Patent Publication Number: US-2022216175-A1

Title: Systems and processes for increasing semiconductor device reliability

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/597,224, filed Oct. 9, 2019 now U.S. Pat. No. 11,289,441 issued Mar. 29, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The disclosure relates to systems for increasing semiconductor device reliability. The disclosure further relates to processes for increasing semiconductor device reliability. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Electrical components are typically supported on a structure having conductive tracks, pads, and other features. The electrical components are typically connected to the structure with leads. For example, the structure may be a printed circuit board (PCB) that mechanically supports and electrically connects the electrical components via the conductive tracks, the pads, and the other features. The electrical components are typically soldered onto the support structure through the leads to both electrically connect and mechanically fasten the electrical components to the support structure. 
     However, the electrical components and the support structure are often implemented in environments subjected to changes in temperature. Accordingly, the electrical components are often required to pass temperature cycle tests, thermal shock tests, and the like. In this regard, the thermal cycling of the electrical components and/or the support structure has been found to negatively impact the associated lead structure and its connections between the electrical components and the support structure. In particular, the thermal cycling of the electrical components and/or the support structure has been found to form defects such as cracks, fatigue features, fractures, delamination, and/or the like in the connection between the lead structure and a pad on which the lead structure is connected. 
     For example, it has been found that the leads connecting the electrical components and/or the support structure started showing cracks, fatigue features, fractures, delamination, and/or the like at a lead—solder interface during the temperature cycle tests. Moreover, the defects, such as delamination, became severely worse after 1000 cycles of the temperature cycle test. The electrical components and/or the support structure are required to pass temperature cycle tests, thermal shock tests, and the like. However, the above-noted defects at the lead—solder interface can result in the electrical components and/or the support structure failing such temperature cycle tests, thermal shock tests, and the like. Moreover, the above-noted defects at the lead—solder interface can result in the electrical components and/or the support structure subsequently resulting in a device failure, reducing the reliability thereof, and the like. For example,  FIG. 21  illustrates a device  1  having a lead  2  that connects to a pad  3  on a support structure  4 . Additionally, the lead  2  of the device  1  includes a pad  6  for connection of the lead  2  to an electrical component  7 .  FIG. 21  further illustrates that the device  1  has experienced a defect  8  in the form of a delamination. Likewise, Figure  22  further illustrates another device  1  that has experienced a defect  8  in the form of a crack. Similarly,  FIG. 23  further illustrates another device  1  that has experienced a defect  8  in the form of a crack. The above-noted defects such as cracks, fatigue features, fractures, delamination, and/or the like in the connection can typically have a direct impact on the reliability of the device, a system implementing the device, and the like. 
     Accordingly, what is needed are systems and processes to reduce the occurrence of cracks, fatigue features, fractures, and/or the delamination at a lead—solder interface in electrical components and/or a support structure. 
     The disclosure provides systems and processes to address at least one root cause of cracks, fatigue features, fractures, and/or the delamination at a lead—solder interface (failure mode). In particular, the at least one root cause of the failure mode has been found to be in part solder fatigue during a temperature excursion. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     One general aspect includes a system configured to increase a reliability of electrical connections in a device, the system including: a lead configured to electrically connect a pad of at least one support structure to a pad of at least one electrical component; the lead includes a first pad connection portion that includes a first upper surface; the first pad connection portion configured to connect the lead to the pad of the at least one support structure; the lead includes a second pad connection portion that includes a second upper surface; the second pad connection portion configured to connect the lead to the pad of the at least one electrical component; the lead includes an upper portion that includes a lower surface arranged on a lower surface thereof; the upper portion being arranged between the first pad connection portion and the second pad connection portion; where the lower surface of the upper portion is arranged vertically above the first upper surface of the first pad connection portion; and where the lower surface of the upper portion is arranged vertically above the second upper surface of the second pad connection portion. 
     One general aspect includes a process configured to increase a reliability of electrical connections in a device, the process including: forming a lead that is configured to electrically connect a pad of at least one support structure to a pad of at least one electrical component; providing the lead with a first pad connection portion that includes a first upper surface; configuring the first pad connection portion to connect the lead to the pad of the at least one support structure; providing the lead with a second pad connection portion that includes a second upper surface; configuring the second pad connection portion to connect the lead to the pad of the at least one electrical component; arranging the lead to include an upper portion that includes a lower surface arranged on a lower surface thereof; arranging the upper portion between the first pad connection portion and the second pad connection portion; arranging the lower surface of the upper portion to be vertically above the first upper surface of the first pad connection portion; and arranging the lower surface of the upper portion to be arranged vertically above the second upper surface of the second pad connection portion. 
     Additional features, advantages, and aspects of the disclosure may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the disclosure and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. No attempt is made to show structural details of the disclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure and the various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective side view of a system according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective side view of another system according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective side view of another system according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the system according to  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the system according to  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of the system according to  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of the system according to  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lead of  FIG. 4  along the lines V-V according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lead of  FIG. 4  along the lines V-V according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a graph showing possible degraded signaling performance in some implementations. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a top view of a system according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of the system according  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of the system according  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the system according  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of the system according to  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a top view of the system according to  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of the system according to  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a top view of the system according to  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a graph showing an improved signaling performance according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a process of implementing a system according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates an exemplary defect in a lead. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an exemplary defect in a lead. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates an exemplary defect in a lead. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The aspects of the disclosure and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting aspects and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one aspect may be employed with other aspects, as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the aspects of the disclosure. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the disclosure may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, the examples and aspects herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and in the different embodiments disclosed. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” or extending “onto” another element, it can be directly on or extend directly onto another element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or extending “directly onto” another element, there are no intervening elements present. Likewise, it will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being “over” or extending “over” another element, it can be directly over or extend directly over another element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly over” or extending “directly over” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to another element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
     Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective side view of a system according to aspects of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective side view of another system according to aspects of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective side view of another system according to aspects of the disclosure. 
