Abstract:
A memory card comprising a flexible substrate (a “flex”) which is integrated in the memory card and folded in a prescribed manner subsequent to having various active and passive devices (e.g., controller and memory devices) surface mounted thereto. The active and passive devices are attached to a common side of the flex, and electrically connected to a conductive pattern disposed thereon. The conductive pattern itself electrically communicates with external signal contacts also formed on the flex. The use of folded flex technology in the memory card of the present invention allows the same to support four or more standard, pre-packaged memory devices, thus providing the memory card with substantially increased capacity.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to memory cards, and more particularly to a memory card (e.g., a multi-media card or secure digital card) comprising a flexible substrate (a “flex”) which is integrated in the memory card and folded in a prescribed manner subsequent to having various active and passive devices (e.g., controller and memory devices) surface mounted thereto for purposes of providing the memory card with increased capacity. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     As is well known in the electronics industry, memory cards are being used in increasing numbers to provide memory storage and other electronic functions for devices such as digital cameras, MP3 players, cellular phones, and personal digital assistants. In this regard, memory cards are provided in various formats, including multi-media cards and secure digital cards. 
     Many memory cards include a module which itself comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) having a conductive wiring pattern disposed thereon. Attached to one side or surface of the PCB and electrically connected to the conductive pattern thereof is a plurality of electronic circuit devices, such as semiconductor packages, semiconductor dies, and/or passive elements. These electronic circuit devices and a portion of the PCB are often covered or encapsulated by an encapsulant material. The PCB also includes a plurality of input/output (I/O) pads or external signal contacts (ESCs) disposed on the side or surface thereof opposite that having the electronic circuit devices thereon. These contacts are not covered by the encapsulant material, and thus are exposed in the completed module which comprises the PCB, the electronic circuit devices and the encapsulant material. Attached to the module is a skin or case of the memory card, such case generally defining the outer appearance of the memory card. The module is coupled to the case such that the contacts disposed on the PCB are not covered by the case, and thus remain exposed in the fully assembled memory card. These contacts of the memory card provide an external interface for an insertion point or socket. The completed memory card has a generally rectangular configuration, with most memory cards including a chamfer formed at one edge thereof which is adjacent to the contacts. In an effort to simplify the process steps needed to fabricate the memory card, there has been developed various memory cards wherein the case is eliminated by applying the encapsulant material the electronic devices and to the PCB such that the encapsulant material hardens into a cover or body of the memory card which is sized and configured to meet or achieve a desired “form factor” for the memory card. 
     Memory cards, as currently known, have a prescribed data storage capacity, such capacity corresponding to the electronic circuit devices integrated into the module. In conventional memory cards, the electronic circuit devices of the module include controllers and memory devices which store data and output it under the control of the controller. Since mobile devices such as digital cameras, digital camcorders, MP3 players and telecommunication devices need more data to implement various functions and services, there has been a corresponding increase in the need for increased data storage capacity in relation to the memory cards used in such mobile devices. At the current pace of technological development, the necessary data storage capacity of memory cards is doubling approximately every six months. 
     The present invention addresses the need for memory cards of increased capacity by providing a memory card comprising a flexible substrate (a “flex”) which is integrated in the memory card and folded in a prescribed manner subsequent to having various active and passive devices (e.g., controller and memory devices) surface mounted thereto. The use of folded flex technology in the memory card of the present invention allows the same to support four or more standard, pre-packaged memory devices, thus providing the memory card with substantially increased capacity. These and other attributes of the present invention will be described in more detail below. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided various embodiments of a memory card comprising a flexible substrate (a “flex”) which is integrated in the memory card and folded in a prescribed manner subsequent to having various active and passive devices (e.g., controller and memory devices) surface mounted thereto. The active and passive devices are attached to a common side of the flex, and electrically connected to a conductive pattern disposed thereon. The conductive pattern itself electrically communicates with external signal contacts also formed on the flex. In certain embodiments of the memory card, the contacts are formed on a side of the flex opposite that having the active and passive devices mounted and electrically connected thereto. In another embodiment, the contacts are formed on that side of the flex also having the active and passive devices mounted and electrically connected thereto. 
     Also integrated into the memory card of the present invention is a stiffener which is attached to the side of the flex opposite that having the contacts formed thereon, and is positioned so as to extend along and provide a firm support base for the contacts. In the present memory card, the active and passive devices, the stiffener and portions of the flex are covered by a housing or body formed from a hardened encapsulant material applied thereto. The use of folded flex technology in the memory card of the present invention allows the same to support four or more standard, pre-packaged memory devices, thus providing the memory card with substantially increased capacity. 
     The present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These, as well as other features of the present invention, will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a memory card constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 1B  is a top plan view of the flex of the memory card shown in  FIGS. 1 and 1A  in an unfolded state subsequent to the surface mounting of the active and passive devices of the memory card thereto; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a memory card constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a top plan view of the flex of the memory card shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2A  in an unfolded state subsequent to the surface mounting of the active and passive devices of the memory card thereto; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a memory card constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a top plan view of the flex of the memory card shown in  FIGS. 3 and 3A  in an unfolded state subsequent to the surface mounting of the active and passive devices of the memory card thereto; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a memory card constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of the flex of the memory card shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4A  in an unfolded state subsequent to the surface mounting of the active and passive devices of the memory card thereto; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a memory card constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a top plan view of the flex of the memory card shown in  FIGS. 5 and 5A  in an unfolded state subsequent to the surface mounting of the active and passive devices of the memory card thereto; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a memory card constructed in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of an alternative flex in an unfolded state which may optionally be integrated into any of the memory cards of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; and 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of an alternative flex in an unfolded state which may optionally be integrated into the memory card of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIGS. 1-1B  depict a memory card  100  constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The memory card  100 , as well as the memory cards of other embodiments of the present invention which will be described in more detail below, may be a multi-media card (MMC), a reduced size multi-media card (RSMMC), a secure digital (SD) card, or similar memory cards. 
