coupled with the plurality of first contacts  240  through a plurality of interconnects within the substrate  230  (not shown). For example, the plurality of first contacts  240  may be provided as contact pads within the substrate  230 . 
         [0038]    Note that an on-package connection can be provided. That is, the die package  210  may be connected directly to the connector  280  as seen in  FIGS. 2B and 3B . In particular, the plurality of first contacts  240  of the die package  210  may be configured to mate with the plurality of connector contacts  285  of the connector  280 . When mated, the die  220  may be electrically coupled to the connector  280  through interconnects (not shown) in the substrate  230 , through the plurality of first contacts  240  and through the plurality of connector contacts  285 . Recall that the plurality of package contacts may be on the outer perimeter of the die package  210 . For example, the plurality of first contacts  240  may be formed on the outer perimeter of the substrate  230 . 
         [0039]    The on-package connection provided by the die package  210  example as illustrated in  FIG. 2B  allows a direct coupling between the die package  210  and the connector  280  when the plurality of connector contacts  285  are mated with the connector  280 , e.g. with the plurality of first contacts  240 . When mated, the die  220  may be electrically coupled to the connector  280  other than through a PCB, i.e., the PCB is not required for a signal path between the die  220  and the connector  280 . This is unlike the conventional FC module  100  of  FIG. 1  in which the electrical coupling between the die package  110  and the connector  180  is provided through the PCB  170 . Note that the heavy dashed line in  FIG. 2B  is much shorter than the corresponding line in  FIG. 1 . This visually demonstrates that the coupling of the die package  210  and the connector  280  allowed through the on-package connection can shorten the signal path between the die  220  and the connector  280  considerably. This reduces the parasitic losses, which in turn leads to greater signal integrity. Electrical coupling of the die  220  to external components may be provided through the cable  290  of the connector  280 . 
         [0040]    Continuing with  FIG. 2A , the die package  210  may be provided with a mounting board  270 . When provided, the substrate  230  may be mounted on the mounting board  270 . A PCB may be an example of a mounting board  270 . It should be realized that for on-package connection purposes, the mounting board  270  may be optional. However, the mounting board  270  can be advantageous in that physical stability and/or durability can be enhanced. Also, while not shown, multiple die packages  210  may be mounted on a PCB for example. When the multiple die packages  210  are mounted on the PCB, electrical couplings among the die packages  210  may be provided through the PCB. 
         [0041]    The die package  210  may further comprise a mold  250  formed over the substrate  230 . The mold  250  may be formed so as to at least partially surround the die  220 . The mold  250  is optional for the on-package connection. When included, the mold  250  can provide a measure of protection for the die  220 . 
         [0042]    As indicated above,  FIGS. 2A and 2B  respectively illustrate side views of the die package  210  and the connector  280  before and after the two are mated. For example, as seen in  FIG. 2B , the plurality of first contacts  240  may be mated with the plurality of the connector contacts  285 .  FIG. 3A and 3B  also illustrate views before and after mating, but from the top.  FIG. 3B  illustrates more clearly the mating that may occur between the plurality of first contacts  240  and the connector contacts  285 . Electrical connections with external components (not shown) may be provided through the cable  290 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of another example embodiment of a die package  410 .  FIG. 4  illustrates the die package  410  separated from the connector  280 , i.e., in an unmated state similar to  FIG. 2A .  FIGS. 5A and 5B  may also be said to illustrate top views of the die package (again with the mold  250  and the mounting board  270  omitted to minimize clutter). For the remainder of the figures, only the unmated views are provided. However, visualizing the mated forms is relatively straight forward and are fully contemplated. 
         [0044]    The die package  410  of  FIG. 4  includes many of the same or similar elements as the die package  210  illustrated in  FIG. 2A . For example, the die package  410  may comprise a die  220  coupled to a substrate  230 , and a plurality of first contacts  240  may be on an outer perimeter of the substrate  230 . Also, the die  220  and the plurality of first contacts  240  may be electrically coupled through the substrate  230 . 
         [0045]    But in addition, the die package  410  may comprise a plurality of second contacts (e.g. package contacts)  445  disposed around the die  220 . The plurality of second contacts  445  may be electrically coupled to the plurality of first contacts  240 . In this way, the die  220  may be electrically coupled to the plurality of second contacts  445 . In one aspect, the plurality of second contacts  445  may be configured to mate with the plurality of connector contacts  285 . It can be said that the plurality of second contacts  445  may be formed on an outer perimeter of the die package  410 . In an example not shown, the plurality of second contacts  445  may be formed on the plurality of first contacts  240 , which are formed on the outer perimeter of the substrate  230 . 
         [0046]    The die package  410  may optionally comprise a plurality of intermediate contacts  447  which provide electrical connectivity between the plurality of first and second contacts  240 ,  445 . For example, the plurality of intermediate contacts  447  may be solder contacts. 