     In particular,  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 3  illustrate a system  100  configured to increase a reliability for various components in a device  500 . The device  500  may include the system  100 , at least one support structure  200 , at least one electrical component  300 , and the like. In other aspects, the system  100  may include the device  500 , the at least one support structure  200 , the at least one electrical component  300 , and the like. 
     In particular, the system  100  may include at least one connection  104  between the at least one support structure  200  and the at least one electrical component  300 . In one aspect, the system  100  may increase the reliability of the at least one connection  104  as further described below. The at least one support structure  200  may include a pad  202 ; and the at least one electrical component  300  may include a pad  302 . The at least one connection  104  may be implemented by a lead  102  that electrically connects the pad  202  of the at least one support structure  200  to the pad  302  of the at least one electrical component  300 . The at least one connection  104  may transmit signals and/or power through the lead  102  between the at least one support structure  200  and the at least one electrical component  300 . 
     In one aspect, the lead  102  may include a stress relief feature  106 . In one aspect, the lead  102  may include the stress relief feature  106  that may in part increase the reliability of at least one connection  104  and/or the device  500 . 
     In one or more aspects, the lead  102  that includes the stress relief feature  106  may be implemented with various shapes. In this regard, the shapes may be defined as the cross-sectional shape as viewed in a plane containing the lead  102 , the pad  202 , and the pad  302 , and the plane being perpendicular to an upper surface of the at least one support structure  200  and/or the upper surface of the at least one electrical component  300 . The various shapes may include a generally curved shaped construction as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a generally triangular shaped construction as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a generally bow shaped construction as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , and the like. 
     The various shapes may also include an Aquiline shaped construction, a Bell-shaped curve construction, a Biconic shaped construction, a Bow curve shaped construction, a Bullet Nose shaped construction, a Cocked Hat curve shaped construction, a Bicorn shaped construction, a Serpentine shaped construction, an A-shaped construction (a shape that resembles the capital letter A), a D-shaped construction (a shape that resembles the capital letter D), a Circular sector shaped construction, a Circular segment shaped construction, a Crescent shaped construction, a Semicircle shaped construction, a polygonal shaped construction, a free-form shaped construction, and/or the like. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the system according to  FIG. 1 . 
     In particular,  FIG. 4  illustrates the details of the system  100 , the at least one support structure  200 , the at least one electrical component  300 , the device  500 , and the like. Moreover, although  FIG. 4  illustrates a particular shape of the lead  102 , the various other shapes of the lead  102  as described herein may also likewise include the various details of the system  100 , the at least one support structure  200 , the at least one electrical component  300 , the device  500 , and the like as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     In particular, the at least one support structure  200  may include an upper surface  204 . In one aspect, the pad  202  may be arranged on the upper surface  204 . In one aspect, the pad  202  may be arranged directly on the upper surface  204 . In one aspect, the pad  202  may be arranged in the upper surface  204 . In one aspect, the upper surface  204  of the at least one support structure  200  may be generally planar. In one aspect, an upper surface  206  of the pad  202  may be generally planar. On the pad  202 , a lead—solder interface  208  may be formed between the lead  102  and the pad  202 . In particular, the lead  102  may have a lower surface  114  and the lead—solder interface  208  may be formed between the lower surface  114  and the upper surface  206  of the pad  202 . 
       FIG. 4  further illustrates that the at least one electrical component  300  may include an upper surface  304 . In one aspect, the pad  302  may be arranged on the upper surface  304 . In one aspect, the pad  302  may be arranged directly on the upper surface  304 . In one aspect, the pad  302  may be arranged in the upper surface  304 . In one aspect, the upper surface  304  of the at least one electrical component  300  may be generally planar. In one aspect, an upper surface  306  of the pad  302  may be generally planar. On the pad  302 , a lead—solder interface  308  may be formed between the lead  102  and the pad  302 . In particular, the lead  102  may have a lower surface  124  and the lead—solder interface  308  may be formed between the lower surface  124  and the upper surface  306  of the pad  302 . 
     In one aspect, the lower surface  114  of the lead  102  may be located in a plane  152  and the lower surface  124  of the lead  102  may be located in a plane  150 . The plane  152  and the plane  150  may be vertically offset as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In one aspect, the lower surface  114  of the lead  102  may be located in the plane  152  and the lower surface  124  of the lead  102  may be located in the plane  150  and the plane  152  and the plane  150  may be vertically at the same vertical height (not shown). 
     In one aspect, the lead  102  may be formed of a metallic material. In one aspect, the lead  102  may be formed of a metallic material such as copper, a nickel-cobalt ferrous alloy, Kovar™, or the like. 
     In one aspect, the pad  202  arranged on the at least one support structure  200  may comprise a metallic material. In one aspect, the pad  202  arranged on the at least one support structure  200  may comprise a metallic material such as copper, gold, nickel, and the like, and combinations thereof. 
     In one aspect, the pad  302  arranged on the at least one electrical component  300  may comprise a metallic material. In one aspect, the pad  202  arranged on the at least one electrical component  300  may comprise a metallic material such as copper, gold, nickel, and the like, and combinations thereof. 
