Patent ID: 7132744

Claim:
A ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising: a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface, wherein said second surface includes an array of exposed contact pads and an exposed metal plane, wherein said first surface is configured to mount an integrated circuit (IC) die and wherein the array of exposed contact pads is arranged in a pattern that surrounds the exposed metal plane; a plurality of solder balls, wherein each of said plurality of solder balls is attached to a corresponding one of said exposed contact pads; and a rigid metal thermal connector that has a first surface coupled to said exposed metal plane, wherein a second surface of said thermal connector is configured to be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB) wherein said substrate has a central region having an area and location that corresponds to said exposed metal plane, wherein a first via density for vias throughout said area of said central region is greater than a second via density for vias outside of said central region.