Patent Publication Number: US-10325866-B2

Title: Electronic device packages with conformal EMI shielding and related methods

Description:
PRIORITY DATA 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/998,292, filed on Dec. 24, 2015, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,847,304, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate generally to electronic device packages. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is routinely used on electronic device packages with small form factors. EMI shielding is important when electronic components are positioned close together in order to reduce or prevent disturbances in operation. One mechanism for creating EMI shielding is with a conformal sputtering technique. In this case, the material of the EMI shield is sputtered or deposited on an exposed outer surface of the electronic device package to a desired thickness in order to create an EMI shield layer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Invention features and advantages will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, various invention embodiments; and, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an electronic device package in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic representation of a top view of the electronic device package of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a substrate with electronic components disposed thereon in accordance with an example of a method for making an electronic device package; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates positioning a mold chase to assist in encapsulating electronic components on a substrate in a mold compound in accordance with an example of a method for making an electronic device package; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates encapsulating a mold compound over electronic components on a substrate by molding the mold compound about the electronic components in accordance with an example of a method for making an electronic device package; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a substrate with electronic components thereon and a layer of mold compound encapsulating the electronic components following removal of a mold chase in accordance with an example of a method for making an electronic device package; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates dividing a substrate with a mold compound thereon between electronic components in order to separate the electronic components from one another into discrete packages in accordance with an example of a method for making an electronic device package; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates electronic device packages following separation from a common substrate in accordance with an example of a method for making an electronic device package; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates electronic device packages with an EMI material layer formed thereon in accordance with an example of a method for making an electronic device package; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an electronic device package with an EMI material layer formed thereon in accordance with another example; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a substrate with electronic components disposed thereon accordance with an example of a method for making an electronic device package; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a mold compound encapsulating electronic components on a substrate in accordance with an example of a method for making an electronic device package; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates dividing the substrate with a mold compound thereon between electronic components in order to separate the electronic components from one another into discrete packages in accordance with an example of a method for making an electronic device package; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates electronic device packages after separation in accordance with an example of a method for making an electronic device package; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates electronic device packages with an EMI layer formed thereon in accordance with an example of a method for making an electronic device package; and 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary computing system. 
     
    
    
     Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope or to specific invention embodiments is thereby intended. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Before invention embodiments are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that no limitation to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein is intended, but also includes equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element. Numbers provided in flow charts and processes are provided for clarity in illustrating steps and operations and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or sequence. Unless defined otherwise, all 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. 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a layer” includes a plurality of such layers. 
     In this disclosure, “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing” and “having” and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law and can mean “includes,” “including,” and the like, and are generally interpreted to be open ended terms. The terms “consisting of” or “consists of” are closed terms, and include only the components, structures, steps, or the like specifically listed in conjunction with such terms, as well as that which is in accordance with U.S. Patent law. “Consisting essentially of” or “consists essentially of” have the meaning generally ascribed to them by U.S. Patent law. In particular, such terms are generally closed terms, with the exception of allowing inclusion of additional items, materials, components, steps, or elements, that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics or function of the item(s) used in connection therewith. For example, trace elements present in a composition, but not affecting the composition&#39;s nature or characteristics would be permissible if present under the “consisting essentially of” language, even though not expressly recited in a list of items following such terminology. When using an open ended term in the specification, like “comprising” or “including,” it is understood that direct support should be afforded also to “consisting essentially of” language as well as “consisting of” language as if stated explicitly and vice versa. 
     The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Similarly, if a method is described herein as comprising a series of steps, the order of such steps as presented herein is not necessarily the only order in which such steps may be performed, and certain of the stated steps may possibly be omitted and/or certain other steps not described herein may possibly be added to the method. 
     The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectly connected in an electrical or nonelectrical manner. Objects described herein as being “adjacent to” each other may be in physical contact with each other, in close proximity to each other, or in the same general region or area as each other, as appropriate for the context in which the phrase is used. Occurrences of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in one aspect,” herein do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or aspect. 
     As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a composition that is “substantially free of” particles would either completely lack particles, or so nearly completely lack particles that the effect would be the same as if it completely lacked particles. In other words, a composition that is “substantially free of” an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item as long as there is no measurable effect thereof. 
     As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint. 
     As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. 
     Concentrations, amounts, sizes, and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually. 
     This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In this description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of layouts, distances, network examples, etc. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that many variations are possible without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, layouts, measurements, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail but are considered well within the scope of the disclosure. 
     EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     An initial overview of technology embodiments is provided below and specific technology embodiments are then described in further detail. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the technology more quickly but is not intended to identify key or essential features of the technology nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     EMI shielding layers are often created using a deposition technique, such as conformal sputtering. Such techniques typically have a slow deposition rate which can limit the overall throughput of the process. In addition, such processes are typically highly directional processes where the deposition rate onto the sides of an object can be significantly lower than the deposition rate onto the top of an object (e.g., the side deposition rate can be about 50% of the top deposition rate). As a result, an EMI shielding layer created by such a technique often has more material on a top surface than is needed for an effective EMI shield, thus wasting material and slowing throughput of the process. 
     Accordingly, electronic device packages are disclosed in which the difference in sputtering deposition between the top and sides of the package are reduced or minimized. In one example, an electronic device package can include a bottom surface and a side surface extending from the bottom surface. The side surface can be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the bottom surface. In another example, an electronic device package can include a top planar surface having a first area, a bottom planar surface having a second area, and a side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The second area can be larger than the first area. In yet another example, an electronic device package can include a substrate defining a plane, an electronic component disposed on the substrate, and a layer of material disposed about a lateral side of the electronic component. The layer of material can be oriented at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the plane. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary electronic device package  100  is illustrated. In general, the electronic device package  100  can include a substrate  110  and an electronic component  120  disposed on the substrate  110 , such as on a top surface  111  of the substrate  110 . The substrate  110  can include a grounding plane or trace  115  that can extend between lateral side surfaces  112 ,  113  of the substrate  110 . The electronic component  120  can be any electronic device or component that may be included in an electronic device package, such as a semiconductor device (e.g., a die, a chip, or a processor). 
     The electronic component  120  can be encapsulated, such as with a mold compound or material  130  (e.g., an epoxy), to protect the electronic component  120  as well as electrical traces (not shown) or other electrical features or connections. The mold compound  130  can envelope the electronic component  120  and overlay the top surface  111  of the substrate  110 . The mold compound  130  can have any suitable shape or configuration. For example, a top surface  131  and/or the side surfaces  132 ,  133  of the mold compound  130  can be planar surfaces, curved surfaces, etc. 
     From an exterior perspective, the electronic device package  100  can have a top surface  161 , side surfaces  162 ,  163 , and a bottom surface  164 . The side surfaces  162 ,  163  can extend from the bottom surface  164 , such as between the top surface  161  and the bottom surface  164 . The electronic device package  100  can also include a layer  140  of material disposed about one or more sides of the package. In one aspect, one or more of the surfaces  161 - 164  of the electronic device package  100  can be formed by the layer  140  of material. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the top surface  161  and the side surfaces  162 ,  163  can be formed by the layer  140  of material. Thus, as shown in the figure, portions of the layer  140  of material can be disposed about a top side  151  and/or one or more lateral sides  152 ,  153  of the electronic component  120 . Furthermore, a portion of the layer  140  of material can be disposed about a portion of the substrate  110 , such as about a lateral side of the substrate  110 . In one aspect, the layer  140  of material can be a continuous layer or a discontinuous layer. In another aspect, the layer  140  of material can be the same material on the top surface  161  as on the side surface  162  and/or the side surface  163 . Some portion of the substrate  110  can remain uncovered by the layer  140  of material, such as a bottom surface  114  of the substrate  110 . In this case, the bottom surface  114  of the substrate  110  can form the bottom surface  164  of the electronic device package  100 . 
     The layer  140  of material as a whole, or individual portions can be of any suitable shape or configuration. For example, the portion of the layer  140  of material disposed about the top side  151  of the electronic component  120  can be planar, as illustrated. Additionally, the portions of the layer  140  of material disposed about the lateral side  152  and/or the lateral side  153  can be planar. Typically, the layer  140  of material will have generally the same shape or configuration as the surfaces  131 - 133  of the underlying mold compound  130  and or the side surfaces  112 ,  113  of the substrate  110 . 
     In one aspect, the layer  140  of material can form at least a portion of an EMI shield for the electronic component  120 . For example, the layer  140  of material forming the top surface  161  and the side surfaces  162 ,  163  can form an EMI shield with the grounding plane or trace  115  included in the substrate  110 . Thus, at least a portion of the layer  140  can be formed of an electrically conductive material. When the layer  140  of material is configured to form an EMI shield, the mold compound  130  can be a dielectric or electrically insulating material disposed between the electronic component  120  and the layer  140  of material. Any suitable dielectric or insulating material can be utilized in the mold compound  130 . It should be recognized that the top surface  161 , the side surface  162 , and the side surface  163  can be formed at least in part by the layer  140  of material and configured individually or in any combination as an EMI shield. 