     In one aspect, the lead—solder interface  208  and/or the lead—solder interface  308  may include solder and/or be formed from solder. The solder may be any fusible metal alloy that may be used to form a bond between the lower surface  114  and the pad  202  and the lower surface  124  and the pad  302 . The solder may be a lead-free solder, a lead solder, or the like. The lead-free solder may contain tin, copper, silver, bismuth, indium, zinc, antimony, traces of other metals, and/or the like. The lead solder may contain lead, other metals such as tin, and/or the like. The solder may further include flux as needed. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the system according to  FIG. 4 . 
     In particular,  FIG. 5  further illustrates details of the lead  102 . In this regard, although  FIG. 5  illustrates a particular shape of the lead  102 , the various other shapes of the lead  102  as described herein may also likewise include the various details of the lead  102  as further described herein. 
     The lead  102  may include a pad connection portion  116 . The pad connection portion  116  may include the lower surface  114  arranged on the lower surface thereof. The pad connection portion  116  may further include an upper surface  118 . 
     In one aspect, the pad connection portion  116  may be generally flat. In one aspect, the upper surface  118  may be generally parallel to the plane  152 . In one aspect, the lower surface  114  may be within and generally parallel to the plane  152 . 
     The lead  102  may include a pad connection portion  126 . The pad connection portion  126  may include the lower surface  124  arranged on the lower surface thereof. The pad connection portion  126  may further include an upper surface  128 . 
     In one aspect, the pad connection portion  126  may be generally flat. In one aspect, the upper surface  128  may be generally flat. In one aspect, the upper surface  128  may be generally parallel to the plane  150 . In one aspect, the lower surface  124  may be generally flat. In one aspect, the lower surface  124  may be generally parallel to and within the plane  150 . 
     In one aspect, the plane  152  and the plane  150  may be vertically offset as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In one aspect, the plane  152  and the plane  150  may be vertically at the same vertical height (not shown). 
     The lead  102  may include an upper portion  130 . The upper portion  130  may include a lower surface  132  arranged on a lower surface thereof. The upper portion  130  may include an upper surface  134  arranged on the upper surface thereof. In one aspect, the upper portion  130  may be arranged between the pad connection portion  116  and the pad connection portion  126 . 
     The lead  102  may include a connection portion  140  that connects between the pad connection portion  116  and the upper portion  130 . The connection portion  140  may have an upper surface and a lower surface. In one aspect, the connection portion  140  may curve upwardly from the plane  152  from the pad connection portion  116  to connect to the upper portion  130 . 
     The lead  102  may include a connection portion  142  that connects between the pad connection portion  126  and the upper portion  130 . The connection portion  142  may have an upper surface and a lower surface. In one aspect, the connection portion  142  may curve upwardly from the plane  150  from the pad connection portion  126  to connect to the upper portion  130 . 
     In one aspect, the upper portion  130  may have a curved construction as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 . In one aspect, the upper portion  130  may have a curved construction extending between the connection portion  140  and the connection portion  142  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 . In one aspect, the upper portion  130  may have a curved convex construction as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 . 
     In one aspect, the upper portion  130  may have a curved triangular-shaped construction as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In one aspect, the upper portion  130  may have a curved triangular-shaped construction extending between the connection portion  140  and the connection portion  142  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In one aspect, the upper portion  130  may have a curved convex construction as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     In one aspect, the upper portion  130  may have a bow-shaped construction as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In one aspect, the upper portion  130  may have a curved bow-shaped construction extending between the connection portion  140  and the connection portion  142  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In one aspect, the upper portion  130  may have a curved convex construction as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     In one aspect, the connection portion  140  may have a curved construction. In one aspect, the connection portion  140  may have a curved construction extending between the pad connection portion  116  and the upper portion  130 . In one aspect, the connection portion  140  may have a concave curved construction. In one aspect, the connection portion  140  may have a concave curved construction extending between the pad connection portion  116  and the upper portion  130 . 
     In one aspect, the connection portion  142  may have a curved construction. In one aspect, the connection portion  142  may have a curved construction extending between the pad connection portion  126  and the upper portion  130 . In one aspect, the connection portion  142  may have a concave curved construction. In one aspect, the connection portion  142  may have a concave curved construction extending between the pad connection portion  116  and the upper portion  130 . 
     In one aspect, the lower surface  132  may be arranged vertically above the lower surface  114  with respect to the plane  152 . In one aspect, the lower surface  132  may be arranged vertically above the lower surface  124  with respect to the plane  150 . 
     In one aspect, the lower surface  132  may be arranged vertically above the lower surface  114  with respect to the plane  152  and the lower surface  132  may be arranged vertically above the lower surface  124  with respect to the plane  150 . 
     In one aspect, the lower surface  132  may be arranged vertically above the upper surface  118  with respect to the plane  152 . In one aspect, the lower surface  132  may be arranged vertically above the upper surface  128  with respect to the plane  150 . In one aspect, the lower surface  132  may be arranged vertically above the upper surface  118  with respect to the plane  152  and the lower surface  132  may be arranged vertically above the upper surface  128  with respect to the plane  150 . 
     In one aspect, portions of the connection portion  140  may be arranged vertically above the lower surface  114  with respect to the plane  152 . In one aspect, portions of the connection portion  142  may be arranged vertically above the lower surface  124  with respect to the plane  150 . In one aspect, portions of the connection portion  140  may be arranged vertically above the lower surface  114  with respect to the plane  152  and portions of the connection portion  142  may be arranged vertically above the lower surface  124  with respect to the plane  150 . 