     The memory card  100  includes a flexible substrate  110 , hereinafter referred to as the flex  110 . The flex  110  is preferably an insulative sheet which defines a generally planar bottom surface  112  and an opposed, generally planar top surface  114 . The flex  110  has a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) configuration defining an opposed pair of longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments  116   a ,  116   b  and an opposed pair of laterally extending peripheral edge segments  118   a ,  118   b . Disposed on the bottom surface  112  of the flex  110  is a plurality of external signal contacts (ESCs)  120 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , the contacts  120  are arranged in a single row which extends in close proximity and in generally parallel relation to the lateral peripheral edge segment  118   a  of the flex  110 . As will be recognized, the contacts  120  are used to facilitate the electrical connection of the memory card  100  to the pins or contacts within the host socket of an external device with which the memory card  100  is to be used. Disposed on the top surface  114  of the flex  110  is a conductive pattern  122 , only a portion of which is shown in  FIG. 1B . The conductive pattern  122  is placed into electrical communication with the contacts  120  on the bottom surface  112  through a conductive medium formed through and/or upon the flex  110 . Such conductive medium may include conductive vias and/or conductive traces which extend through and/or along the flex  110 . 
     Mounted to the top surface  114  of the flex  110  and electrically connected to the conductive pattern  122  disposed thereon is a plurality of memory devices  124 . Each memory device  124  may comprise flash memory having a prescribed data storage capacity. As shown in  FIG. 1B , the memory devices  124  are mounted to the flex  110  in a manner wherein they are segregated into a first pair or set which is disposed in relative close proximity to the lateral peripheral edge segment  118   a , and a second pair or set which is disposed in relative close proximity to the lateral peripheral edge segment  118   b . In addition to the memory devices  124 , also mounted to the top surface  114  of the flex  110  and electrically connected to the conductive pattern  122  is a controller device  126 . As also shown in  FIG. 1B , it is contemplated that the controller device  126  will be located between the memory devices  124  of the second set and the lateral peripheral edge segment  118   b  of the flex  110 . The controller device  126  preferably comprises a semiconductor die having the logic necessary for controlling the operation of the memory card  100 . Since the controller device  126  is electrically connected to the memory devices  124  by the conductive pattern  122 , the controller device  126  is operative to control the processes of the memory card  100  for transmitting/receiving data to/from an external device and storing data on the memory devices  124 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the controller device  126  is electrically connected to the conductive pattern  122  through the use of a flip-chip type connection, though wire bond or surface mount type connections may also be used to facilitate such electrical connection. In contrast, the electrical connection of the memory devices  124  to the conductive pattern  122  is facilitated by electrically connecting leads  128  of each of the memory devices  124  to the conductive pattern  122 . However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that, depending on the configuration of the memory devices  124 , a flip-chip connection may also be used to facilitate the electrical connection thereof to the conductive pattern  122 . In the event such flip-chip type connection is not employed to facilitate the electrical connection of the memory devices  124  to the conductive pattern  122  (i.e., the electrical connection is facilitated by the use of the leads  128 ), it is also contemplated that the mounting of the memory devices  124  to the flex  110  may be assisted by interposing a layer of a suitable adhesive between each memory device  124  and the top surface  114  of the flex  110 . 
     As is further seen in  FIG. 1B , in addition to the memory and controller devices  124 ,  126 , the memory card  100  is preferably provided with a plurality of passive devices  130  which are also mounted to the top surface  114  of the flex  110  and electrically connected to the conductive pattern  122  thereof. Like the controller device  126 , it is contemplated that the passive devices  130  will be located between the memory devices  124  of the second set and the lateral peripheral edge segment  118   b  of the flex  110 . It is also contemplated that a flip-chip interconnection will also be used to facilitate the electrical connection of the passive devices  130  to the conductive pattern  122 . As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the conductive pattern  122  and the above-described conductive medium may be used to facilitate the placement of the memory, controller and passive devices  124 ,  126 ,  130  into electrical communication with each other and with the contacts  120  in any desired pattern or arrangement. Further, the type, number and arrangement of the memory, controller and passive devices  124 ,  126 ,  130  may be varied from that shown in  FIG. 1B  depending on the desired application for the memory card  100 , without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Along these lines, the number of contacts  120  included on the flex  110  is also variable, and may be set in accordance with the particular application for the memory card  100 . 
     In fabricating the memory card  100 , the flex  110  is originally provided in the unfolded state shown in  FIG. 1B , with the memory, controller and passive devices  124 ,  126 ,  130  being mounted to the top surface  114  thereof and electrically connected to the conductive pattern  122  in the arrangement also shown in  FIG. 1B . Prior or subsequent to such mounting and electrical connection, a stiffener  132  is adhesively attached to the top surface  114  of the flex  110 . The stiffener  132  preferably has a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) configuration, and is mounted to the flex  110  such that one of the longitudinal sides of the stiffener  132  extends along and in generally flush relation to the lateral peripheral edge segment  118   a , with each of the lateral sides of the stiffener  132  extending along and in substantially flush relation with portions of respective ones of the longitudinal peripheral edge segments  116   a ,  116   b . The preferred width of the stiffener  132  is also such that, when affixed to the flex  110 , the stiffener  132  overlaps the entirety of the contacts  120  located in opposed relation thereto on the bottom surface  112  of the flex  110 . 