         [0047]    In one aspect, all of the first contacts  240  may be electrically coupled to all of the second contacts  445 . This is illustrated in  FIG. 5A . Note only the second contacts  445  are visible from the top. In another aspect, there can be one or more second contacts  445  that are not coupled to any of the first contacts  240 . In the aspect described above, it is sufficient that at least some of the second contacts  445  be electrically coupled to at least some of the first contacts  240 . In this way, when the plurality of second contacts  445  are mated with the plurality of connector contacts  285 , there are electrical couplings between the die  220  and the connector  280 . 
         [0048]    In another aspect, the plurality of first contacts  240  may also be configured to mate with the plurality of connector contacts  285 . In this aspect, the plurality of package contacts may comprise the plurality of first contacts  240  as well as the plurality of second contacts  445 . Even in this aspect, it may be said that the plurality of package contacts may be formed on the outer perimeter of package  410 . For example, note that the plurality of first contacts  240  may be formed on the outer perimeter of the substrate  230 . Alternatively or in addition thereto, the plurality of second contacts  445  may be formed to at least partially surround the die  220 . There can be some variations to this aspect, which may include any one or more of the following:
       At least one connector contact  285  mates with both corresponding first and second contacts  240 ,  445 ;   At least one connector contact  285  mates with the corresponding first contact  240  only; and   At least one connector contact  285  mates with the corresponding second contact  445  only.       
 
         [0052]    Similar to the die package  210  of  FIG. 2A , the die package  410  of  FIG. 4  may be provided with a mounting board  270  such as a PCB. Recall that the mounting board  270  is optional for on-package connection purposes, but can be provided for other reasons such as for physical attributes and/or to enable electrical couplings among multiple die packages  410 . The die package  410  may include a mold  250  formed on the substrate  230  surrounding the die  220 . Again, the mold  250  may be optional. When provided, the plurality of second contacts  445  may be disposed on an outer perimeter of the mold  250 . 
         [0053]    Note that in both  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the connector  280  is illustrated to be removable as well as being separate from the mounting board  270 . While not shown, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the connector  280  may be fixedly mated with the plurality of package contacts (e.g., with the plurality of first contacts  240  and/or the plurality of second contacts  445 ). Also, sides of the plurality of package contacts  240 ,  445  may mate with the plurality of connector contacts  285 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 6  illustrates a flow chart of an example method  600  to form a die package  210 ,  410 . The method  600  may include coupling a die  220  to a substrate  230  (block  610 ). The substrate  230  may or may not be mounted on a mounting board  270  such as a PCB. The example method  600  may also include forming a plurality of package contacts, e.g., forming a plurality of first and/or second contacts  240 ,  445  (block  620 ). The plurality of first and/or second contacts  240 ,  445 , e.g., the plurality of package contacts, are formed so as to be on an outer perimeter of the die package  210 . The die  220  is configured to be electrically coupled to a connector  280  through the plurality of first and/or second contacts  240 ,  445  and through a plurality of connector contacts  285  when the plurality of first and/or second contacts  240 ,  445  are mated with the plurality of connector contacts  285 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flow chart of an example of the process  620  to form the plurality of first and/or second contacts  240 ,  445  (e.g. package contacts). The example process  620  includes forming a plurality of first contacts  240  (block  710 ). The plurality of first contacts  240  are formed so as to be on the outer perimeter of the substrate  230 . The plurality of first contacts  240  are electrically coupled to the die  220  through the substrate  230 . In an aspect, the plurality of first contacts  240  are configured to mate with the plurality of connector contacts  285 . This aspect corresponds to forming the die package  210  embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2A , i.e., the plurality of package contacts comprises the plurality of first contacts  240 . In an aspect, this is sufficient to electrically couple the die  220  and the connector  280 , and the process  620  need not go further as seen by an arrow exiting the block  710  on the left. 
         [0056]    But in an alternative, the process  620  also comprises forming a plurality of second contacts  445  around the die  220  (block  720 ). The plurality of second contacts  445  are electrically coupled to the plurality of first contacts  240  which are in turn electrically coupled to the die  220  through the substrate  230 . In an aspect, the plurality of second contacts  445  are configured to mate with the plurality of connector contacts  285 . This aspect corresponds to forming the die package  410  embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , i.e., the plurality of package contacts comprises the plurality of second contacts  445 . While not shown, the alternative process  620  may include forming a plurality of intermediate contacts  447 . In a variation, the plurality of package contacts comprises the plurality of first contacts  240  in addition to the plurality of second contacts  445 . 
