Patent Publication Number: US-11049836-B2

Title: Bond wire support systems and methods

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to bond wire support systems and methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wire bonding is a commonly used process for making interconnections between a pair of integrated circuits or other semiconductor devices or between an integrated circuit or another semiconductor device and its substrate during a packaging process. A wire is attached to the pair of integrated circuits using a bonding technique, such as ball bonding, stitch bonding, wedge bonding, or compliant bonding. The packaging process also typically includes a molding step in which the integrated circuits or other semiconductor devices are encapsulated in a protective case. The profile or 3D shape of the wire after bonding and optional encapsulation is very important to it&#39;s ability to meet the electrical and mechanical requirements across it&#39;s lifetime. 
     The bond wire may not achieve a desired profile, however, after being encapsulated. For example, because of the limited capability of a wire bonder or because of the insufficient physical strength of the wire, a wire may not maintain a desired profile after being bonded. In some examples, as a result of fluid coming into contact with the bond wire during the packaging step, the bond wire may shift to an undesired position or profile. Shifting of the bond wire may lead to undesired electrical effects, such as a short circuit or leakage to nearby wires or devices. This is especially important in cases where the voltage difference between the wire and another wire or device feature is in the range of 10V to 100,000V and leakage paths can be created in the presence of such an electrical field. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure relates to bond wire support systems and methods. 
     In one example, a system includes a substrate and a bond pad. The system further includes a wire spanning above the substrate, having a first end bonded to the bond pad and a second end extending from the bond pad to terminate in a second end thereof. The system further includes a support structure disposed on the substrate, the support structure comprising at least a side wall and extending from the substrate to terminate in an end portion spaced from the substrate to support the wire. 
     In another example a semiconductor package includes a leadframe and a die disposed on the leadframe. The system further includes a first bond pad disposed on the die. The system further includes a lead finger disposed on the leadframe. The system further includes a second bond pad disposed on the lead finger. The system further includes a wire having a first end bonded to the first bond pad and a second end bonded to the second bond pad. The system further includes a support structure disposed on one of the leadframe, the die, and the lead finger, the support structure comprising at least a side wall extending from the one of the leadframe, the die, and the lead finger to terminate in an end portion spaced from the substrate to support the wire. The system further includes a casing covering portions of the leadframe, the die, the lead finger, the wire, and the support structure. 
     In yet another example, a method includes providing a leadframe comprising a lead finger. The method further includes disposing a die on the leadframe using an adhesive material. The method further includes bonding a first end of a wire to a bond pad on the die and bonding a second end of the wire to a bond pad on the lead finger. The method further includes providing a support structure disposed on one of the leadframe, the die, and the lead finger, the support structure comprising at last a side wall extending from the one of the leadframe, the die, and the lead finger to the wire to terminate in an end portion spaced from the substrate to support the wire. The method further includes covering the leadframe, the die, the lead finger, the wire, and the support structure in a semiconductor package. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts an example of a semiconductor package. 
         FIG. 2 a    depicts a cross section view of an example of semiconductor package. 
         FIG. 2 b    depicts a cross section view of an example of semiconductor package. 
         FIG. 3  depicts another example of a semiconductor package. 
         FIG. 4  depicts another example of a semiconductor package. 
         FIG. 5  depicts another example of a semiconductor package. 
         FIG. 6  depicts another example of a semiconductor package. 
         FIG. 7  depicts another example of a semiconductor package. 
         FIG. 8  depicts another example of a semiconductor package. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram depicting an example method for assembling the semiconductor package of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a flow diagram depicting another example method for assembling the semiconductor package of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a flow diagram depicting another example method for assembling the semiconductor package of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure provides for a support structure for maintaining a bond wire in a desired profile when interconnecting two substrates. A substrate as used herein may include an integrated circuit, a leadframe, or a lead finger. The support structure also enables the bond wire to hold a desired profile during encapsulation. Thus, the support structure helps prevent undesired electrical effects from occurring. In addition, the support structure may allow for semiconductor designs that may otherwise not have been feasible due to the potential for bond wire shifting. Moreover, the support structure may enable more efficient and faster packaging since undesired electrical effects and undesired wire shifting may become less of a concern. 