     In one aspect, the layer  140  of material can have a thickness  105   a  on the top surface  161  that is equal to, or substantially equal to, a thickness  105   b  on the at least one of the side surfaces  162 ,  163 . In another aspect, the thickness  105   b  of the layer  140  of material on the side surface  162 ,  163  can be within about 80% of the thickness  105   a  of the layer  140  of material on the top surface  161 . The thickness  105   a  and/or the thickness  105   b  of the layer  140  of material can be from about 0.5 μm to about 15 μm. In a particular aspect, thickness  105   a  and/or the thickness  105   b  can be from about 2 μm to about 5 μm. If the layer  140  of material is configured as an EMI shield, the thicknesses  105   a ,  105   b  can be increased if a less conductive material is used, such as for cost savings. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 1 , the substrate  110  can define a plane  116 , such as with the top surface  111  of the substrate  110 . The substrate  110  can also define a plane  117 , such as with the bottom surface  114  of the substrate  110 . In one aspect, at least a portion of the layer  140  of material can be oriented at an angle  102   a ,  102   b  of less than 90 degrees relative to the plane  116  and/or oriented at an angle  103   a ,  103   b  of less than 90 degrees relative to the plane  117 . Thus, each side surface  162 ,  163  can be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the bottom surface  164 . In another aspect, each side surface  162 ,  163  can be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle  104   a ,  104   b , respectively, relative to the top surface  161 . 
     In one aspect, the side surfaces  162 ,  163  can each have a first portion  166   a ,  167   a  extending from the bottom surface  164  and oriented at the angle  103   a ,  103   b  relative to the bottom surface  164 . The first portions  166   a ,  167   a  can be disposed about the lateral sides of the substrate  110 . In addition, the side surfaces  162 ,  163  can each have a second portion  166   b ,  167   b  extending from the top surface  161  and oriented at the angle  104   a ,  104   b  relative to the top surface  161 . The second portions  166   b ,  167   b  can be disposed on and/or about the lateral sides of the mold compound  130 . The angle  103   a  and the angle  104   a  can be equal or different from one another. Similarly, the angle  103   b  and the angle  104   b  can be equal or different from one another. Thus, the angles on the same side of the electronic device package  100  can be the same or different from one another. Furthermore, the angle  103   a  and the angle  103   b  can be equal or different from one another. In addition, the angle  104   a  and the angle  104   b  can be equal or different from one another. Thus, the angles on opposite sides of the electronic device package  100  can be the same or different from one another. 
     A component of the electronic device package  100  can include the top side  151  and the lateral side  152  and/or the lateral side  153  of the layer  140  of a conductive material, where one or both of the lateral side conductive layers is oriented at the non-perpendicular angle  104   a ,  104   b  relative to the top conductive layer. 
     In one aspect, schematically illustrated in the top view of  FIG. 2 , an area  168  of the bottom surface  164  can be larger than an area  169  of the top surface  161 . The top and bottom surfaces  161 ,  164  can be planar in this example, although other configurations are possible. Length  106   a  and width  107   a  dimensions of the bottom surface  164  can be greater than corresponding length  106   b  and width  107   b  dimensions of the top surface  161 . 
       FIGS. 3-9  illustrate an exemplary method or process for making an electronic device package, such as the electronic device package  100 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a substrate  109  with electronic components  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″ disposed on the substrate  109 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a mold chase  170 , which can be used to aid in encapsulating the electronic components  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″, in a mold compound, and  FIG. 5  illustrates encapsulating the electronic components  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″ in a mold compound  129  by molding the mold compound  129  about the electronic components  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″. Molding can include any suitable type of molding process, such as a transfer molding process and/or a compression molding process.  FIG. 5  shows mold compound portion  136  between the electronic components  120 ,  120 ′, and mold compound portion  137  between the electronic components  120 ′,  120 ″. It should be recognized that the mold chase  170  can be configured and positioned relative to the substrate  109  to minimize or prevent the formation of the mold compound portions  136 ,  137 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the side surface  132  about a lateral side of the electronic component  120  can be formed on the mold compound  129  such that the side surface  132  is oriented at the angle  102   a  relative to the plane  116  defined by the substrate  109  and/or the angle  103   a  relative to the plane  117  defined by the substrate  109 . The side surface  133  about a lateral side of the electronic component  120  can also be formed on the mold compound  129  such that the side surface  133  is oriented at the angle  102   b  relative to the plane  116  and/or the angle  103   b  relative to the plane  117 . In addition, the side surface  132  can be oriented at the angle  104   a  relative to the top surface  131  about a top side of the electronic component  120 . Similarly, the side surface  133  can be oriented at the angle  104   b  relative to the top surface  131 . The angles  102   a - b ,  103   a - b ,  104   a - b  are less than 90 degrees. Similar side surfaces can be formed in the mold compound  129  about the electronic components  120 ′,  120 ″. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates dividing the substrate  109  and the mold compound  129  between the electronic components  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″ in order to separate the electronic components from one another into discrete packages. The substrate  109  can be subdivided into substrates of individual packages, such as the substrate  110  (see  FIG. 8 ). Similarly, the mold compound  129  can be subdivided into mold compounds of individual packages, such as the mold compound  130  (see  FIG. 8 ).  FIG. 7  illustrates dividing the substrate  109  and the mold compound  129  by cutting, such as with a saw blade  180  (shown in two positions). Any suitable technique, including mechanical and chemical techniques, can be utilized to divide or separate the substrate  109  and/or the mold compound  129 , such as cutting (e.g., laser), sawing, shearing, milling, broaching, etching, etc. Due to formation of the side surfaces  132 ,  133  of the mold compound  130  by the mold chase  170  and the minimized size or absence of the mold compound portions  136 ,  137 , the thickness  106  of the material to be divided can be minimized, which can simplify and the process of forming individual packages. 