     In one aspect, portions of the connection portion  140  may be arranged vertically above the upper surface  118  with respect to the plane  152 . In one aspect, portions of the connection portion  142  may be arranged vertically above the upper surface  128  with respect to the plane  150 . In one aspect, portions of the connection portion  140  may be arranged vertically above the upper surface  118  with respect to the plane  152  and portions of the connection portion  142  may be arranged vertically above the upper surface  128  with respect to the plane  150 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of the system according to  FIG. 4 . 
     In particular,  FIG. 6  further illustrates details of the lead  102 . In this regard, although  FIG. 6  illustrates a particular shape of the lead  102 , the various other shapes of the lead  102  as described herein may also likewise include the various details of the lead  102  as further described herein. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the lead  102  may include a first end portion  136  and a second end portion  146 . In one aspect, the first end portion  136  may form a terminating end of the lead  102  (left end of the lead  102 ); and the second end portion  146  may form a terminating end of the lead  102  (right end of the lead  102 ). A linear distance  162  from the first end portion  136  to the second end portion  146  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In other words, the linear distance  162  from the first end portion  136  to the second end portion  146  may be the dimensional linear distance from the first end portion  136  to the second end portion  146 . 
     A curved distance  160  from the first end portion  136  to the second end portion  146  is also illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The curved distance  160  includes a length of the pad connection portion  116 , a length of the connection portion  140 , a length of the upper portion  130 , a length of the connection portion  142 , and a length of the pad connection portion  126 . In other words, the curved distance  160  may be the length of the lead  102  if it was flattened. 
     In one aspect, the curved distance  160  of the lead  102  is greater than the linear distance  162 . In one aspect, the curved distance  160  of the lead  102  is 5% to 50% greater, 5% to 10% greater, 10% to 15% greater, 15% to 20% greater, 20% to 25% greater, 25% to 30% greater, 30% to 40% greater, 40% to 50% greater than the linear distance  162 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of the system according to  FIG. 4 . 
     In particular,  FIG. 7  further illustrates details of the lead  102 . In this regard, although  FIG. 7  illustrates a particular shape of the lead  102 , the various other shapes of the lead  102  as described herein may also likewise include the various details of the lead  102  as further described herein. 
       FIG. 7  further illustrates a vertical height  166  or thickness of the pad connection portion  116 . In one aspect, the vertical height  166  of the pad connection portion  116  may be defined as a distance from the plane  152  and/or the lower surface  114  to the upper surface  118  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 7  further illustrates a vertical height  164  of the upper surface  134  of the upper portion  130 . In one aspect, the vertical height  164  of the upper portion  130  may be defined as a distance from the plane  152  and/or the lower surface  114  to the upper surface  134  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     In one aspect, the vertical height  164  of the upper surface  134  of the upper portion  130  may be greater than the vertical height  166  of the pad connection portion  116 . 
     In one aspect, the vertical height  164  of the upper portion  130  may be 2 to 20 times greater, 2 to 4 times greater, 4 to 6 times greater, 6 to 8 times greater, 8 to 10 times greater, 10 to 12 times greater, 12 to 14 times greater, 14 to 16 times greater, 16 to 18 times greater, or 18 to 20 times greater than the vertical height  166  of the pad connection portion  116 . 
     In one aspect, the vertical height  164  of the upper portion  130  may be 2 to 20 times greater, 2 to 4 times greater, 4 to 6 times greater, 6 to 8 times greater, 8 to 10 times greater, 10 to 12 times greater, 12 to 14 times greater, 14 to 16 times greater, 16 to 18 times greater, or 18 to 20 times greater than the vertical height of the pad connection portion  126 . 
     In particular, the one or more aspects of the construction of the lead  102  described herein may allow the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  to flex during changes in temperature that may be associated with movement of the various components of the device  500  that may experience thermal excursion, thermal expansion, temperature changes, and/or the like reducing stress in the lead—solder interface  208  and/or the lead—solder interface  308 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lead of  FIG. 4  along the lines V-V according to aspects of the disclosure. 
     In particular,  FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lead  102  that forms the at least one connection  104 . The lead  102  may have a smaller and/or thinner construction in comparison to prior art leads and may further provide the functionality of the system  100  to increase reliability of the at least one connection  104  increase reliability of the lead—solder interface  208 , and/or increase reliability of the lead—solder interface  308 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the lead  102  may have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a generally square (not shown), and/or the like. In this regard, the lead  102  may have a width  108 , a height  110 , and an area  112 . One or more of the width  108 , the height  110 , and the area  112  may be less than prior art leads in order to further provide the functionality of the system  100  to increase reliability of the at least one connection  104 , increase reliability of the lead—solder interface  208 , and/or increase reliability of the lead—solder interface  308 . In particular, the smaller and/or thinner construction of the lead  102  may allow the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  to flex during changes in temperature that may be associated with movement of the various components of the device  500  that may experience thermal excursion, thermal expansion, temperature changes, and/or the like reducing stress in the lead—solder interface  208  and/or the lead—solder interface  308 . 
     In one aspect, the lead  102  may have a smaller and/or thinner construction along the entire length thereof. 
     In one aspect, the lead  102  may have a smaller and/or thinner construction along a portion of the entire length thereof. 
     In one aspect, the lead  102  may have a smaller and/or thinner construction in one of the pad connection portion  116 , the connection portion  140 , the upper portion  130 , the connection portion  142 , and/or the pad connection portion  126 . 
     In one aspect, the width 108 may be 5% to 50% less, 5% to 10% less, 10% to 15% less, 15% to 20% less, 20% to 30% less, 30% to 40% less, or 40% to 50% less than a width of a prior art lead. 