     As will be described, the support structure can include a variety of different geometries. The support structure can also be created using a variety of different materials and processes. For example, the bond wire support structure is fabricated using an additive manufacturing process, such as disclosed herein. Thus, the support structure is versatile in that it may be configured for use in different types of semiconductor packages. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an example semiconductor package  100 . The semiconductor package  100  may include ceramic, plastic, or another encapsulation material suitable for providing protection for internal components. The semiconductor package includes at least one lead finger (e.g., lead, terminal or lead)  102  configured to electrically connect with external devices or components. 
     In the example of  FIG. 1 , the semiconductor package  100  includes a first integrated circuit (IC) microchip  104  (also referred to as a monolithic IC, semiconductor die or chip) and a second integrated circuit microchip  106 . Although the example semiconductor package  100  includes two integrated circuit microchips  104  and  106 , the semiconductor package  100  may include any number of IC microchips. The integrated circuit microchips  104  and  106  may include a set of electronic circuits configured to provide a variety of functions, such as data storage, sensing, data processing, power supply, and so on. 
     The semiconductor package  100  also includes a leadframe  108 . In one example, the leadframe  108  is made of a single piece of metal such as copper. The integrated circuit microchips  104  and  106  are attached to the leadframe  108 . In other words, the integrated circuit microchips  104  and  106  are disposed or mounted on top of the leadframe  108 . The integrated circuit microchips  104  and  106  may be positioned in any arrangement on the leadframe  108 . In one example, at least one of the integrated circuit microchips  104  and  106  are positioned proximate to at least one lead finger  102  such that the lead finger  102  may facilitate an electrical connection between the at least one of the integrated circuit microchips  104  and  106  and an external device (not shown). 
     The semiconductor package  100  includes a bond wire  110  configured to electrically couple the first integrated circuit microchip  104  and the second integrated circuit microchip  106 . For example, a first end  112  of the bond wire  110  is bonded to and terminates at the first integrated circuit microchip  104  via a first bond pad  113  and a second end  114  of the bond wire  110  is bonded to and terminates at the second integrated circuit microchip  106  via a second bond pad  115 . For example, the bond wire  110  may be gold or copper. The bond wire  110  may be bonded using ball bonding, stitch bonding, wedge bonding, or compliant bonding, for example. One or more additional bond wires, such as a second bond wire  116 , may similarly be used to electrically couple at least one of the integrated circuit microchips  104  and  106  to at least one of the contacts. 
     The semiconductor package  100  includes a support structure  118  configured to provide mechanical support for the bond wire  110 . In the example of  FIG. 1 , the support structure  118  is disposed on the first integrated circuit microchip  104  to support the bond wire  110  and thereby retain a desired profile. For example, the bond wire  110  may dip, sag, shift, or otherwise depart from a desired profile, absent the presence of the support structure  118 . Although the example semiconductor package  100  illustrates the support structure  118  disposed on the first integrated circuit microchip  104 , additionally or alternatively, the support structure  118  may be disposed on the second integrated circuit microchip  106  to provide mechanical support for the bond wire  110 . In addition, although the example semiconductor package  100  illustrates the support structure  118  disposed between the bond wire  110  and a surface of the first integrated circuit microchip  104 , the support structure  118  may be disposed in alternative positions, such as on the side, suitable for supporting the bond wire  110  at one or more locations along its length. 
     The support structure  118  may include any suitable material capable of providing mechanical support for the bond wire  110 . In one example, the support structure  118  is further configured to provide electrical isolation for the bond wire  110 , thus helping to prevent the bond wire  110  from shorting. For example, the support structure  118  is made of an electrically isolating material, such as a polymer-based material (e.g., an epoxy resin). In other examples, the support structure  118  may be made of a polymer resin (including polyimide, epoxy, bismaleimide, poly-4-vinylphenol, acrylate, polydimethylsilixane (silicone) etc. . . . ), an oxide/nitride/ceramic (including silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide, etc. . . . ), or a carbon allotrope such as graphite which has a very low conductivity. In one example, the support structure  118  provides for electrical insulation to a level of 1 V/um to 1000 V/um through the height of the structure. 