     Dividing the substrate  109  can form the side surfaces  112 ,  113  of the substrate  110 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . For example, the substrate  109  can be divided to form the side surface  112  of the substrate  110  oriented at the angle  102   a  relative to the plane  116  and/or the angle  103   a  relative to the plane  117 . Similarly, the substrate  109  can be divided to form the side surface  113  of the substrate  110  oriented at the angle  102   b  relative to the plane  116  and/or the angle  103   b  relative to the plane  117 . Similar side surfaces can be formed from the substrate  109  on subdivided substrates  110 ′,  110 ″. In this example, the angles of the side surfaces  112 ,  132  of the substrate  110  and the mold compound  130  relative to the plane  116  and/or the plane  117  are equal. In addition, the angles of the side surfaces  113 ,  133  of the substrate  110  and the mold compound  130  relative to the plane  116  and/or the plane  117  are equal. It should be recognized, however, that angles of substrate and mold compound side surfaces of can be different. The saw blade  180  can be beveled to provide the angled substrate side surfaces  112 ,  113 . 
     A component of the electronic device package  100  can include the top molded surface  131  and the side molded surface  132  and/or the side molded surface  133 , where one or both of the side molded surfaces is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the top molded surface. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the layer  140  of material can be formed on the surfaces  131 - 133  of the mold compound  130  to form the electronic device package  100 . 
     Portions of the layer  140  of material can be disposed about top and lateral sides of the electronic component  120 . In addition, a portion of the layer  140  of material can be formed on a surface of the substrate  110 , such as on the side surfaces  112 ,  113  of the substrate. The layer  140  can be formed by depositing material on the mold compound  130  and the substrate  110 . Material can be deposited in any suitable manner, such as by a sputtering process. 
     Typically, as shown in  FIG. 9 , material will be deposited in a direction perpendicular to the top surface  131  of the mold compound  130 , the top surface  111  of the substrate  110 , and/or the bottom surface  114  of the substrate  110 . It should be recognized that material can be deposited in any suitable direction relative to such features in order to deposit material in a direction that is non-parallel to the lateral side surfaces  132 ,  133  of the mold compound  130  and the side surfaces  112 ,  113  of the substrate  110 . In one aspect, the orientation of the lateral side surfaces  132 ,  133  of the mold compound  130  and the side surfaces  112 ,  113  of the substrate  110  can be configured based on the material deposition direction such that the side surfaces are oriented non-parallel to the deposition direction. The orientation of the top surface  131  of the mold compound  130  can be perpendicular to the deposition direction. 
     By configuring the angles of the side surfaces  112 ,  113 ,  132 ,  133  relative to the mold compound top surface  131 , the substrate top surface  111 , and/or the substrate bottom surface  114  in a manner that maximizes the angle between the side surfaces and the sputtering direction, the sputtering deposition rate onto the side surfaces can be increased, thereby improving process throughput speed and material usage efficiency. Increased deposition rate onto the side surfaces can reduce the disparity in layer  140  thickness between the top and side surfaces. Thus, layer  140  thickness uniformity can be maximized by minimizing a perpendicular orientation of the side surfaces  162 ,  163  relative to the top surface  161  of the electronic device package  100 . 