     In one aspect, the height  110  may be 5% to 50% less, 5% to 10% less, 10% to 15% less, 15% to 20% less, 20% to 30% less, 30% to 40% less, or 40% to 50% less than a height of a prior art lead. 
     In one aspect, the area  112  may be 5% to 50% less, 5% to 10% less, 10% to 15% less, 15% to 20% less, 20% to 30% less, 30% to 40% less, or 40% to 50% less than an area of a prior art lead. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lead of  FIG. 4  along the lines V-V according to aspects of the disclosure. 
     In particular,  FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lead  102  that forms the at least one connection  104 . The lead  102  may have a smaller and/or thinner construction in comparison to prior art leads in order to further provide the functionality of the system  100  to increase reliability of the at least one connection  104 , increase reliability of the lead—solder interface  208 , and/or increase reliability of the lead—solder interface  308 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the lead  102  may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape as illustrated in  FIG. 9  or a generally oval cross-sectional shape (not shown). In this regard, the lead  102  may have a width  108  (or diameter) and an area  112 . One or more of the width  108  and the area  112  may be less than prior art leads in order to further provide the functionality of the system  100  to increase reliability of the at least one connection  104 , increase reliability of the lead—solder interface  208 , and/or increase reliability of the lead—solder interface  308 . In particular, the smaller and/or thinner construction of the lead  102  may allow the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  to flex during changes in temperature that may be associated with movement of the various components of the device  500  that may experience thermal excursion, thermal expansion, temperature changes, and/or the like reducing stress in the lead—solder interface  208  and/or the lead—solder interface  308 . 
     In one aspect, the lead  102  may have a smaller and/or thinner construction along the entire length thereof. 
     In one aspect, the lead  102  may have a smaller and/or thinner construction along a portion of the entire length thereof. 
     In one aspect, the lead  102  may have a smaller and/or thinner construction in one of the pad connection portion  116 , the connection portion  140 , the upper portion  130 , the connection portion  142 , and/or the pad connection portion  126 . 
     In one aspect, the width  108  may be 5% to 50% less, 5% to 10% less, 10% to 15% less, 15% to 20% less, 20% to 30% less, 30% to 40% less, or 40% to 50% less than a width of a prior art lead. 
     In one aspect, the area  112  may be 5% to 50% less, 5% to 10% less, 10% to 15% less, 15% to 20% less, 20% to 30% less, 30% to 40% less, or 40% to 50% less than an area of a prior art lead. 
     The lead  102  may be formed with a forming tool. In one aspect, the forming tool may be a die. In one aspect, the forming tool may cut or shape the lead  102  using a press. The forming tool may include any one or more of a die block, a punch plate, a blank punch, a pierce punch, a stripper plate, a pilot, a guide, a back gauge, or finger stop, a setting block, blanking die, a pierce die, a shank, and/or the like. 
     In aspects, the stress relief feature  106  may include one or more of the lead  102 , the smaller and/or thinner construction of the lead  102 , the pad connection portion  116 , the connection portion  140 , the upper portion  130 , the connection portion  142 , the pad connection portion  126  and/or the like as disclosed herein. 
     In aspects, the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  may be configured to flex during changes in temperature that may be associated with movement of the various components of the device  500  that may experience thermal excursion, thermal expansion, temperature changes, and/or the like. 
     In aspects, the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  may be configured to reduce the stress in the lead—solder interface  208  and the lead—solder interface  308 . In aspects, the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  may be configured to reduce the stress in the lead—solder interface  208  and the lead—solder interface  308  during thermal excursions. 
     In aspects, the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  may be configured to reduce solder fatigue in the lead—solder interface  208  and the lead—soder interface  308 . In aspects, the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  may be configured to reduce solder fatigue in the lead—solder interface  208  and the lead—solder interface  308  during thermal excursions. 
     In aspects, the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  may be configured to reduce defects in the lead—solder interface  208  and the lead—solder interface  308 . In aspects, the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  may be configured to reduce defects in the lead—solder interface  208  and the lead—solder interface  308  during thermal excursions. The defects may include cracks, fatigue features, fractures, delamination, and/or the like. 
     Additionally, the system  100  implementing the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  reduces failure modes and defects such as cracks, fatigue features, fractures, delamination, and/or the like in the connection between one or more of the lead  102 , the lead—solder interface  208 , the lead—solder interface  308 , the pad  202 , the pad  302 , and the like. 
     Moreover, the system  100  implementing the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  ensures a greater number of the devices  500  passing thermal shock tests, temperature cycle tests, and/or the like. 
     In one or more aspects, the at least one support structure  200  may be configured to mechanically support and electrically connect the at least one electrical component  300  and other electronic components. In one or more aspects, the at least one support structure  200  may include conductive tracks, pads, the pad  202 , and other features. In one or more aspects, the at least one support structure  200  may be etched from one or more sheet layers of metallic materials, such as copper, that may be laminated onto and/or between sheet layers of a non-conductive substrate materials. The at least one electrical component  300  and the other electronic components may be generally soldered onto the at least one support structure  200  to both electrically connect and mechanically fasten the at least one electrical component  300  and other electronic components to the at least one support structure  200  with at least one of the lead  102  as disclosed herein. 
     The at least one support structure  200  may be single-sided (one metallic layer), double-sided (two metallic layers on both sides of one substrate layer), or multi-layer (outer and inner layers of copper, alternating with layers of substrate). The at least one support structure  200  may include separate conducting lines, tracks, circuit traces, pads for connections, vias to pass connections between layers of copper, and features such as solid conductive areas for EM shielding or other purposes. 