     The support structure  118  may be any shape or design suitable for providing mechanical support for the bond wire  110 . For example, the support structure  118  may vary in length, height, and width depending on the application and the support requirements. Further, the support structure  118  may vary in shape depending on the support requirements. For example, although the example support structure  118  is depicted as having a rectangular shape, the support structure  118  may be cylindrical, round, and so on. 
     In one example, the support structure  118  may include an additional feature, such as a notch or a groove (not shown), to help the guide the bond wire  110  into a desired position and to help prevent the bond wire  110  from shifting.  FIG. 2 a    illustrates a side view of an example support structure  200  having a notch  202  configured to receive and guide a bond wire  110 . For example, the notch  202  includes side walls  204  that are angled or sloped towards a valley  206 . The side walls  204  are configured to receive the bond wire  110  as the bond wire  110  comes into proximity of the top of the support structure  200  and to funnel or channel the bond wire  110  in towards the center valley. Thus, the side walls  204  serve as a guide to facilitate receiving the bond wire  110  therein. The side walls  204  are further configured to help prevent the bond wire  110  from shifting to a side, away from the desire position at the support structure  200  once the bond wire  110  is positioned in the valley  206 . Although the notch  202  is illustrated as triangular V-shaped in the example of  FIG. 2 a   , including the side walls  204  being linear, angled, and funneling towards a vertex of a valley  206  being pointed thereof, the notch  202  may include other shapes. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 b   , a notch  210  may be semi-circular or U-shaped, with curved side walls  212  for funneling the bond wire  110  down towards a flattened valley  214 , which may contact the bond wire  110  to help retain its profile. 
     In one example, the side walls  204  of the notch  202  may include ridges, protrusions, or other features (not shown) to further urge the bond wire  110  to remain in the valley  206  and to mitigate the bond wire  110  from shifting away from the desire position or profile as it sits within the notch. In one example, the side walls  204  of the notch  202  may include material with increased friction to further aid in preventing the bond wire  110  from sliding out from the valley  206  and away from the desired position or profile. In one example, the support structure  800  may include a top cover or other additional material (not shown) to provide additional support and hold or retain the bond wire  110  into place once the bond wire  110  is in position inside the notch  202 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 2 a - b   , in one example, the support structure  118  may be 3D fabricated from an epoxy or another polymer based material according to an additive manufacturing process. As an example, the support structure  118  may be printed using Ultra-Violet “(UV”) printing. In other examples, the support structure  118  may be fabricated using other additive manufacturing methods, such as Inkjet, Sterolithography (SLA), Aerosol Jet, Digital Light Processing, Fused Deposition Modeling, Selective Laser Melting, Electronic Beam Melting, Laminated Object Manufacturing, Extrusion, and the like. 
     In one example, the support structure  118  may be printed, or otherwise manufactured, independently of the first integrated circuit microchip  104 . For instance, the support structure  118  may be printed as an individual piece (or in multiple pieces or layers) and configured to be attached to the first integrated circuit microchip  104 . For example, the support structure  118  may include an adhesive on a bottom end to enable the support structure  118  to be attached to the first integrated circuit microchip  104  (or other substrate structure where it is disposed). 
     In another example, the support structure  118  may be printed, or otherwise manufactured, as part of the manufacturing process of the first integrated circuit microchip  104  (or other substrate structure where it is disposed). Since the support structure  118  may be monolithically constructed as part of the first integrated circuit microchip  104 , no adhesive or any other types of attachment means would be needed to connect the support structure  118  to the first integrated circuit microchip  104 . In other words, the first integrated circuit microchip  104  may itself be integral with the support structure  118 . Therefore, no additional printing, manufacturing, connecting, or coupling is required in order to provide a semiconductor package  100  equipped with a support structure  118  when the semiconductor package  100  is assembled. 
     In another example, the support structure  118  may be printed, or otherwise manufactured, onto an assembled leadframe  108  including the bond wire  110  bonded to the first integrated circuit microchip  104 . Thus, the support structure  118  may be a custom printed structure having specific dimensions and characteristics to suit a specific application. 
     In one example, fabricating the support structure  118  includes printing the support structure  118  by depositing layers of material to form the support structure. The side view of the example support structure  200  of  FIG. 2  illustrates multiple layers  208  that have been deposited to form the final support structure  200 . For example, successive layers  208  or thinly sliced cross sections of the final support structure  200  are created and stacked according to a predefined design and shape to produce the final support structure  200 . 