     Subsequent to the mounting of the stiffener  132  to the flex  110  in the above-described manner, the flex  110  is folded along a first set of fold lines F 1  and a second set of fold lines F 2  which are also shown in  FIG. 1B . The folding of the flex  110  along the fold lines F 1  effectively places the top surfaces of the memory devices  124  of the second set (the top surfaces being those surfaces disposed furthest from the flex  110 ) in direct engagement with the top surfaces of the memory devices  124  of the first set disposed closest to the contacts  120  in the manner best shown in  FIG. 1 . The folding of the flex  110  along the fold lines F 1  also causes the controller device  126  and the passive devices  130  to assume positions disposed generally above and in spaced relation to the stiffener  132 , as also shown in  FIG. 1 . The folding of the flex  110  along the fold lines F 2  facilitates the formation of a step  134  in the flex  110  which results in that portion of the flex  110  having the stiffener  132  mounted thereto and the contacts  120  formed thereon (i.e., the portion of the flex  110  extending between the lateral peripheral edge segment  118   a  and the fold line F 2  closest thereto) being offset or slightly elevated relative to that portion of the flex  110  extending between the fold lines F 1 , F 2  closest to each other. As is apparent from the foregoing, as a result of the folding of the flex  110  in the above-described manner, the folded flex  110  defines juxtaposed portions having the memory, controller and passive devices  124 ,  126 ,  130  disposed therebetween. Stated another way, the folded flex  110  defines a partially enclosed interior cavity which accommodates the memory, controller and passive devices  124 ,  126 ,  130 , as well as the stiffener  132 . 
     After the flex  110  has been folded along the fold lines F 1 , F 2  in the above-described manner, a layer of encapsulant material is applied to the folded flex  110 , such encapsulant material ultimately hardening into a body  136  of the memory card  100 . More particularly, the encapsulant material is injected or otherwise channeled into the above-described partially enclosed interior cavity defined by the folded flex  110 . As best shown in  FIG. 1 , the fully formed body  136  covers the memory, controller and passive devices  124 ,  126 ,  130 , the stiffener  132 , and the entirety of the exposed portion of the top surface  114  of the flex  110 , including the conductive pattern  122  disposed thereon. As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 1A , the fully formed body  136  also defines a generally planar front or leading side  138  which extends forwardly of and slightly beyond the vertically aligned lateral peripheral edge segments  118   a ,  118   b  of the folded flex  110 , and a generally planar rear or trailing side  140  which extends slightly rearwardly beyond and thus covers that portion of the bottom surface  112  of the folded flex  110  which extends between the fold lines F 1  thereof. The body  136  further defines an opposed pair of generally planar side surfaces  142   a ,  142   b  which extend slightly outwardly beyond respective ones of the longitudinal peripheral edge segments  116   a ,  116   b  of the folded flex  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     In the memory card  100 , the height of the leading side  138  of the body  136  is slightly less than that of the trailing side  140  thereof. Advantageously, the formation of the step  134  in the flex  110  accommodates this height differential and allows the contacts  120  to be maintained in generally co-planar relation to a bottom surface  144  of the body  136  which extends to the leading side  138  thereof. Due to the manner in which the body  136  is preferably formed, those portions of the bottom surface  112  of the folded flex  110  extending between the fold lines F 1  and respective ones of the lateral peripheral edge segments  118   a ,  118   b  of the folded flex  110  remain exposed in the memory card  100  (i.e., only that portion of the bottom surface  112  extending between the fold lines F 1  is covered). However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative configurations of the body  136  are contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated that the body  136  may be formed such that the entirety of the bottom surface  112  of the folded flex  110 , except for that portion thereof extending between the lateral peripheral edge segment  118   a  and the closest one of the fold lines F 2  thereto, may be covered by the body  136 . Additionally, though the flex  110  is preferably folded along the fold lines F 2  to facilitate the formation of the step  134 , it is also contemplated that the memory card  100  may be formed so as not to include the step  134 , thus eliminating any folding thereof along the fold lines F 2 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B , there is shown a memory card  200  constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The memory card  200  of the second embodiment bears substantial similarity in construction to the memory card  100  of the first embodiment, with the 200 series reference numerals in  FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B  being used to identify the same structures identified by the corresponding 100 series reference numerals included in  FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B . In this regard, only the distinctions between the memory cards  200 ,  100  will be discussed below. 
     In the memory card  200 , the contacts  220  are disposed on the bottom surface  212  of the flex  210 . More particularly, the contacts  220  are arranged in a single row on the bottom surface  212  which extends in close proximity and in generally parallel relation to the lateral peripheral edge segment  218   a  of the flex  210 . Additionally, the controller device  226  and passive devices  230  are located on the top surface  214  between the memory devices  224  of the first set and the contacts  220  disposed on the opposed bottom surface  212 , as opposed to being positioned between the memory devices  224  of the second set and the lateral peripheral edge segment  218   b  of the flex  210  as described above in relation to the memory card  100 . 
     In addition, in the memory card  200  the stiffener  232  is adhesively attached to the top surface  214  of the flex  210 . The stiffener  232  is mounted to the flex  210  such that one of the longitudinal sides of the stiffener  232  extends along and in generally flush relation to the lateral peripheral edge segment  218   a , with each of the lateral sides of the stiffener  232  extending along and in substantially flush relation with portions of respective ones of the longitudinal peripheral edge segments  216   a ,  216   b . The preferred width of the stiffener  232  is also such that, when affixed to the flex  210 , the stiffener  232  overlaps the entirety of the contacts  220  located in opposed relation thereto on the bottom surface  212  of the flex  210 . 