     The angles  102   a - b ,  103   a - b ,  104   a - b  can range from less than 90 degrees to greater than 0 degrees, limited only by practical considerations such as package size, which may be increased as these angles decrease thereby “widening” the package  100 . In one aspect, a portion of the lateral side surface  162 ,  163  can extend over or above a portion of the electronic component  120 , which can facilitate minimizing the angles  102   a - b ,  103   a - b ,  104   a - b  (e.g., minimizing the perpendicular orientation of the side surfaces  162 ,  163  relative to the top surface  161 ) while also minimizing the size of the package  100  for given angles  102   a - b ,  103   a - b ,  104   a - b.    
     In one aspect, the layer  140  of material can form an electromagnetic shield as discussed above. A component of the electronic device package  100  can include the layer  140  of material deposited on the top and side molded surfaces  131 - 133 . In one aspect, the layer  140  of material can provide electromagnetic interference shielding. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an electronic device package  200  in accordance with another example. The electronic device package  200  is similar in many respects to the electronic device package  100  discussed above. For example, the electronic device package  200  includes a substrate  210 , an electronic component  220 , a mold compound  230 , and a layer  240  of material, as discussed above. Thus, the electronic component  220  can be disposed on a top surface  211  of the substrate  210 , the mold compound  230  can encapsulate the electronic component  220 , and the layer  240  of material can form an EMI shield about the electronic component  220 , such with a grounding plane or trace  215  in the substrate  210 . 
     The electronic device package  200  can have a top surface  261 , side surfaces  262 ,  263 , and a bottom surface  264 . The side surfaces  262 ,  263  can extend from the bottom surface  264 , such as between the top surface  261  and the bottom surface  264 . The layer  240  of material can be disposed about one or more sides of the electronic device package  200 . In one aspect, one or more of the surfaces  261 - 264  of the electronic device package  200  can be formed by the layer  240  of material. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the top surface  261  and the side surfaces  262 ,  263  can be formed by the layer  240  of material. Thus, as shown in the figure, portions of the layer  240  of material can be disposed about a top side  251  and/or one or more lateral sides  252 ,  253  of the electronic component  220 . Furthermore, a portion of the layer  240  of material can be disposed about a portion of the substrate  210 , such as about a lateral side of the substrate  210 . A bottom surface  214  of the substrate  210  can form the bottom surface  264  of the electronic device package  200 . 
     In one aspect, the layer  240  of material can have a thickness  205   a  on the top surface  261  that is equal to a thickness  205   b  on the side surface  262 ,  263 . In another aspect, the thickness  205   b  of the layer  240  of material on the side surface  262 ,  263  can be within about 80% of the thickness  205   a  of the layer  240  of material on the top surface  261 . The thickness  205   a  and/or the thickness  205   b  of the layer  240  of material can be from about 0.5 μm to about 15 μm. In a particular aspect, thickness  205   a  and/or the thickness  205   b  can be from about 2 μm to about 5 μm. 
     The substrate  210  can define a plane  216 , such as with the top surface  211  of the substrate  210 . The substrate  210  can also define a plane  217 , such as with the bottom surface  214  of the substrate  210 . In one aspect, at least a portion of the layer  240  of material can be oriented at an angle  202   a ,  202   b  of less than 90 degrees relative to the plane  216  and/or oriented at an angle  203   a ,  203   b  of less than 90 degrees relative to the plane  217 . Thus, each side surface  262 ,  263  can be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the bottom surface  264 . In another aspect, each side surface  262 ,  263  can be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle  204   a ,  204   b , respectively, relative to the top surface  261 . The angle  202   a  and the angle  202   b  can be equal or different from one another. Similarly, the angle  203   a  and the angle  203   b  can be equal or different from one another. In addition, the angle  204   a  and the angle  204   b  can be equal or different from one another. Thus, the angles on opposite sides of the electronic device package  200  can be the same or different from one another. 
       FIGS. 11-15  illustrate a method for making an electronic device package, such as the electronic device package  200 .  FIG. 11  illustrates a substrate  209  with electronic components  220 ,  220 ′,  220 ″ disposed on the substrate  209 .  FIG. 12  illustrates encapsulating the electronic components  220 ,  220 ′,  220 ″ in a mold compound  229  by molding the mold compound  229  about the electronic components  220 ,  220 ′,  220 ″. Molding can include any suitable type of molding process, such as a transfer molding process and/or a compression molding process. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates dividing the substrate  209  and the mold compound  229  between the electronic components  220 ,  220 ′,  220 ″ in order to separate the electronic components from one another into discrete packages. The substrate  209  can be subdivided into substrates of individual packages, such as the substrate  210  (see  FIG. 14 ). Similarly, the mold compound  229  can be subdivided into mold compounds of individual packages, such as the mold compound  230  (see  FIG. 14 ).  FIG. 13  illustrates dividing the substrate  209  and the mold compound  229  by cutting, such as with a saw blade  280  (shown in two positions). Any suitable technique can be utilized to divide or separate the substrate  209  and/or the mold compound  229 , such as cutting (e.g., laser), sawing, shearing, milling, broaching, etc. 