     Although the example semiconductor package  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , includes a single support structure  118  disposed on the first integrated circuit microchip  104 , the semiconductor package  100  may include any suitable number of support structures  118  disposed in various suitable arrangements. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a semiconductor package  300  includes the support structure  118  positioned on the first integrated circuit microchip  104  near the first end  112  of the bond wire  110 . The semiconductor package  300  further includes a second support structure  302  positioned on the second integrated circuit microchip  106  near the second end  114  of the bond wire  110 . Thus, the bond wire  110  is supported structurally at two different locations, which are spaced longitudinally apart from each other along the length of the wire, to further aid the bond wire  110  in forming and maintaining a desired profile. 
     In another example, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a semiconductor package  400  includes a third support structure  402  disposed on the leadframe  108  at a point in between the first integrated circuit microchip  104  and the second integrated circuit microchip  106 . Thus, in addition to the support structure  118  and the second support structure  302  providing support for the bond wire  110  at each of the first end  112  and the second end  114  respectively, the third support structure  402  provides support mid-span between the first end  112  and the second end  114  in order to further aid the bond wire  110  in forming and maintaining a desired profile. Alternatively, in other examples, the third support structure  402  may be used individually (e.g., without including structures  118  and  302 ) as to support an intermediate portion of the bond wire  110 . 
     In another example, a support structure may be used to provide support for a bond wire between two points other than between the first and second integrated circuit microchips  104  and  106 , as has been described already. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a semiconductor package  500  may include a fourth support structure  502  disposed on the second integrated circuit microchip  106 . The fourth support structure  502  is configured to provide mechanical support for the second bond wire  116  electrically coupling the second integrated circuit microchip  106  and the lead finger  102 . Although the fourth support structure  502  is depicted as being disposed on the second integrated circuit microchip  106  near a first end  504  of the second bond wire  116 , the fourth support structure  502  may alternatively be disposed on the lead finger  102  near a second end  506  of the second bond wire  116  or on the leadframe  108  between the lead finger  102  and the second integrated circuit microchip  106 . In one example, the second bond wire  116  may be supported by multiple support structures (not shown), such as one support structure being positioned near the first end  504  of the second bond wire  116  and another support structure being positioned near the second end  506  of the second bond wire  116 . In another example, the second bond wire  116  may be supported by more than two support structures (not shown), including a support structure positioned in mid-span between the first end  504  of the second bond wire  116  and the second end  506  of the second bond wire  116 . In yet another example, the fourth support structure  502  may extend along and support a length of the second bond wire  116  between its ends  504  and  506 . 
     It should be appreciated that a support structure positioned at end of a bond wire may serve a different function as compared to a support structure positioned at or near mid-span of the bond wire. For example, a support structure positioned at an end point of a bond wire may serve to electrically isolate the bond wire while a support structure positioned in mid-span of the bond wire may serve to provide mechanical rigidity. Accordingly, in some examples, a support structure positioned at an end of a bond wire may include different features or different material as compared to a support structure positioned in mid-span of the bond wire. 
     As a further example, alternative structures may be used to support a bond wire in mid-span. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a semiconductor package  600  may include an elongated sleeve (e.g., a tube)  602  configured to structurally support a length of the bond wire between its ends  112  and  114 . In some examples, the sleeve  602  encapsulates or covers at least a portion of the bond wire  110  to help hold the bond wire  110  in a desired profile. In the example of  FIG. 6 , the sleeve  602  includes an intermediate support portion that extends between the support structure  118  and the second support structure  302  to support a length of the bond wire  110  that extends between support structure  118  and the second support structure  302 . 
     Although the illustrated sleeve  602  extends the entire length of the bond wire  110 , such as starting from the support structure  118  and extending to the second support structure  302 , in other examples, the sleeve  602  may also be configured to only span a portion of the length of the bond wire  110 . For example, the sleeve  602  may extend from the support structure  118  to a midpoint of the bond wire at a distance away from the second support structure  302  (not shown). In another example, the sleeve  602  may extend from a first point at a first distance away from the support structure to a second point at a second distance away from the second support structure (not shown. 