     In the memory card  200 , the flex  210  is folded along a first set of fold lines F 1  and a second set of fold lines F 2  which are each shown in  FIG. 2B . The folding of the flex  210  along the fold lines F 1  effectively places the top surfaces of the memory devices  224  of the first set disposed closest to the contacts  220  in direct engagement with the top surfaces of the memory devices  224  of the second set disposed closest to the lateral peripheral edge segment  218   b  in the manner best shown in  FIG. 2 . The folding of the flex  210  along the fold lines F 2  results in the stiffener  232  assuming a position disposed generally below and in spaced relation to the controller device  226  and passive devices  230 , as also shown in  FIG. 2 . The folding of the flex  210  along the fold lines F 2  also facilitates the formation of a step or lateral offset  234  between the portion of the flex  210  extending between the lateral peripheral edge segment  218   a  and the closest one of the fold lines F 2  thereto (i.e., that portion of the flex  210  having the stiffener  232  mounted thereto), and the portion of the flex  210  extending between the lateral peripheral edge segment  218   b  and the closest one of the fold lines F 1  thereto. As a result, the offset  234  is essentially defined between the vertically aligned, spaced lateral peripheral edge segments  218   a ,  218   b  of the folded flex  210 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2A , the fully formed body  236  of the memory card  200  covers the memory, controller and passive devices  224 ,  226 ,  230 , the stiffener  232 , and the entirety of the exposed portion of the top surface  214  of the flex  210 , including the conductive pattern  222  disposed thereon. The fully formed body  236  also defines a generally planar front or leading side  238  which extends slightly forwardly beyond and thus covers that portion of the bottom surface  212  of the folded flex  210  which extends between the fold lines F 2  thereof, and a generally planar rear or trailing side  240  which extends slightly rearwardly beyond and thus covers that portion of the bottom surface  212  of the folded flex  210  which extends between the fold lines F 1  thereof. The body  236  further defines an opposed pair of generally planar side surfaces  242   a ,  242   b  which extend slightly outwardly beyond respective ones of the longitudinal peripheral edge segments  216   a ,  216   b  of the folded flex  210 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . Also defined by the body  236  is a shoulder  243  which spans the offset  234  described above. 
     In the memory card  200 , the height of the leading side  238  of the body  236  is slightly less than that of the trailing side  240  thereof. Advantageously, the formation of the offset  234  and hence the shoulder  243  accommodates this height differential and allows the contacts  220  to be maintained in generally co-planar relation to a bottom surface  244  of the body  236  which extends to the leading side  238  thereof. Due to the manner in which the body  236  is preferably formed, only those portions of the bottom surface  212  of the folded flex  210  extending between the fold lines F 1  and between the fold lines F 2  are covered by the body  236 , the remainder of the bottom surface  212  being exposed in the memory card  200 . However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative configurations of the body  236  are contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated that the body  236  may be formed such that the entirety of the bottom surface  212  of the folded flex  210 , except for that portion thereof extending between the lateral peripheral edge segment  218   a  and the closest one of fold lines F 2  thereto, may be covered by the body  236 . Additionally, the fold lines F 2  may be configured such that the folding of the flex  210  along such fold lines F 2  does not facilitate the formation of the offset  234 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B , there is shown a memory card  300  constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The memory card  300  of the third embodiment bears substantial similarity in construction to the memory cards  100  and  200  of the first and second embodiments, with the 300 series reference numerals in FIGS.  3 ,  3 A and  3 B being used to identify the same structures identified by the corresponding 100 and 200 series reference numerals included in  FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B  and in  FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B , respectively. In this regard, only the distinctions between the memory cards  300 ,  200  will be discussed below. 
     In the memory card  300 , the contacts  320  are disposed on the bottom surface  312  of the flex  310 . More particularly, the contacts  320  are arranged in a single row on the bottom surface  312  which extends between the memory devices  324  of the first and second sets disposed on the opposed top surface  314 . Additionally, the controller device  326  and passive devices  330  are located on the top surface  314  between the memory devices  324  of the first and second sets thereof. More particularly, the controller device  326  and passive devices  330  are located on the top surface  314  between the memory devices  324  of the second set disposed closest to the lateral peripheral edge segment  318   b  and the contacts  320  disposed on the opposed bottom surface  312  of the flex  310 . 
     In addition, in the memory card  300  the stiffener  332  is adhesively attached to the top surface  314  of the flex  310 . The stiffener  332  is mounted to the flex  310  such that each of the lateral sides of the stiffener  332  extends along and in substantially flush relation with portions of respective ones of the longitudinal peripheral edge segments  316   a ,  316   b  of the flex  310 . The preferred width of the stiffener  332  is also such that, when affixed to the flex  310 , the stiffener  332  overlaps the entirety of the contacts  320  located in opposed relation thereto on the bottom surface  312  of the flex  310 . 
     In the memory card  300 , the flex  310  is folded along a first set of fold lines F 1  and a second set of fold lines F 2  which are each shown in  FIG. 3B . The folding of the flex  310  along the fold lines F 1 , F 2  effectively places the top surfaces of the memory devices  324  of the second set disposed to the lateral peripheral edge segment  318   b  in direct engagement with the top surfaces of the memory devices  324  of the first set disposed closest to the lateral peripheral edge segment  318   a  in the manner best shown in  FIG. 3 . The folding of the flex  310  along the fold lines F 1 , F 2  also causes the controller device  326  and the passive devices  330  to assume positions disposed generally above and in spaced relation to the stiffener  332 , as also shown in  FIG. 3 . The folding of the flex  310  along the fold lines F 2  further facilitates the formation of a step  334  in the flex  310  which results in that portion of the flex  310  having the stiffener  332  mounted thereto and the contacts  320  formed thereon (i.e., the portion of the flex  310  extending between the fold lines F 1 , F 2  closest to each other) being offset or slightly elevated relative to that portion of the flex  310  extending between the lateral peripheral edge segment  318   a  and the fold line F 2  closest thereto. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 3A , the fully formed body  336  of the memory card  300  covers the memory, controller and passive devices  324 ,  326 ,  330 , the stiffener  332 , and the entirety of the exposed portion of the top surface  314  of the flex  310 , including the conductive pattern  322  disposed thereon. The fully formed body  336  also defines a generally planar front or leading side  338  which extends slightly forwardly beyond and thus covers that portion of the bottom surface  312  of the folded flex  310  which extends between the fold lines F 1  thereof, and a generally planar rear or trailing side  340  which extends slightly rearwardly beyond the vertically aligned lateral peripheral edge segments  318   a ,  318   b  of the folded flex  310 . The body  336  further defines an opposed pair of generally planar side surfaces  342   a ,  342   b  which extend slightly outwardly beyond respective ones of the longitudinal peripheral edge segments  316   a ,  316   b  of the folded flex  310 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     In the memory card  300 , the height of the leading side  338  of the body  336  is slightly less than that of the trailing side  340  thereof. Advantageously, the formation of the step  334  accommodates this height differential and allows the contacts  320  to be maintained in generally co-planar relation to a bottom surface  344  of the body  336  which extends to the leading side  338  thereof. Due to the manner in which the body  336  is preferably formed, only that portion of the bottom surface  312  of the folded flex  310  extending between the fold lines F 1  is covered by the body  336 , the remainder of the bottom surface  312  being exposed in the memory card  300 . However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative configurations of the body  336  are contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated that the body  336  may be formed such that the entirety of the bottom surface  312  of the folded flex  310 , except for that portion thereof extending between the fold lines F 1 , F 2  disposed closest to each other, may be covered by the body  336 . Additionally, though the flex  310  is preferably folded along the fold lines F 2  to facilitate the formation of the step  334 , it is also contemplated that the memory card  300  may be formed so as not to include the step  334 , thus eliminating any folding thereof along the fold lines F 2 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 4A , there is shown a memory card  400  constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The memory card  400  of the fourth embodiment bears similarity in construction to the memory card  100  of the first embodiment, with the 400 series reference numerals in  FIGS. 4 and 4A  being used to identify the same structures identified by the corresponding 100 series reference numerals included in  FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B . In this regard, only the distinctions between the memory cards  400 ,  100  will be discussed below. 