         [0057]    Referring back to  FIG. 6 , the method  600  optionally comprises forming a mold  250  on or over the substrate  230  (block  615 ). The mold  250  is formed so as to at least partially surround the die  220 . When the plurality of second contacts  445  are formed, the plurality of second contacts  445  are disposed on an outer perimeter of the mold  250 . 
         [0058]      FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate different stages of an example process to form a die package such as the die package  210  of  FIG. 2A . In  FIGS. 8A-8C , a plurality of substrates  230  and a plurality of first contacts  240  formed on the perimeters of the substrates  230  are illustrated.  FIG. 8A  illustrates a stage in which multiple dies  220  are attached to their corresponding substrates  230 . After the attachment, each die  220  is electrically coupled to the plurality of first contacts  240  on the perimeter of the corresponding substrate  230 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a stage in which a mold  250  is formed on or over the dies  220 , the substrates  230  and the plurality of first contacts  240 . The mold  250  is formed so as to at least partially surround the dies  220 . Note that the mold  250  is optional. So the process illustrated in this figure need not be performed. 
         [0060]      FIG. 8C  illustrates a stage in which the plurality of substrates  230  are diced along dicing boundaries  860 . The dicing is performed so as to separate the substrates  230  from one another. As seen, the plurality of first contacts  240  are also diced. In this way, after the dicing, individual die packages, such as the die packages  210  of  FIG. 2A , are formed. In  FIG. 8C , it is assumed that the optional process of forming the mold  250  has been performed. But of course, even if the mold  250  is not formed, the dicing stage of  FIG. 8C  is still valid. 
         [0061]      FIG. 8C  illustrates a side view of the dicing stage.  FIG. 8D  illustrates a top view of the substrates  230  with the dicing boundaries  860  (mold  250  not shown). It is easy to visualize that after the dicing, the die package  210  of  FIG. 3  (top view illustration) are formed. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate different stages of an example process to form a die package such as the die package  410  of  FIG. 4 . Similar to  FIGS. 8A-8C , a plurality of substrates  230  and a plurality of first contacts  240  are formed on the perimeters of the substrates.  FIG. 9A  illustrates a stage in which the dies  220  are attached to their corresponding substrates  230  much like  FIG. 8A . After the attachment, each die  220  is electrically coupled to the plurality of first contacts  240  on the perimeter of the corresponding substrate  230 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 9B  illustrates a stage in which a plurality of second contacts  445  are formed around the dies  220  and electrically coupled to the plurality of first contacts  240 . In this figure, the plurality of second contacts  445  are shown to be electrically coupled to the plurality of first contacts  240  through a plurality of intermediate contacts  447 . For example, the plurality of second contacts  445  and the plurality of intermediate contacts  447  (e.g., solder) may be surface mounted on the plurality of first contacts  240  followed by a reflow process. But as mentioned previously, the plurality of intermediate contacts  447  are optional. 
         [0064]      FIG. 9C  illustrates a stage in which the mold  250  is formed on the dies  220 , the substrates  230  and the plurality of first contacts  240 . The mold  250  is formed to at least partially surround the dies  220 . Again, the mold  250  is optional. 
         [0065]      FIG. 9D  illustrates a stage in which the multiple substrates  230  are diced along dicing boundaries  860  to separate the substrates  230  from one another. In this instance, the plurality of first contacts  240  and the plurality of second contacts  445  are also diced. In this way, after the dicing, individual die packages, such as the die packages  410  of  FIG. 4 , are formed. In  FIG. 9D , it is assumed that the optional process of forming the mold  250  has been performed. Nonetheless, even if the mold  250  is not formed, the dicing stage of  FIG. 9D  is still valid. 
         [0066]      FIG. 9D  illustrates a side view of the dicing stage.  FIG. 9E  illustrates a top view of the substrates  230  with the dicing boundaries  860  (mold  250  not shown). It is easy to visualize that after the dicing, the die packages  410  of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  (top view illustrations) may be formed. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 10A-10D  illustrate different stages of another example process to form a die package such as the die package  410  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 10A  illustrates a stage in which a plurality of second contacts  445  are formed. As seen, the plurality of second contacts  445  are formed so as to be electrically coupled to the plurality of first contacts  240 . In this figure, the plurality of second contacts  445  are shown to be electrically coupled to the plurality of first contacts  240  directly. For example, the plurality of second contacts  445  may be formed through a copper (Cu) post plating process. 
         [0068]      FIG. 10B  illustrates a stage in which the dies  220  are attached to the corresponding substrates  230 . Note that the dies  220  are attached such that the plurality of second contacts  445  are disposed around the dies  220 . In this figure, the plurality of second contacts  445  are shown to be electrically coupled to the plurality of first contacts  240  directly. Unlike  FIGS. 9A-9B , this alternative process in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  attaches the die  220  after the second contacts  445  are formed. 