     As a further example, the sleeve  602  may be configured to encapsulate the entire circumference of the bond wire  110 . In another example, the sleeve  602  may encapsulate a portion of the circumference of the bond wire  110 . For example, the sleeve  602  may be a half pipe shape providing support to the bottom of underside of the bond wire  110  but leaving exposed the top side of the bond wire  110  (e.g., similar to the U-shaped or V-shaped cross sectional shape described with respect to the support structure of  FIG. 2 ). 
     In one example, the sleeve  602  is 3D printed around the bond wire  110  after the bond wire is positioned. In another example, the sleeve may be pre-printed and configured to receive a wire prior to the wire being positioned and bonded. In one example, the sleeve  602  is formed of an electrically insulating material and thus may provide electrical isolation for the bond wire  110 . Although the semiconductor package  600  includes the support structure  118  and the second support structure  302  positioned at the ends of the bond wire  110 , the sleeve  602  may also encapsulate the bond wire  110  in alternative configurations. For example, the sleeve  602  may be configured as a stand-alone support, such that the sleeve  602  includes at least one support (not shown) disposed on the surface of the leadframe  108  between the first and second integrated circuit microchips  104  and  106  and/or on the surface of one or both microchips. 
     In another example, a semiconductor package  700  may include a support structure  702  configured to provide support on the side of a bond wire  110 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of an example support structure  800  having a notch  202  configured to receive and guide a bond wire  110  on the side  802  of the support structure. In particular, the notch  202  including side walls  204  angled towards the center valley  206  are disposed on the side  802  of the support structure  800  and configured to receive the bond wire  110  as the bond wire  110  comes into proximity of the side  802  of the support structure  800 . In one example, the support structure  800  may include a top cover or other additional material (not shown) to provide additional support and hold or retain the bond wire  110  into place once the bond wire  110  is in position inside the notch  202 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram depicting an example of a method  900  for assembling the semiconductor package  100  of  FIG. 1 . Although specific reference is made to the example semiconductor package  100  of  FIG. 1 , the example methods described may similarly be implemented for assembling other example semiconductor packages such as semiconductor packages  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700  and  800  illustrated in  FIGS. 3-8 , respectively. At  902 , the first integrated circuit microchip  104  and the second integrated circuit microchip  106  are attached to the leadframe  108 . 
     At  904 , the support structure  118  is manufactured. In one example, the support structure  118  is 3D printed from an epoxy or another polymer based material. In one example, manufacturing the support structure includes adding an adhesive to the bottom of the support structure. At  906 , the support structure  118  is attached to the first integrated circuit microchip  104 . The support structure  118  may be attached using an adhesive, for example. In one example, printing the support structure  118  includes printing the support structure  118  directly onto the first integrated circuit microchip  104 , thereby eliminating the step of attaching the support structure to the first integrated circuit microchip  104 . In another example, the support structure bonds to the surface where it is disposed according to the fabrication method being used. 
     At  908 , the first end  112  of the bond wire  110  is bonded to the first integrated circuit microchip  104 . At  910 , the bond wire  110  is positioned over top of the support structure  118  to form a desired profile. In one example, positioning the bond wire  110  includes placing the bond wire  110  into the notch  202  of the support structure  118 . In one example, positioning the bond wire  110  includes pulling the bond wire tight over the support structure  118  to remove slack. At  912 , the second end  114  of the bond wire  110  is bonded to the second integrated circuit chip  106 . In one example, the order of bonding the first and second ends  112  and  114  may be reversed. For example, the second end  114  of the bond wire  110  may be bonded to the second integrated circuit chip  106  first before positioning the bond wire  110  over the support structure  118  and finally bonding the first end  112  of the bond wire  110  to the first integrated circuit microchip  104 . In one example, additional support can be added above the bond wire  110  to secure or hold in the bond wire  110  to the support structure  118 . 
     At  914 , the assembly including the first and second integrated circuit microchips  104  and  106 , the leadframe  108 , the bond wire  110 , and the support structure  118  are encapsulated to form a semiconductor package (e.g., the package  100 ). The encapsulating may include, for example, encapsulating the components in plastic, or a ceramic casing. 