     In the memory card  400 , the contacts  420  are disposed on the top surface  414  of the flex  410 , as opposed to being disposed on the bottom surface  412  of the flex  410  as in the above-described memory cards  100 ,  200 ,  300 . More particularly, the contacts  420  are arranged in a single row on the top surface  414  which extends in close proximity and in generally parallel relation to the lateral peripheral edge segment  418   a  of the flex  410 . Additionally, the controller device  426  and passive devices  430  are located on the top surface  414  between the memory devices  424  of the second set and the lateral peripheral edge segment  418   b  of the flex  410 . 
     In addition, in the memory card  400  the stiffener  432  is adhesively attached to the bottom surface  412  of the flex  410 . The stiffener  432  is mounted to the flex  410  such that one of the longitudinal sides of the stiffener  432  extends along and in generally flush relation to the lateral peripheral edge segment  418   a , with each of the lateral sides of the stiffener  432  extending along and in substantially flush relation with portions of respective ones of the longitudinal peripheral edge segments  416   a ,  416   b . The preferred width of the stiffener  432  is also such that, when affixed to the flex  410 , the stiffener  432  overlaps the entirety of the contacts  420  located in opposed relation thereto on the top surface  414  of the flex  410 . 
     In the memory card  400 , the flex  410  is folded along first, second and third sets of fold lines F 1 , F 2 , F 3  which are shown in  FIG. 4A . The folding of the flex  410  along the fold lines F 1  effectively places the top surfaces of the memory devices  424  of the second set disposed closest to the peripheral edge segment  418   b  in direct engagement with the top surfaces of the memory devices  424  of the first set disposed closest to the contacts  420  in the manner best shown in  FIG. 4 . The folding of the flex  410  along the fold lines F 2  facilitates the formation of a sloped section  434  within the flex  410 , such sloped section  434  extending between the stiffener  432  and the memory devices  424  of the first set. As a result of the formation of the sloped section  434 , that portion of the bottom surface  412  to which the stiffener  432  is attached and that portion of the bottom surface  412  extending between the fold lines F 1 , F 2  which are disposed closest to each other extend along respective ones of a spaced, generally parallel pair of planes. 
     The folding of the flex  410  along the fold lines F 3  causes the stiffener  432  to be partially wrapped by the flex  410  in the manner also shown in  FIG. 4 . More particularly, the opposed top and bottom surfaces and one of the longitudinal side surfaces of the stiffener  432  are each covered by portions of the bottom surface  412  of the flex  410  as a result of the folding of the flex  410  along the fold lines F 3 . It is contemplated that the portion of the bottom surface  412  extending between the sloped section  434  and the fold line F 3  disposed closest thereto will also be adhesively secured to the stiffener  432  subsequent to the completion of the folding of the flex  410  along the fold lines F 3 . The folding of the flex  410  along the fold lines F 3  also results in the stiffener  432  assuming a position disposed generally below and in spaced relation to the controller device  426  and passive devices  430 , as also shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In the memory card  400 , the fully formed body  436  covers the memory, controller and passive devices  424 ,  426 ,  430 , two of the lateral side surfaces and one of the longitudinal side surfaces of the stiffener  432 , and the entirety of the exposed portion of the top surface  414  of the flex  410 , including the conductive pattern  422  disposed thereon. As seen in  FIG. 4 , the fully formed body  436  also defines a generally planar front or leading side  438  which extends forwardly of and slightly beyond the lateral peripheral edge segment  418   b  and the portion of the top surface  414  of the folded flex  410  extending between the fold lines F 3 , and a generally planar rear or trailing side  440  which extends slightly rearwardly beyond and thus covers that portion of the bottom surface  412  of the folded flex  410  which extends between the fold lines F 1  thereof. The body  436  further defines an opposed pair of generally planar side surfaces which extend slightly outwardly beyond respective ones of the longitudinal peripheral edge segments  416   a ,  416   b  of the folded flex  410 , in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     In the memory card  400 , the height of the leading side  438  of the body  436  is slightly less than that of the trailing side  440  thereof. Advantageously, the formation of the sloped section  434  in the flex  410  assists in accommodating this height differential and allows the contacts  420  to be maintained in generally co-planar relation to a bottom surface  444  of the body  136  which extends to the leading side  438  thereof. Also defined by the body  436  is a shoulder  443  which extends generally perpendicularly relative to the bottom surface  444 . Due to the manner in which the body  436  is preferably formed, only those portions of the bottom surface  412  of the folded flex  410  extending between the fold lines F 1  and between the fold lines F 2  are covered, along with a small portion of the bottom surface  412  extending between the fold lines F 2 , F 3  disposed closest to each other, as shown in  FIG. 4 . However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative configurations of the body  436  are contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated that the body  436  may be formed such that the entirety of the bottom surface  412  of the folded flex  410  may be covered, with only that portion of the top surface  414  extending between the lateral peripheral edge segment  418   a  and the closest one of the fold lines F 3  thereto being exposed in the body  436 . Additionally, though the flex  410  is preferably folded along the fold lines F 2  to facilitate the formation of the sloped section  434 , it is also contemplated that the memory card  400  may be formed so as not to include the sloped section  434 , thus eliminating any folding thereof along the fold lines F 2 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B , there is shown a memory card  500  constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The memory card  500  of the fifth embodiment bears similarity in construction to the memory card  100  of the first embodiment, with the 500 series reference numerals in  FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B  being used to identify the same structures identified by the corresponding 100 series reference numerals included in  FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B . In this regard, only the distinctions between the memory cards  500 ,  100  will be discussed below. 