     The at least one support structure  200  may include conductors on different layers that may be connected with vias, which may be metallic plated holes, such as copper-plated holes, that may function as electrical tunnels through the insulating substrate. The at least one support structure  200  may include “Through hole” components that may be mounted by their wire leads passing through the at least one support structure  200  and soldered to traces on the other side. The at least one support structure  200  may include “Surface mount” components that may be attached by their leads, including at least one of the lead  102  as disclosed herein, to copper traces on the same side of the at least one support structure  200 . 
     In one aspect, the at least one support structure  200  may be a co-planar wave-guide (CPWG) that may be fabricated using printed circuit board technology. In this aspect, the at least one support structure  200  may include a conducting track printed onto a dielectric substrate, together with one or more return conductors, at least one to either side of the track. In this regard, the conductors may be on a same side of the substrate, and hence may be coplanar. 
     The at least one support structure  200  may be manufactured utilizing one or more manufacturing techniques including silk screen printing processes, photoengraving processes, print onto transparent film processes, photo mask processes, photo-sensitized board processes, laser resist ablation processes, milling processes, laser etching processes, and/or like processes. In one or more aspects, the at least one support structure  200  may be a printed circuit board (PCB). 
     The at least one electrical component  300  may include any electrical component for any application. In one aspect, the at least one electrical component  300  may be an RF (Radio Frequency) component. In one aspect, the at least one electrical component  300  may be a silicon-carbide Schottky diode, a MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor), a power module, a gate driver, and the like. In one aspect, the at least one electrical component  300  may be an RF (Radio Frequency) component such as a General-Purpose Broadband component, a Telecom component, a L-Band component, a S-Band component, a X-Band component, a C-Band component, a Ku-Band component, a Satellite Communications component, and the like. 
     In one aspect, the at least one electrical component  300  may be a high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT). In this regard, the HEMT may be Group III-Nitride based devices and such HEMTs are very promising candidates for high power Radio Frequency (RF) applications, for low frequency high power switching applications, as well as other applications. For example, the material properties of Group III-nitrides, such as GaN and its alloys, enable achievement of high voltage and high current, along with high RF gain and linearity for RF applications. A typical Group III-nitride HEMT relies on the formation of a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the interface between a higher band gap Group-III nitride (e.g., AlGaN) barrier layer and a lower band gap Group-III nitride material (e.g., GaN) buffer layer, where the smaller band gap material has a higher electron affinity. The 2DEG is an accumulation layer in the smaller band gap material and can contain a high electron concentration and high electron mobility. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a graph showing possible degraded signaling performance in some implementations. 
     In particular,  FIG. 10  illustrates a possible degraded signaling performance based on a bivariate fit of S11 (dB) by frequency (GHz). In particular implementations, the system  100  utilizing the lead  102  implementing a non-flat construction as described by the disclosure may in some implementations degrade signaling performance between the at least one support structure  200  and the at least one electrical component  300 . 
     In one aspect, the RF performance may be defined by scattering parameters or S-parameters that may describe an electrical behavior of the device  500 . The S-parameters may include gain, return loss, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), reflection coefficient, and/or the like. 
     For example, the system  100  utilizing the lead  102  as described by the disclosure may in some implementations degrade signaling performance between the at least one support structure  200  and the at least one electrical component  300  when the at least one electrical component  300  is implemented as a radiofrequency device. In this regard, the at least one electrical component  300  configured a radiofrequency device may be required to maintain a high radiofrequency (RF) performance at a required frequency range. For example, the RF performance directed to input return loss (S11) may be higher in some aspects utilizing the system  100  having the lead  102 . In this regard,  FIG. 10  illustrates that the POR (point of reference) bivariate fit of S11 (dB) by frequency (GHz) implementing a prior art flat lead may have lower S11 values (better) in comparison to the S11 values for the system  100  (for example in the frequency range of 10-10.5 GHz for some implementations). In other words, the system  100  may experience signaling degradation realized by the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  of the system  100 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a top view of a system according to aspects of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of the system according  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of the system according  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the system according  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of the system according to  FIG. 11 . 
     In particular,  FIG. 11  illustrates an element  600  implemented by the system  100 . The element  600  may be configured to alleviate signaling degradation realized by the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106  of the system  100 . In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic portion, a metallic component, a metallic pad, and/or the like (hereinafter metallic pad for brevity) arranged under the stress relief feature  106  and/or the lead  102 . In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is electrically connected to the pad  202 . In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is electrically isolated from the pad  202 . In one aspect, the element  600  may add a shunt capacitance, which counteracts an additional parasitic inductance caused by the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is on the pad  202 . In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is on the at least one support structure  200 . In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is partially directly on the at least one support structure  200 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is adjacent the pad  202 . In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is on the at least one support structure  200 . In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is directly on the at least one support structure  200 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is at least partially below the pad  202 . In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is on the at least one support structure  200 . In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is directly on the at least one support structure  200 . In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is partially within the at least one support structure  200 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is below the pad  202 . In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is on a lower side of the at least one support structure  200 . In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is directly on a lower side of the at least one support structure  200 . In one aspect, the element  600  may have a rectangular shape. In other aspects, the element  600  may have a polygonal shape, a freeform shape, a circular shape, or the like. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a top view of the system according to  FIG. 11 . 
     In particular,  FIG. 16  illustrates various exemplary dimensions of the element  600 . In particular, the element  600  may include a length  602 , a width  604 , and a thickness  606  (see  FIG. 12 ). The pad  202  may include a length  282 , a width  284 , and a thickness  286  (see  FIG. 12 ). 