       FIG. 10  is a flow diagram depicting another example of a method  1000  for assembling the semiconductor package  100  of  FIG. 1 . At  1002 , a first IC microchip (e.g., first integrated circuit microchip  104 ) and the second IC chip (e.g., second integrated circuit microchip  104 ) are attached to a leadframe (e.g., leadframe  108 ). At  1004 , a first end of the bond wire (e.g., bond wire  110 ) is bonded to the first IC microchip. At  1006 , the second end (e.g., end  114 ) of the bond wire is bonded to the second integrated circuit chip  106 . In one example, the order of bonding the first and second ends may be reversed from that shown and described in  FIG. 10 . 
     At  1008 , the bond wire is configured to form a desired profile. Once the desired profile is achieved, at  1010 , a support structure (e.g., support structure  118 ) is printed or otherwise manufactured to support an intermediate portion the bond wire. For example, as disclosed herein, the support structure  118  retains the bond wire  110  in the desired profile position. At  1012 , the assembly including the first and second IC microchips, the leadframe, the bond wire, and the support structure are encased (e.g., encapsulated) to form the semiconductor package  100 . 
       FIG. 11  is a flow diagram depicting another example of a method  1100  for assembling a semiconductor package, such as the semiconductor package  100  of  FIG. 1 . At  1102 , a first semiconductor chip (e.g., first integrated circuit microchip  104 ) and a second semiconductor chip (e.g., second integrated circuit microchip  106 ) are provided, the first semiconductor chip including a support structure (e.g., support structure  118 ). In one example, the first semiconductor chip is manufactured to include the support structure such that a combination of the first semiconductor chip and the support structure are provided for assembly as a single item or unit (e.g., an integral, monolithic structure). In another example, the support structure is independently manufactured and then attached to the first semiconductor chip such that the combination of the first semiconductor chip  104  and the support structure  118  are provided for assembly as a single item or unit. At  1104 , the first IC microchip and the second integrated circuit chip  106  are attached to a leadframe (e.g., leadframe  108 ). At  1106 , a first end (e.g., end  112 ) of the bond wire is bonded to the first IC microchip. At  1108 , the bond wire is positioned over top of the support structure to form a desired profile for the bond wire. In one example, positioning the bond wire includes placing the bond wire into a notch (e.g., notch  202 ) of the support structure, such that an inner surface of the notch holds (e.g., engages) a portion of the bond wire. In an example, positioning the bond wire includes pulling the bond wire tight over the support structure to remove slack. At  1110 , the second end (e.g., end  114 ) of the bond wire is bonded to the second integrated circuit chip. In one example, the order of bonding the first and second ends (e.g., ends  112  and  114 ) may be reversed. For example, the second end  114  of the bond wire  110  may be bonded to the second integrated circuit chip  106  first before positioning the bond wire  110  over the support structure  118  and finally bonding the first end  112  of the bond wire  110  to the first integrated circuit microchip  104 . 
     At  1112 , the assembly including the first and second integrated circuit microchips  104  and  106 , the leadframe  108 , the bond wire  110 , and the support structure  118  are encased (e.g., via encapsulation) to form the semiconductor package  100 . 
     It should be appreciated that the methods  900 ,  1000 , and  1100  described above may be combined or repeated one or more times in order to assemble a semiconductor package with a more than 1 support structure. 
     Although the example methods described herein have been described as a series of steps, the series of steps in each method do not necessarily occur in the order described. For example, in practice, the order of the steps of the methods described herein may deviate from the order in which they have been described. Additionally, or alternatively, some actions may be omitted from the method. 
     In view of the foregoing, systems and methods disclosed herein provide for a 3D printed support structure that enables a bond wire to achieve and maintain a desired profile in a semiconductor package while also electrically isolating the bond wire. As a result, the 3D printed support structure helps to prevent undesired electrical effects from occurring. Additionally, the 3D printed support structure may allow for semiconductor designs that may otherwise not have been feasible due to the potential for bond wire shifting absent the support structure. Moreover, the 3D printed support structure may enable more efficient and faster packaging since undesired electrical effects and undesired wire shifting may become less of a concern. 
     What have been described above are examples. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of this application, including the appended claims. As used herein, the term “includes” means includes but not limited to, the term “including” means including but not limited to. The term “based on” means based at least in part on. Additionally, where the disclosure or claims recite “a,” “an,” “a first,” or “another” element, or the equivalent thereof, it should be interpreted to include one or more than one such element, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.