         [0069]      FIG. 10C  illustrates a stage in which the mold  250  is formed on the dies  220 , the substrates  230  and the plurality of first contacts  240 . The mold  250  is formed so as to at least partially surround the dies  220 . Again, the mold  250  is optional. 
         [0070]      FIG. 10D  illustrates a stage in which the substrates  230  are diced along dicing boundaries  860  to separate the substrates  230  from one another. The plurality of first contacts  240  and the plurality of second contacts  445  are also diced. In this way, after the dicing, individual die packages, such as the die packages  410  of  FIG. 4 , are formed. In  FIG. 10D , it is assumed that the optional process of forming the mold  250  has been performed. Nonetheless, even if the mold  250  is not formed, the dicing stage of  FIG. 10D  is still valid. 
         [0071]      FIG. 10D  illustrates a side view of the dicing stage.  FIG. 10E  illustrates a top view of the substrates  230  with the dicing boundaries  860  (mold  250  not shown). It is easy to visualize that after the dicing, the die packages similar to the die packages  410  illustrated  FIGS. 5A and 5B  (top view illustrations) are formed. In  FIG. 10E , the plurality of second contacts  445  are shown to be circular to indicate that Cu plating process may be utilized. 
         [0072]      FIG. 11  illustrates a flow chart of an example method  1100  to form a die package  210 ,  410 . The method  1100  includes attaching a die  220  on a substrate  230  (block  1110 ). The substrate  230  is one of a plurality of substrates  230  with dicing boundaries  860 . In an aspect, this block corresponds to stages illustrated in  FIGS. 8A, 9A and 10B . A plurality of first contacts  240  are formed on the dicing boundaries  860  on an outer perimeter of the substrate  230 . 
         [0073]    The method  1100  also includes dicing the plurality of substrates  230  along the dicing boundaries  860  (block  1140 ). In an aspect, block corresponds to stages illustrated in  FIGS. 8C, 9D and 10D . When the plurality of substrates  230  are diced, the substrates  230  are separated from each other. The plurality of first contacts  240  are diced as well. In an aspect, performing blocks  1110  and  1140  produce the die package  210  of  FIG. 2A  without the mold  250 . 
         [0074]    The method  1100  may further include forming a mold  250  on the substrates  230  (block  1130 ). In an aspect, this block corresponds to stages illustrated in  FIGS. 8B, 9C and 10C , and may be performed prior to block  1140  of dicing the plurality of substrates  230 . The mold  250  at least partially surrounds the die  220  above the substrate  230 . When block  1140  of dicing the substrates  230  is performed, the mold  250  is also diced. In an aspect, performing blocks  1110 ,  1130  and  1140  produce the die package  210  of  FIG. 2A  with the mold  250 . 
         [0075]    The method  1100  may additionally include forming a plurality of second contacts  445  (block  1120 ). In an aspect, this block corresponds to stages illustrated in  FIGS. 9B and 10A , and is performed prior to block  1140  of dicing the substrates  230 . While not shown, in an aspect, this block may also be performed prior to block  1110  of attaching the die  220  to the substrate  230 . The plurality of second contacts  445  are disposed around the die  220  and formed so as to be electrically coupled to the plurality of first contacts  240 . 
         [0076]    The plurality of second contacts  445  may be formed in various ways. In one aspect, the plurality of second contacts  445  are formed through a surface mount process with reflow. That is, the plurality of second contacts  445  are surface mounted on the plurality of first contacts  240 . In another aspect, the plurality of second contacts  445  are formed through a conductive post plating process. For example, Cu posts may be formed on the plurality of first contacts  240 . 
         [0077]    When block  1140  of dicing the substrates  230  is performed, the plurality of second contacts  445  are be diced. In an aspect, performing blocks  1110 ,  1120  and  1140  produce the die package  410  of  FIG. 4  without the mold  250 . However, block  1130  of forming the mold  250  may also be performed. That is, in an aspect, performing blocks  1110 ,  1120 ,  1130  and  1140  produce the die package  410  of  FIG. 4  with the mold  250 . 
         [0078]    Those of skill in the art will appreciate that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof. 
         [0079]    Further, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithms described in connection with the implementations disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present technology described herein. 
         [0080]    The methods, sequences, and/or algorithms described in connection with the implementations disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. 
         [0081]    Accordingly, an implementation of the technology described herein can include a computer-readable media embodying a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. Accordingly, the technology described herein is not limited to illustrated examples, and any means for performing the functionality described herein are included in implementations of the technology described herein. 
         [0082]    While the foregoing disclosure shows illustrative implementations of the technology described herein, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the technology described herein as defined by the appended claims. The functions and/or actions of the method claims in accordance with the implementations of the technology described herein described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, although elements of the technology described herein may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.