     In one aspect, the length  602  of the element  600  is greater than the length  282  of the at least one support structure  200 . In one aspect, the length  602  of the element  600  is 100% to 1000%, 100% to 200%, 200% to 300%, 300% to 400%, 400% to 500%, 500% to 600%, 600% to 700%, 700% to 800%, or 900% to 1000% wider than the length  282  of the at least one support structure  200 . 
     In one aspect, a width  604  of the element  600  is less than the width  284  of the at least one support structure  200 . In one aspect, a width  604  of the element  600  is 10% to 600%, 10% to 100%, 100% to 200%, 200% to 300%, 300% to 400%, 400% to 500%, or 500% to 600% less than the width  284  of the at least one support structure  200 . 
     In one aspect, the thickness  606  of the element  600  is the same as the thickness  286  of the pad  202 . 
     In one aspect, the thickness  606  of the element  600  is less than the thickness  286  of the pad  202 . In one aspect, the thickness  606  of the element  600  is 10% to 300%, 10% to 50%, 50% to 100%, 100% to 200%, or 200% to 300% less than the thickness  286  of the pad  202 . 
     In one aspect, the thickness  606  of the element  600  is greater than the thickness  286  of the pad  202 . In one aspect, the thickness  606  of the element  600  is 10% to 300%, 10% to 50%, 50% to 100%, 100% to 200%, or 200% to 300% greater than the thickness  286  of the pad  202 . 
     In various aspects, the size of the element  600  size can be changed per a shape of the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106 , a location of the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106 , an RF device nature of the at least one electrical component  300 , and/or the like. 
     In this regard, a substantial number of RF performance issues may be solved by adding the element  600 . In various aspects, the element  600  improves the radio frequency performance. In various aspects, the element  600  improves the radio frequency performance including improving a return loss (S11). 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of the system according to  FIG. 11 . 
     In particular,  FIG. 17  illustrates the element  600  implemented by the system  100  as described herein. The element  600  being configured to alleviate signaling degradation realized by the lead  102  of the system  100 . Additionally, in certain aspects, it may be beneficial to implement the at least one support structure  200  to include a zone  170  that includes the element  600 . In particular, the zone  170  may be an area in the at least one support structure  200  that includes no additional features and/or a limited number of additional features. The additional features in the at least one support structure  200  may interfere with the element  600 . In one aspect, the additional features in the at least one support structure  200  may create a capacitance between ground and the element  600 . 
     In one aspect, the additional features of the at least one support structure  200  may include conducting lines, tracks, circuit traces, pads for connections, vias, and the like. Accordingly, in one or more aspects, the at least one support structure  200  may be implemented with the zone  170  that does not include any additional features and/or a limited number of additional features. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a top view of the system according to  FIG. 11 . 
     In particular,  FIG. 18  illustrates the element  600  implemented by the system  100  as described herein. The element  600  being configured to alleviate signaling degradation realized by the lead  102  of the system  100 . Additionally, in certain aspects, it may be beneficial to implement the at least one support structure  200  to include the zone  170  that includes the element  600 . In particular, the zone  170  may be an area in the at least one support structure  200  that includes no additional features and/or a limited number of additional features. The additional features in the at least one support structure  200  may interfere with the element  600 . In one aspect, the additional features in the at least one support structure  200  may create a capacitance between ground and the element  600 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the zone  170  does not include traces  262  and vias  260 . In particular, the zone  170  that includes the element  600  may not include any additional features such as the traces  262 , the vias  260 , and/or the like. 
     In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented in the at least one support structure  200  where the at least one support structure  200  is implemented as a Co-Planar Wave Guide (CPWG) PCB. In this regard, the element  600  may create a capacitance between ground and the element  600 . In this aspect, the capacitance may be addressed by stopping at least the vias  260  in the zone  170  within a location of the element  600  as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
     In certain aspects, the element  600  implemented in the at least one support structure  200  implemented as a CPWG PCB may maintain the benefits of a CPWGs that include a small size, low cost, ease of manufacturing, easy access to signal line, lower dispersion, and the like, while improving signal performance including return loss (S11). 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a graph showing an improved signaling performance according to aspects of the disclosure. 
     In particular,  FIG. 19  illustrates that the system  100  implementing the lead  102 , the stress relief feature  106 , the element  600 , the zone  170 , and the like provide commensurate signaling performance based on a bivariate fit of S11 (dB) by frequency (GHz) to that of implementations with a flat lead in particular implementations. 
     More specifically,  FIG. 19  illustrates a plot  900  that is a comparison of the lead  102  with tuning versus a flat lead without tuning. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the plot  900  demonstrates that even with implementation of the lead  102  having a bent configuration (the lead  102  with stress relief feature  106 ), the disclosed system may have performance equivalent to that of the flat lead without tuning. 
     With reference to  FIG. 19 , traces  904 ,  906  relate to a flat lead without tuning and traces  902 ,  908  relate to bent leads (lead  102  with stress relief feature  106 ) with tuning. In particular, the trace  908  is a gain of the device with the bent lead (lead  102  with stress relief feature  106 ) with tuning, the trace  902  is the return loss (how much signal is lost by reflection) of the device with the bent lead (lead  102  with stress relief feature  106 ) with tuning, the trace  906  is the gain of the device with a flat lead without tuning, and the trace  904  is the return loss of the device with a flat lead without tuning. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a process of implementing a system according to aspects of the disclosure. 
     In particular,  FIG. 20  illustrates a process for increasing semiconductor device reliability  800 . 
     As illustrated in box  802 , the lead  102  having the stress relief feature  106  may be formed. In one aspect, the lead  102  may be formed with a forming tool as described herein. 
