Patent ID: 8746538

Claim:
A joining method for joining a semiconductor chip and a lead frame to each other, comprising the steps of: tentatively assembling a semiconductor chip and a lead frame, wherein the lead frame has an oval shaped slit and a supply port comprising a plurality of openings extending through the lead frame, the openings being respectively provided at both sides of the oval shaped slit, wherein a space is provided between the tentatively assembled semiconductor chip and lead frame; supplying a solid joining material, having a fixed, predetermined shape, through the plurality of openings and into the space between said tentatively assembled semiconductor chip and lead frame, such that the solid joining material engages the semiconductor chip; melting the solid joining material supplied in the space by introducing the tentatively assembled semiconductor chip and lead frame, having the solid joining material supplied in the space, into a reflow oven; and solidifying said melted joining material, whereby the semiconductor chip and the lead frame are joined by the solidified joining material.