     Dividing the substrate  209  can form the side surfaces  232 ,  223  of the mold compound  230  and the side surfaces  212 ,  213  of the substrate  210 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . For example, the mold compound  229  can be divided to form the side surface  232  of the mold compound  230  oriented at the angle  202   a  relative to the plane  216  and/or the angle  203   a  relative to the plane  217 . Similarly, the mold compound  229  can be divided to form the side surface  233  of the mold compound  230  oriented at the angle  202   b  relative to the plane  216  and/or the angle  203   b  relative to the plane  217 . The side surface  232  of the mold compound  230  can be oriented at the angle  204   a  relative to the top surface  231  of the mold compound  230 . Similarly, the side surface  233  of the mold compound  230  can be oriented at the angle  204   b  relative to the top surface  231  of the mold compound  230 . Similar side surfaces can be formed from the mold compound  229  about the electronic components  220 ′,  220 ″. Thus, the side surfaces  232 ,  233  can be formed by removing a portion of the mold compound material  229 . In addition, the substrate  209  can be divided to form the side surface  212  of the substrate  210  oriented at the angle  202   a  relative to the plane  216  and/or the angle  203   a  relative to the plane  217 . Similarly, the substrate  209  can be divided to form the side surface  213  of the substrate  210  oriented at the angle  202   b  relative to the plane  216  and/or the angle  203   b  relative to the plane  217 . The angles  202   a - b ,  203   a - b ,  204   a - b  are less than 90 degrees. Similar side surfaces can be formed from the substrate  209  on subdivided substrates  210 ′,  210 ″. The saw blade  280  can be beveled to provide the angled mold compound side surfaces  232 ,  233  and the angled substrate side surfaces  212 ,  213 . 
     A component of the electronic device package  200  can include the top mold compound surface  231  and the side mold compound surface  232  and/or the side mold compound surface  233 , where one or both of the side mold compound surfaces is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the top mold compound surface. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the layer  240  of material can be formed on the surfaces  231 - 233  of the mold compound  230  to form the electronic device package  200 . Portions of the layer  240  of material can be disposed about top and lateral sides of the electronic component  220 . In addition, a portion of the layer  240  of material can be formed on a surface of the substrate  210 , such as on the side surfaces  212 ,  213  of the substrate. The layer  240  can be formed by depositing material on the mold compound  230  and the substrate  210 . Material can be deposited in any suitable manner, such as by a sputtering process. 
     Material typically will be deposited in a direction perpendicular to the top surface  231  of the mold compound  230 , the top surface  211  of the substrate  210 , and/or the bottom surface  214  of the substrate  210 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . It should be recognized that material can be deposited in any suitable direction relative to such features in order to deposit material in a direction that is non-parallel to the lateral side surfaces  232 ,  233  of the mold compound  230  and the lateral side surfaces  212 ,  213  of the substrate  210 . In one aspect, the orientation of the lateral side surfaces  232 ,  233  of the mold compound  230  and the side surfaces  212 ,  213  of the substrate  210  can be configured based on the material deposition direction such that the side surfaces are oriented non-parallel to the deposition direction. The orientation of the top surface  231  of the mold compound  230  can be perpendicular to the deposition direction. 
     By configuring the angles of the side surfaces  212 ,  213 ,  232 ,  233  relative to the mold compound top surface  231 , the substrate top surface  211 , and/or the substrate bottom surface  214  in a manner that maximizes the angle between the side surfaces and the sputtering direction, the sputtering deposition rate onto the side surfaces can be increased, thereby improving process throughput speed and material usage efficiency. Increased deposition rate onto the side surfaces can reduce the disparity in layer  240  thickness between the top and side surfaces. Thus, layer  240  thickness uniformity can be maximized by minimizing a perpendicular orientation of the side surfaces  262 ,  263  relative to the top surface  261  of the electronic device package  200 . 
     The angles  202   a - b ,  203   a - b ,  204   a - b  can range from less than 90 to degrees to greater than 0 degrees, limited only by practical considerations such as package size, which may be increased as these angles decrease thereby “widening” the package  200 . In one aspect, a portion of the lateral side surface  262 ,  263  can extend over or above a portion of the electronic component  220 , which can facilitate minimizing the angles  202   a - b ,  203   a - b ,  204   a - b  (e.g., minimizing the perpendicular orientation of the side surfaces  262 ,  263  relative to the top surface  261 ) while also minimizing the size of the package  200  for given angles  202   a - b ,  203   a - b ,  204   a - b.    