     The lead  102  may be formed with various shapes of as described herein. The lead  102  may include a pad connection portion  116 . The pad connection portion  116  may include the lower surface  114  arranged on the lower surface thereof. The pad connection portion  116  may further include an upper surface  118 . The lead  102  may include a pad connection portion  126 . The pad connection portion  126  may include the lower surface  124  arranged on the lower surface thereof. The pad connection portion  126  may further include an upper surface  128 . The lead  102  may include an upper portion  130 . The upper portion  130  may include a lower surface  132  arranged on a lower surface thereof. The upper portion  130  may include an upper surface  134  arranged on the upper surface thereof. 
     The lead  102  may include a connection portion  140  that connects between the pad connection portion  116  and the upper portion  130 . The connection portion  140  may have an upper surface and a lower surface. 
     The lead  102  may include a connection portion  142  that connects between the pad connection portion  126  and the upper portion  130 . The connection portion  142  may have an upper surface and a lower surface. 
     The lead  102  may further include any and all features, configurations, arrangements, implementations, aspects and/or the like as described herein. 
     As illustrated in box  804 , the at least one support structure  200  may be provided. In one or more aspects, the at least one support structure  200  may be configured to mechanically support and electrically connect the at least one electrical component  300  and other electronic components. In one or more aspects, the at least one support structure  200  may include conductive tracks, pads, the pad  202 , and other features. The at least one support structure  200  may further include any and all features, configurations, arrangements, implementations, aspects and/or the like as described herein. 
     As illustrated in box  806 , a lead—solder interface  208  may be formed between the lead  102  and the pad  202  for attachment of the lead  102  to the pad  202  of the at least one support structure  200 . In particular, the lead  102  may have a lower surface  114  and the lead—solder interface  208  may be formed between the lower surface  114  and the upper surface  206  of the pad  202 . 
     The attachment of the lead  102  to the at least one support structure  200  may further include any and all features, configurations, arrangements, implementations, aspects and/or the like as described herein. 
     As illustrated in box  808 , the at least one electrical component  300  may be provided. The at least one electrical component  300  may include any electrical component for any application. In one aspect, the at least one electrical component  300  may be an RF (Radio Frequency) component. In one aspect, the at least one electrical component  300  may be a silicon-carbide Schottky diode, a MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor), a power module, a gate driver, and the like. In one aspect, the at least one electrical component  300  may be an RF (Radio Frequency) component such as a General-Purpose Broadband component, a Telecom component, a L-Band component, a S-Band component, a X-Band component, a C-Band component, a Ku-Band component, a Satellite Communications component, and the like. In one aspect, the at least one electrical component  300  may be a high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT). The at least one electrical component  300  may further include any and all features and aspects as described herein. 
     As illustrated in box  810 , a lead—solder interface  308  may be formed between the lead  102  and the pad  302  for attaching the lead  102  to the at least one electrical component  300 . In particular, the lead  102  may have a lower surface  124  and the lead—solder interface  308  may be formed between the lower surface  124  and the pad  302 . The attachment of the lead  102  to the at least one electrical component  300  may further include any and all features, configurations, arrangements, implementations, aspects and/or the like as described herein. 
     As illustrated in box  812  the zone  170  may be provided. In particular, the zone  170  may be an area in the at least one support structure  200  that includes no additional features and/or a limited number of additional features. 
     The zone  170  may further include any and all features, configurations, arrangements, implementations, aspects and/or the like as described herein. 
     As illustrated in box  814 , the element  600  may be provided. 
     In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is electrically connected to the pad  202 . In one aspect, the element  600  may be implemented with a metallic pad that is electrically isolated from the pad  202 . In one aspect, the element  600  may add a shunt capacitance, which counteracts an additional parasitic inductance caused by the lead  102  and/or the stress relief feature  106 . 
     The element  600  may further include any and all features, configurations, arrangements, implementations, aspects and/or the like as described herein. 
     Accordingly, the system  100  as disclosed including the lead  102 , the stress relief feature  106 , the element  600 , the zone  170 , and/or the like reduces the stress in the lead—solder interface  208  and the lead—solder interface  308 . 
     Additionally, the system  100  as disclosed including the lead  102 , the stress relief feature  106 , the element  600 , the zone  170 , and/or the like reduces solder fatigue in the lead—solder interface  208  and the lead—solder interface  308 . 
     Additionally, the system  100  as disclosed including the lead  102 , the stress relief feature  106 , the element  600 , the zone  170 , and/or the like reduces defects in the lead—solder interface  208  and the lead—solder interface  308 . 
     Additionally, the system  100  as disclosed including the lead  102 , the stress relief feature  106 , the element  600 , the zone  170 , and/or the like reduces failure modes and defects such as cracks, fatigue features, fractures, delamination, and/or the like in the connection between one or more of the lead  102 , the lead—solder interface  208 , the lead—solder interface  308 , the pad  202 , the pad  302 , and the like. 
     Additionally, the system  100  as disclosed including the lead  102 , the stress relief feature  106 , the element  600 , the zone  170 , and/or the like ensures a greater number of the devices  500  passing thermal shock tests, temperature cycle tests, and/or the like. 
     Moreover, the system  100  as disclosed including the lead  102 , the stress relief feature  106 , elements  600 , the zone  170 , and/or the like ensures signaling performance of the device  500  is maintained at a high level, is not substantially degraded, and the like. 
     While the disclosure has been described in terms of exemplary aspects, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. These examples given above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, aspects, applications or modifications of the disclosure.