     The memory card  500  includes a flex  510 . The flex  510  defines a generally planar bottom surface  512  and an opposed, generally planar top surface  514 . The flex  510  has a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) configuration defining an opposed pair of longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments  516   a ,  516   b  and an opposed pair of laterally extending peripheral edge segments  518   a ,  518   b . Disposed on the bottom surface  512  of the flex  510  is a plurality of external signal contacts (ESCs)  520 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the contacts  520  are arranged in a single row which extends in close proximity and in generally parallel relation to the a portion (i.e., approximately one-half of the length) of the longitudinal peripheral edge segment  516   a  of the flex  510 . In this regard, one end of the row of the contacts  520  terminated just slightly inward of the lateral peripheral edge segment  518   a  of the flex  510 . Disposed on the top surface  514  of the flex  510  is a conductive pattern  522 , only a portion of which is shown in  FIG. 5B . The conductive pattern  522  is placed into electrical communication with the contacts  520  on the bottom surface  512  through a conductive medium formed through and/or upon the flex  510 . Such conductive medium may include conductive vias and/or conductive traces which extend through and/or along the flex  510 . 
     Mounted to the top surface  514  of the flex  510  and electrically connected to the conductive pattern  522  disposed thereon is a plurality of memory devices  524 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the memory devices  524  are mounted to the flex  510  in a manner wherein they are segregated into a first pair or set which is disposed in relative close proximity to the lateral peripheral edge segment  518   a , and a second pair or set which is disposed in relative close proximity to the lateral peripheral edge segment  518   b . In addition to the memory devices  524 , also mounted to the top surface  514  of the flex  510  and electrically connected to the conductive pattern  522  is a controller device  526 . As also shown in  FIG. 5B , it is contemplated that the controller device  526  will be located between the memory devices  524  of the first set and the longitudinal peripheral edge segment  516   a  of the flex  510 . More particularly, the controller device  526  is located on the top surface  514  between the memory devices  524  of the first set and the contacts  520  disposed on the opposed bottom surface  512  of the flex  510 . As is further seen in  FIG. 5B , in addition to the memory and controller devices  524 ,  526 , the memory card  500  is preferably provided with a plurality of passive devices  530  which are also mounted to the top surface  514  of the flex  510  and electrically connected to the conductive pattern  522  thereof. In the memory card  500 , the passive devices  530  are located between the memory devices  524  of the second set and the longitudinal peripheral edge segment  516   a  of the flex  510 . 
     In fabricating the memory card  500 , the flex  510  is originally provided in the unfolded state shown in  FIG. 5B , with the memory, controller and passive devices  524 ,  526 ,  530  being mounted to the top surface  514  thereof and electrically connected to the conductive pattern  522 . Prior or subsequent to such mounting and electrical connection, a stiffener  532  is adhesively attached to the top surface  514  of the flex  510 . The stiffener  532  preferably has a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) configuration, and is mounted to the flex  510  such that one of the longitudinal sides of the stiffener  532  extends along and in generally flush relation to that portion of the longitudinal peripheral edge  516   a  of the flex  510  along which the contacts  520  extend. Additionally, one of the lateral sides of the stiffener  532  extends along and in substantially flush relation to a portion of the lateral peripheral edge segment  518   a . The opposite lateral side of the stiffener  532  extends along and in substantially flush relation to an elongate notch  533  which is disposed in the flex  510 , and extends inwardly from the approximate center of the longitudinal peripheral edge segment  516   a  thereof (i.e., the length of the notch  533  and the width of the stiffener  532  are substantially equal to each other). The preferred width of the stiffener  532  is also such that, when affixed to the flex  510 , the stiffener  532  overlaps the entirety of the contacts  520  located in opposed relation thereto on the bottom surface  512  of the flex  510 . 
     After the stiffener  532  has been mounted to the flex  510  in the above-described manner and the memory, controller and passive devices  524 ,  526 ,  530  have been electrically connected thereto, the flex  510  is folded along a first set of fold lines F 1  and a second set of fold lines F 2  which are also shown in  FIG. 5B . The folding of the flex  510  along the fold lines F 1  effectively places the top surfaces of the memory devices  524  of the second set disposed closest to the lateral peripheral edge segment  518   b  in direct engagement with the top surfaces of the memory devices  524  of the first set disposed closest to the contacts  520  in the manner best shown in  FIG. 5 . The folding of the flex  510  along the fold lines F 1  also causes the passive devices  530  to assume positions disposed generally above and in spaced relation to the stiffener  532  and controller device  526 , as also shown in  FIG. 5 . The folding of the flex  510  along the fold lines F 2  facilitates the formation of a step  534  in the flex  510  which results in that portion of the flex  510  having the stiffener  532  mounted thereto and the contacts  520  formed thereon (i.e., the portion of the flex  510  extending between the longitudinal peripheral edge segment  516   a  and the fold line F 2  closest thereto, and between the notch  533  and the lateral peripheral edge segment  518   a ) being offset or slightly elevated relative to that portion of the flex  510  extending between the lateral peripheral edge segment  518   a  and the fold line F 1  disposed closest thereto. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 5 , the fully formed body  536  of the memory card  500  covers the memory, controller and passive devices  524 ,  526 ,  530 , the stiffener  532 , and the entirety of the exposed portion of the top surface  514  of the flex  510 , including the conductive pattern  522  disposed thereon. As seen in  FIGS. 5 and 5A , the fully formed body  536  also defines a generally planar front or leading side  538  which extends forwardly of and slightly beyond vertically aligned portions of the longitudinal peripheral edge segment  516   a  of the folded flex  510 , and a generally planar rear or trailing side  540  which extends slightly rearwardly beyond vertically aligned portions of the longitudinal peripheral edge segment  516   b  of the folded flex  510 . The body  536  further defines a generally planar side surface  542  which extends between vertically aligned portions of the lateral peripheral edge segments  518   a ,  518   b  of the folded flex  510 , as shown in  FIG. 5A . 