       FIG. 16  illustrates an example computing system  301 . The computing system  301  can include an electronic device package  300  as disclosed herein, coupled to a motherboard  360 . In one aspect, the computing system  301  can also include a processor  381 , a memory device  382 , a radio  383 , a heat sink  384 , a port  385 , a slot, or any other suitable device or component, which can be operably coupled to the motherboard  360 . The computing system  301  can comprise any type of computing system, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a server, etc. 
     Examples 
     The following examples pertain to further embodiments. 
     In one example there is provided, an electronic device package comprising a bottom surface, and a side surface extending from the bottom surface, wherein the side surface is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the bottom surface. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the side surface is formed by a layer of material. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material forms an electromagnetic shield. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the electronic device package further comprises a top surface, wherein the side surface is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the top surface. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the top surface is formed by the layer of material. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material is a continuous layer. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material is a discontinuous layer. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material is the same material on the top surface as on the side surface. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, a thickness of the layer of material on the side surface is within about 80% of a thickness of the layer of material on the top surface. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material on the top surface and the side surface is equal in thickness. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material has a thickness of from about 0.5 μm to about 15 μm. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material of the top surface forms an electromagnetic shield. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the side surface comprises a first portion extending from the bottom surface and oriented at a first angle relative to the bottom surface, and a second portion extending from the top surface and oriented at a second angle relative to the top surface. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the first angle is equal to the second angle. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material of the second portion is disposed on a mold compound. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the first portion and the second portion of the side surface are located on a same side of the electronic device package. 
     In one example there is provided, an electronic device package comprising a top planar surface having a first area, a bottom planar surface having a second area, wherein the second area is larger than the first area, and a side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the side surface is formed by a layer of material. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material forms an electromagnetic shield. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the side surface is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the top planar surface. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the top planar surface is formed by the layer of material. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material is a continuous layer. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material is a discontinuous layer. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material is the same material on the top surface as on the side surface. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, a thickness of the layer of material on the side surface is within about 80% of a thickness of the layer of material on the top planar surface. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material on the top planar surface and the side surface is equal in thickness. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material has a thickness of from about 0.5 μm to about 15 μm. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material of the top planar surface forms an electromagnetic shield. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the side surface comprises a first portion extending from the bottom planar surface and oriented at the first angle relative to the bottom planar surface, and a second portion extending from the top planar surface and oriented at a second angle relative to the top planar surface. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the first angle is equal to the second angle. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material of the second portion is disposed on a mold compound. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the first portion and the second portion of the side surface are located on a same side of the electronic device package. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, length and width dimensions of the bottom planar surface are greater than corresponding length and width dimensions of the top planar surface. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the electronic device package comprises a substrate defining a plane, an electronic component disposed on the substrate, and a layer of material disposed about a lateral side of the electronic component, wherein the layer of material is oriented at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the plane. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material has a thickness of from about 0.5 μm to about 15 μm. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material forms an electromagnetic shield. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the electronic component comprises a semiconductor device. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the electronic device package comprises a mold compound disposed between the electronic component and the layer of material. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, a portion of the layer of material is disposed about a top side of the electronic component. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, a thickness of the layer of material on the lateral side is within about 80% of a thickness of the layer of material on the top side. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the layer of material on the top side and the lateral side is equal in thickness. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the portion of the layer of material disposed about the top side of the electronic component is planar. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, a portion of the layer of material is disposed about a portion of the substrate. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the portion of the layer of material is disposed about a lateral side of the substrate. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the portion of the layer of material disposed about the lateral side of the substrate is oriented at a second angle less than 90 degrees relative to the plane. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the first angle is equal to the second angle. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the substrate includes a ground plane. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the mold material envelops the electronic component. 
     In one example of an electronic device package, the mold material overlays a top surface of the substrate. 
     In one example there is provided a computing system comprising a motherboard, and an electronic device package operably coupled to the motherboard, the electronic device package including a bottom surface, and a side surface extending from the bottom surface, wherein the side surface is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the bottom surface. 
     In one example of a computing system, the computing system comprises a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, a server, or a combination thereof. 
     In one example of a computing system, the computing system further comprises a processor, a memory device, a heat sink, a radio, a slot, a port, or a combination thereof operably coupled to the motherboard. 
     In one example there is provided, a component of an electronic device package comprising a top molded surface, and a side molded surface, wherein the side molded surface is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the top molded surface. 
     In one example of a component of an electronic device package, the component of the electronic device package further comprises a layer deposited on the top and side molded surfaces. 
     In one example of a computing system, the layer provides electromagnetic interference shielding. 
     In one example there is provided, a component of an electronic device package comprising a top conductive layer, and a side conductive layer, wherein the side conductive layer is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the top conductive layer. 
     In one example of a component of an electronic device package, a thickness of the side conductive layer is within about 80% of a thickness of the top conductive layer. 
     In one example of a component of an electronic device package, the top conductive layer and the side conductive layer are equal in thickness. 
     In one example of a component of an electronic device package, each of the top conductive layer and the side conductive layer has a thickness of from about 0.5 μm to about 15 μm. 
     In one example of a component of an electronic device package, the side conductive layer comprises a first portion extending from the top conductive layer and oriented at the first angle, and a second portion extending from a bottom surface and oriented at a second angle relative to the bottom surface. 
     In one example of a component of an electronic device package, the first angle is equal to the second angle. 
     In one example of a component of an electronic device package, the first portion is disposed on a mold compound. 
     In one example of a component of an electronic device package, the first portion and the second portion of the side conductive layer are located on a same side of the electronic device package. 
     In one example there is provided, a method for making an electronic device package comprising disposing an electronic component on a substrate, the substrate defining a plane, encapsulating the electronic component in a mold compound, forming a side surface on the mold compound about a lateral side of the electronic component, such that the side surface is oriented at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the plane, and forming a layer of material on the surface of the mold compound. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, encapsulating the electronic component comprises molding the mold compound about the electronic component. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, molding comprises transfer molding. 
     In one embodiment, molding comprises compression molding. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, the electronic component comprises a plurality of electronic components. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, the side surface is formed by molding the mold material. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, the side surface is formed by removing a portion of the mold material. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, the electronic component is a plurality of electronic components and further comprising dividing the substrate between the electronic components in order to separate the plurality of electronic components from one another into discrete packages. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, dividing the substrate between electronic components is accomplished by sawing with a beveled saw blade and wherein the dividing forms a side surface of the substrate at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the plane. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, the angle of the substrate is equal to the angle of the side surface of the mold material. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, the electronic component is a plurality of electronic components and further comprising dividing the substrate between the electronic components in order to separate the plurality of electronic components from one another into discrete packages. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, dividing the substrate between electronic components is accomplished by sawing with a beveled saw blade and wherein the dividing forms the side surface of the mold compound. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, a portion of the layer of material is formed on the surface of the substrate. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, a portion of the layer of material is disposed about a top side of the electronic component. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, forming the layer of material comprises sputtering. 
     In one example of a method for making an electronic device package, the layer of material forms an electromagnetic shield. 
     In one example there is provided, a method of maximizing thickness uniformity of a layer deposited on a top and side surface of an electronic device package comprises minimizing a perpendicular orientation of the side surface relative to a top surface of the electronic device package, and depositing material on the top surface and the side surface. 
     In one example of a method of maximizing thickness uniformity of a layer, depositing material comprises sputtering. 
     In one example of a method of maximizing thickness uniformity of a layer, material is deposited in a direction perpendicular to the top surface. 
     In one example of a method of maximizing thickness uniformity of a layer, a method of making a computing system comprises obtaining a motherboard, obtaining an electronic device package including a bottom surface, and a side surface extending from the bottom surface, wherein the side surface is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the bottom surface, and coupling the electronic device package to the motherboard. 
     In one example of a method of maximizing thickness uniformity of a layer, the computing system comprises a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, a server, or a combination thereof. 
     In one example of a method of maximizing thickness uniformity of a layer, the method further comprises coupling a processor, a memory device, a heat sink, a radio, a slot, a port, or a combination thereof to the motherboard. 
     Circuitry used in electronic components or devices (e.g. a die) of an electronic device package can include hardware, firmware, program code, executable code, computer instructions, and/or software. Electronic components and devices can include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium which can be a computer readable storage medium that does not include signal. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers, the computing devices recited herein may include a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. Volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements may be a RAM, EPROM, flash drive, optical drive, magnetic hard drive, solid state drive, or other medium for storing electronic data. Node and wireless devices may also include a transceiver module, a counter module, a processing module, and/or a clock module or timer module. One or more programs that may implement or utilize any techniques described herein may use an application programming interface (API), reusable controls, and the like. Such programs may be implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) may be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardware implementations. 
     While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the specific embodiments in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without departing from the principles and concepts articulated herein.