     In the memory card  500 , the height of the leading side  538  of the body  536  is slightly less than that of the trailing side  540  thereof. Advantageously, the formation of the step  534  in the flex  510  accommodates this height differential and allows the contacts  520  to be maintained in generally co-planar relation to a bottom surface  544  of the body  536  which extends to the leading side  538  thereof. Due to the manner in which the body  536  is preferably formed, the bottom surface  512  of the folded flex  510  remains exposed in the memory card  500 . However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative configurations of the body  536  are contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated that the body  536  may be formed such that the entirety of the bottom surface  512  of the folded flex  510 , except for that portion thereof extending between the longitudinal peripheral edge segment  516   a  and the closest one of the fold lines F 2  thereto, may be covered by the body  536 . Additionally, though the flex  510  is preferably folded along the fold lines F 2  to facilitate the formation of the step  534 , it is also contemplated that the memory card  500  may be formed so as not to include the step  534 , thus eliminating any folding thereof along the fold lines F 2 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a memory card  600  constructed in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The memory card  600  comprises a rigid laminate substrate  610  which defines a generally planar bottom surface  612  and an opposed, generally planar top surface  614 . It is contemplated that the rigid laminate substrate  610  will have a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) configuration defining opposed pairs of elongate peripheral edge segments. Disposed on the top surface  614  is a conductive pattern (not shown). 
     Mounted to the top surface  614  of the laminate substrate  610  and electrically connected to the conductive pattern disposed thereon is a plurality of memory devices  624 . The memory devices  624  are preferably segregated into a number of stacks, with each such stack including a bottom memory device  624  which is attached to the top surface  614  and electrically connected to the conductive pattern of the laminate substrate  610 , and a top memory device  624  which is disposed on and electrically connected to the bottom memory device  624  of the corresponding stack. In addition to the memory devices  624 , also mounted to the top surface  614  of the laminate substrate  610  and electrically connected to the conductive pattern thereon is a controller device  626  and at least one passive device  630 . The controller and passive devices  626 ,  630  are each electrically connected to the conductive pattern of the laminate substrate  610  through the use of a flip-chip type connection, though wire bond or surface mount type connections may also be used to facilitate such electrical connection. Each memory device  624  may comprise flash memory having a prescribed data storage capacity. The controller device  626  preferably comprises a semiconductor die having the logic necessary for controlling the operation of the memory card  600 . Since the controller device  626  is electrically connected to the memory devices  624  of the stacks thereof included in the memory card  600  by the conductive pattern of the laminate substrate  610 , the controller device  626  is operative to control to the processes of the memory card  600 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the memory devices  624  integrated into the memory card  100  need not necessarily be provided in a stacked arrangement therein. 
     The memory card  600  further comprises a flexible substrate  608 , hereinafter referred to as the flex  608 . The flex  608  is preferably an insulative sheet which defines a generally planar bottom surface  616  and an opposed, generally planar top surface  618 . The flex  608  has a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) configuration defining opposed pairs of longitudinally and laterally extending peripheral edge segments. The memory card  600  also includes a stiffener  632  which is adhesively attached to the bottom surface  616  of the flex  608 . The stiffener  632  preferably has a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) configuration, and is mounted to the flex  608  such that the longitudinal and lateral sides of the stiffener  632  extend along and in generally flush relation to respective ones of the longitudinal and lateral peripheral edge segments defined by the flex  608 . Disposed on that surface of the stiffener  632  opposite that attached to the bottom surface  616  of the flex  608  is a plurality of external signal contacts (ESCs)  620 . As will be recognized, the contacts  620  are used to facilitate the electrical connection of the memory card  600  to the pins or contacts within the host socket of an external device with which the memory card  600  is to be used. Disposed on the top surface  618  of the flex  608  is a conductive pattern. The conductive pattern on the top surface  618  is placed into electrical communication with the contacts  620  on the stiffener  632  through the use of a conductive medium formed through and/or upon the flex  608  and stiffener  632 . Such conductive medium may include conductive vias and/or conductive traces which extend through and/or along the flex  608  and stiffener  632 . 
     In the memory card  600 , one of the longitudinal peripheral edge segments of the flex  608  is attached to a corresponding one of the peripheral edge segments of the laminate substrate  610 . Such attachment is also facilitated in a manner wherein the conductive pattern of the flex  608  is placed into electrical communication with the conductive pattern of the laminate substrate  610 . As a result, the communicating conductive patterns effectively place both the memory devices  624  and controller  626  into electrical communication with the contacts  620 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , it is contemplated that the controller and passive devices  626 ,  630  will be located on the top surface  614  between the flex  608  and the memory devices  624 . 
     The attachment of the flex  608  to the laminate substrate  610  is preferably completed in a manner wherein the flex  608  defines a step  634 , thus resulting in that portion of the flex  608  having the stiffener  632  attached thereto and the laminate substrate  610  extending along respective ones of a spaced, generally parallel pair of planes. As is shown in phantom in  FIG. 6 , it is contemplated that the controller and passive devices  626 ,  630  may alternatively be placed directly upon and electrically connected to the conductive pattern disposed on the top surface  618  of the flex  608 . 
     The memory card  600  further comprises a layer of encapsulant material which ultimately hardens into a body  636  of the memory card  600 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the fully formed body  636  covers the memory, controller and passive devices  624 ,  626 ,  630 , and the entirety of the top surfaces  614 ,  618  of the laminate substrate  610  and flex  608 , respectively. The fully formed body  636  also defines a generally planar front of leading side  638  which extends forwardly of and slightly beyond the flex  608 , and a generally planar rear or trailing side  640  which extends slightly rearwardly beyond the laminate substrate  610 . 
     In the memory card  600 , the height of the leading side  638  of the body  636  is slightly less than that of the trailing side  640  thereof. The formation of the step  634  in the flex  608  accommodates this height differential and allows the contacts  620  to be maintained in relative close proximity to a bottom surface  644  of the body  636  which extends to the leading side  638  thereof. Due to the manner in which the body  636  is preferably formed, both the bottom surface  616  of the flex  608 , the stiffener  632 , and the bottom surface  612  of the laminate substrate  610  remain exposed therein. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative configurations of the body  636  are contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated that the body  636  may be formed such that the entirety of the bottom surface  612  of the laminate substrate  610  is covered thereby. It is also contemplated that the memory card  600  may be formed so as not to include the step  634  in the flex  608 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a flex  110   a  which may be integrated into the memory card  100  of the first embodiment as an alternative to the above-described flex  110 . The flex  110   a  is also an insulative sheet which defines a generally planar bottom surface and an opposed, generally planar top surface  114   a . Disposed on the bottom surface is a plurality of external signal contacts (ESCs)  120   a . Disposed on the top surface  114   a  is a conductive pattern  122   a . The conductive pattern  122   a  is placed into electrical communication with the contacts  120   a  through a conductive medium formed through and/or on the flex  110   a . Such conductive medium may include conductive vias and/or conductive traces which extend through and/or along the flex  110   a.    
     Mounted to the top surface  114   a  of the flex  110   a  and electrically connected to the conductive pattern  122   a  disposed thereon are a plurality of memory devices  124   a , a controller device  126   a  and a plurality of passive devices  130   a . The orientation of the contacts  120   a  on the bottom surface of the flex  110   a  and the orientation of the memory, controller and passive devices  124   a ,  126   a ,  130   a  on the top surface  114   a  is identical to that described above in relation to the contacts  120  and the memory, controller and passive devices  124 ,  126 ,  130  of the flex  110  shown in  FIG. 1B . In this regard, the sole distinction between the flex  110   a  and the flex  110  lies in the addition of an integral pair of ear portions  111   a ,  113   a  to the flex  110   a . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the flex  110   a  includes preliminary fold lines PF which extend between the ear portions  111   a ,  113   a  and the remainder of the flex  110   a  which has a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) configuration. The inclusion of the ear portions  111   a ,  113   a  allows the flex  110   a  to accommodate the conductive pattern  122   a  which is of a size/configuration exceeding that of the conductive pattern  122 , and thus requires the additional area provided by the ear portions  111   a ,  113   a  in the flex  110   a.    
     In the flex  110   a , it is contemplated that either prior or subsequent to the electrical connection of the memory, controller and passive devices  124   a ,  126   a ,  130   a  to the conductive pattern  122   a , the ear portions  111   a ,  113   a  will be folded along the fold lines PF, and secured via an adhesive to corresponding portions of the bottom surface of the flex  110   a . As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the folding of the ear portions  111   a ,  113   a  along the fold lines PF causes the flex  110   a  to assume the same basic configuration as that shown in  FIG. 1B  in relation to the flex  110 . Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the flexes  210 ,  310  and  410  described above may likewise be modified to include ear portions similar to the ear portions  111   a ,  113   a  described in relation to the flex  110   a.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a flex  510   a  which may be integrated into the memory card  500  as an alternative to the above-described flex  510 . The flex  510   a  is also an insulative sheet which defines a generally planar bottom surface and an opposed, generally planar top surface  514   a . Though not shown in  FIG. 8 , disposed on the top surface  514   a  is a conductive pattern, while mounted to the top surface  514   a  and electrically connected to the conductive pattern are a plurality of memory devices, a controller device and a plurality of passive devices. The orientation of these memory, controller and passive devices on the top surface  514   a  may be identical to or substantially similar to that described above in relation to the memory, controller and passive devices  524 ,  526  and  530  of the flex  10  shown in  FIG. 5B . In this regard, the primary distinction between the flex  510   a  and the flex  510  lies in the addition of an integral ear portion  511   a  to the flex  510   a . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the flex  510   a  includes a preliminary fold line PF which extends between the ear portion  511   a  and the remainder of the flex  510   a  which has a generally quadrangular configuration. The ear portion  511   a  defines a top surface which, when the flex  510   a  is in its fully unfolded state as shown in  FIG. 8 , is continuous with the top surface  514   a . Disposed on the top surface of the ear portion  511   a  are the contacts  520   a  of the flex  510   a , such contacts  520   a  being electrically connected to the conductive pattern of the flex  510   a.    
     In the flex  510   a , it is contemplated that either prior or subsequent to the electrical connection of the memory, controller and passive devices to the conductive pattern thereof, the ear portion  511   a  will be folded along the fold line PF, and secured via an adhesive to a corresponding portion on the bottom surface of the flex  510   a . As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the folding of the ear portion  511   a  along the fold line PF causes the flex  510   a  to assume the same basic configuration as that shown in  FIG. 5B  in relation to the flex  510 . As is shown in phantom in  FIG. 8 , it is contemplated that the stiffener  532   a  which will be used in conjunction with the flex  510   a  may be attached to a portion of the top surface  514   a  which causes the stiffener  532   a  to overlap and thus provide structural support to the contacts  520   a  disposed on the folded over ear portion  511   a.    
     This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type of material and manufacturing process, may be implemented by one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure.