U.S. patent application number 11/002945 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-02 for packages for image sensitive electronic devices.
Invention is credited to Bolken, Todd O., Cobbley, Chad A..
Application Number | 20050116355 11/002945 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29583697 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050116355 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bolken, Todd O. ; et
al. |
June 2, 2005 |
Packages for image sensitive electronic devices
Abstract
The invention provides methods for packaging for electronic
devices that are light or other radiation-sensitive, such as image
sensors including CCD or CMOS chips. In one embodiment of the
invention, an image sensor package is assembled by surrounding a
chip with a barrier of transfer mold compound and covering the chip
with a transparent lid. In another embodiment of the invention, the
perimeter area of a chip, including interconnections such as wire
bonds and bond pads, is encapsulated with a liquid dispensed epoxy,
and a transparent lid is attached. In yet another embodiment of the
invention, chip encapsulation is accomplished with a unitary shell
of entirely transparent material. In yet another embodiment of the
invention, a substrate-mounted chip and a transparent lid are
loaded into a transfer mold that holds them in optimal alignment.
The transfer mold is then filled with molding compound to
encapsulate the chip and interconnections, and to retain the
transparent lid.
Inventors: |
Bolken, Todd O.; (Star,
ID) ; Cobbley, Chad A.; (Boise, ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TRASK BRITT
P.O. BOX 2550
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84110
US
|
Family ID: |
29583697 |
Appl. No.: |
11/002945 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11002945 |
Dec 2, 2004 |
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10164077 |
Jun 4, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
257/780 ;
257/E27.131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 24/73 20130101;
H01L 2224/73265 20130101; H01L 2924/15311 20130101; Y10S 257/924
20130101; H01L 27/14683 20130101; H01L 2224/48091 20130101; H01L
2224/32145 20130101; H01L 2924/15311 20130101; H01L 2924/181
20130101; H01L 2224/48227 20130101; H01L 2224/32145 20130101; H01L
2224/48227 20130101; H01L 2924/00 20130101; H01L 2224/48227
20130101; H01L 2224/05599 20130101; H01L 2224/73265 20130101; H01L
2224/48227 20130101; H01L 2224/32145 20130101; H01L 2224/32225
20130101; H01L 2924/00012 20130101; H01L 2924/00014 20130101; H01L
2224/32145 20130101; H01L 2924/014 20130101; H01L 2224/73265
20130101; H01L 2924/16152 20130101; H01L 2225/06506 20130101; B33Y
80/00 20141201; H01L 2224/32225 20130101; H01L 2224/92 20130101;
H01L 2924/00014 20130101; H01L 2224/92247 20130101; H01L 2224/48145
20130101; H01L 27/14618 20130101; H01L 2924/00014 20130101; H01L
2924/01014 20130101; H01L 2224/92247 20130101; H01L 27/14625
20130101; H01L 2224/85399 20130101; H01L 2224/48227 20130101; H01L
2924/01013 20130101; H01L 2224/48091 20130101; H01L 2924/15174
20130101; H01L 2924/00014 20130101; H01L 2924/00014 20130101; H01L
24/48 20130101; H01L 2224/73265 20130101; H01L 2224/85399 20130101;
H01L 2924/00014 20130101; H01L 27/14603 20130101; H01L 2224/484
20130101; H01L 2224/73265 20130101; H01L 2924/181 20130101; H01L
2225/06555 20130101; H01L 2924/1815 20130101; H01L 23/293 20130101;
H01L 2224/8592 20130101; H01L 2224/05599 20130101; H01L 23/3128
20130101; H01L 31/0203 20130101; H01L 2224/92247 20130101; H01L
2224/92247 20130101; H01L 25/0657 20130101; H01L 2224/484 20130101;
H01L 2224/73265 20130101; H01L 2924/00014 20130101; H01L 2924/00011
20130101; H01L 2224/45099 20130101; H01L 2224/32225 20130101; H01L
2224/32225 20130101; H01L 2224/48227 20130101; H01L 2224/48145
20130101; H01L 2224/48145 20130101; H01L 2224/73265 20130101; H01L
2924/00014 20130101; H01L 2924/00 20130101; H01L 2924/00014
20130101; H01L 2224/32145 20130101; H01L 2224/73265 20130101; H01L
2224/05599 20130101; H01L 2924/00012 20130101; H01L 2924/00012
20130101; H01L 2924/00012 20130101; H01L 2224/45099 20130101; H01L
2224/48227 20130101; H01L 2224/32225 20130101; H01L 2924/00012
20130101; H01L 2924/00012 20130101; H01L 2924/00012 20130101; H01L
2224/48145 20130101; H01L 2224/73265 20130101; H01L 2924/00
20130101; H01L 2224/48227 20130101; H01L 2224/32145 20130101; H01L
2224/85399 20130101; H01L 2924/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
257/780 |
International
Class: |
H01L 023/48 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electronic device package comprising: a carrier substrate
having at least one conductive trace thereon, the at least one
conductive trace having a first end and a second end; an electronic
device sensitive to light or other radiation attached to a surface
of the carrier substrate; at least one electrical interconnection
between the electronic device and the first end of the at least one
conductive trace; a barrier attached to the surface of the carrier
substrate and forming a wall surrounding a central exposed area
that contains the electronic device and the at least one electrical
interconnection, wherein the barrier comprises a material that is
directly adhered to the surface of the carrier substrate; and a
transparent lid covering at least a portion of the electronic
device and the at least one electrical interconnection, the
transparent lid having substantially the same area and
configuration as the central exposed area.
2. The electronic device package according to claim 1, further
comprising: a ledge at an inner perimeter of the wall and
supporting the transparent lid.
3. The electronic device package according to claim 1, further
comprising: an activated adhesive material attaching the
transparent lid to the wall.
4. The electronic device package according to claim 1, wherein the
transparent lid comprises a transparent shell of a clear compound
that fills the central exposed area and contacts and encapsulates
the electronic device and the at least one electrical
interconnection.
5. The electronic device package according to claim 4 wherein a
surface of the transparent shell is shaped as a lens.
6. The electronic device package according to claim 1, wherein the
electronic device comprises an image sensor.
7. The electronic device package according to claim 1, wherein the
electronic device comprises a solid-state device comprising at
least one of a charge coupled device, a complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor and an erasable programmable read-only memory.
8. The electronic device package according to claim 7, wherein the
electronic device comprises a plurality of semiconductor
devices.
9. The electronic device package according to claim 1, wherein the
carrier substrate is made of a material comprising at least one of
plastic, FR-4 and BT.
10. The electronic device package according to claim 9, further
comprising: at least one discrete conductive element attached to
the second end of the at least one conductive trace of the carrier
substrate.
11. The electronic device package comprising: a carrier substrate
having at least one conductive trace thereon, the at least one
conductive trace having a first end and a second end; an electronic
device sensitive to light or other radiation attached to a surface
of the carrier substrate; at least one electrical interconnection
between a bond pad on the electronic device and the first end of
the at least one conductive trace; and a shell formed entirely of a
transparent material attached to the surface of the carrier
substrate, the shell enclosing the first end of the at least one
conductive trace, the at least one electrical interconnection and
the electronic device.
12. The electronic device package according to claim 11, wherein
the shell comprises a clear compound adhered to the carrier
substrate that contacts and encapsulates the first end of the at
least one conductive trace, the at least one electrical
interconnection and the electronic device.
13. The electronic device package according to claim 12, wherein a
surface of the shell is shaped as a lens.
14. The electronic device package according to claim 12, wherein
the clear compound is a material selected from a group consisting
of epoxy, polystyrene and silicon.
15. The electronic device package according to claim 12, wherein
the electronic device comprises an image sensor.
16. The electronic device package according to claim 12, wherein
the electronic device comprises a solid-state device selected from
a group consisting of a charge coupled device, a complementary
metal-oxide semiconductor and an erasable programmable read-only
memory.
17. The electronic device package according to claim 16, wherein
the electronic device further comprises a chip stack.
18. The electronic device package according to claim 12, wherein
the carrier substrate is made of a material selected from a group
consisting of plastic, FR-4 and BT.
19. The electronic device package according to claim 18, further
comprising: at least one discrete conductive element attached to
the second end of the at least one conductive trace of the carrier
substrate.
20. The electronic device package according to claim 18, wherein
the shell comprises a preformed shell adhesively attached to the
carrier substrate and having a cavity enclosing the first end of
the at least one conductive trace, the at least one electrical
interconnection and the electronic device.
21. An electronic device package comprising: a carrier substrate
having at least one conductive trace thereon, the at least one
conductive trace having a first end and a second end; an electronic
device sensitive to light or other radiation attached to a surface
of the carrier substrate; at least one electrical interconnection
between a bond pad on the electronic device and the first end of
the at least one conductive trace; a transparent lid covering a
surface of the electronic device, the transparent lid having edges;
and a layer of molding compound adhered to the carrier substrate,
the molding compound contacting and encapsulating the at least one
electrical interconnection, a perimeter of the electronic device
and the edges of the transparent lid.
22. The electronic device package according to claim 21, wherein
the electronic device comprises an image sensor.
23. The electronic device package according to claim 21, wherein
the electronic device comprises a solid-state device selected from
a group consisting of a charge coupled device, a complementary
metal-oxide semiconductor and an erasable programmable read-only
memory.
24. The electronic device package according to claim 23, wherein
the electronic device further comprises a chip stack.
25. The electronic device package according to claim 21, wherein
the carrier substrate is made of a material selected from a group
consisting of plastic, FR-4 and BT.
26. The electronic device package according to claim 25, further
comprising: at least one solder ball attached to the second end of
the at least one conductive trace of the carrier substrate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.
10/164,077, filed Jun. 4, 2002, pending.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to electronic
devices that are sensitive to light or other forms of radiation.
More particularly, the present invention relates to packages with
transparent coverings for enclosing image sensors and methods for
their assembly.
[0004] 2. State of the Art
[0005] Solid-state image sensors, for example, charge coupled
devices (CCDs) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)
chips, are increasingly in demand for use with electronic devices
such as digital cameras. Conventionally, these sensors have been
packaged for use by mounting them to a substrate and enclosing them
within a housing assembly. The housing assembly incorporates a
transparent lid to allow light or other forms of radiation to be
received by the sensor.. The lid may be a flat window or shaped as
a lens to provide optical properties. The substrate and housing are
often formed from a ceramic material, and the lid is glass or a
similar transparent substance attached to the housing by an
adhesive. Due to the materials and structure involved, this
packaging technique may be expensive and difficult to manufacture.
Further, growing desire for portable electronic devices that will
stand up to extreme environments raises concerns of durability and
size.
[0006] In order to better meet large-scale production requirements,
various methods have been developed in attempts to simplify the
construction of image sensors. Examples include U.S. Pat. No.
6,266,197 to Glenn et al., which discloses fabricating multiple
sensor housings at one time by molding window arrays. U.S. Pat. No.
6,072,232 to Li et al. discloses a plastic package with an embedded
frame for reducing material costs. U.S. Pat. No. 5,811,799 to Wu
discloses a simplified substrate that is a printed wiring frame
with a wall erected thereon. While these and other designs have
been of some benefit, they still involve a number of specialized
parts requiring multiple, sometimes precision, steps for assembly.
Issues concerning material costs and part complexity remain.
[0007] Accordingly, a need exists for improved image sensor
packaging that is simple to assemble and cost effective, while
being of durable and light construction.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, improved packages
for image sensors and methods for their assembly are disclosed.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to image sensor
chips or similar light or other radiation-sensitive electronic
components mounted on a carrier substrate. The chips are mounted to
the carrier substrate in a conventional manner with epoxy or a tape
lamination process and electrically connected to substrate
conductive elements with wire bonds or other suitable
interconnections. The chips are enclosed within a protective
barrier including a transparent covering which acts as a window or
lens. If desired, an array of chips may be mounted on a single
large substrate and the substrate later sectioned to form
individual image sensor packages. Once assembled, the image sensor
packages may be incorporated into electronic devices by attachment
with electrical connections on the carrier substrate. The materials
used are inexpensive while providing durable, lightweight and
simple construction.
[0009] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an image
sensor package is assembled by surrounding a chip with a barrier of
transfer mold compound such that the chip and its interconnections
are left exposed. This exposed area coincides with the outer
perimeter of a transparent lid. An adhesive of a known, suitable
type is applied to the perimeter of the lid, which is then
positioned at an optimum distance from the chip within the exposed
area. If the adhesive requires curing, the adhesive may be
activated to secure the lid to the barrier of mold compound.
[0010] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
perimeter area of a chip, including interconnections such as wire
bonds and bond pads, is encapsulated with a liquid dispensed epoxy
or other liquid dispensed nonconductive material. A transparent lid
placed on top of the chip is retained by adhesion with the epoxy
that encapsulates the chip perimeter. The lid may be placed
directly on the chip, or a gasket may be used, if necessary, to
prevent epoxy from seeping into the area beneath the lid due to
capillary action. Once the lid is attached, the assembly may be
further encapsulated by a transfer mold compound or a pot mold
compound for increased protection if desired.
[0011] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, chip
encapsulation is accomplished with a unitary shell of entirely
transparent material. The shell may be formed by molding a
transparent compound directly around the chip or by attaching a
preformed shell to the carrier substrate with an adhesive. The
clearness or transmissivity of the shell surface may be improved by
using a very smooth mold surface or by polishing the shell after it
is molded.
[0012] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a
substrate-mounted chip and a transparent lid are loaded into a mold
tooling element, such as a transfer mold configured to hold them in
optimal alignment. The transfer mold is then filled with molding
compound to encapsulate the chip and interconnections, and to
secure the transparent lid in place. A conformal film may be
disposed between the surface of the mold cavity and the transparent
lid to act as a gasket for controlling mold compound flash on the
surface of the transparent lid.
[0013] As a further variation, any of the above-described exemplary
package embodiments may be used with one or more electronic
components of a stacked multi-chip module (MCM). The chips are
mounted to a carrier substrate and to each other in a conventional
manner with epoxy or a tape lamination process. The chips are
electrically interconnected to each other and to the substrate
conductive elements with wire bonds or other suitable
interconnections.
[0014] Other and further features and advantages will be apparent
from the following descriptions of the various embodiments of the
present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
that the following are provided for illustrative and exemplary
purposes only, and that numerous combinations of the elements of
the various embodiments of the present invention are possible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In the drawings, which illustrate what is currently
considered to be the best mode for carrying out the invention:
[0016] FIGS. 1A-1E are schematic sectional side views showing an
exemplary method of formation of an image sensor package, wherein
encapsulation includes surrounding a chip with a barrier of
transfer mold compound and attaching a transparent lid to the
barrier with adhesive applied to the perimeter of the lid;
[0017] FIGS. 2A-2E are schematic sectional side views showing an
example of forming an image sensor package using the same method as
in FIGS. 1A-1E, except that the barrier of transfer mold compound
is formed on the carrier substrate prior to mounting the chip;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an alternative partial schematic sectional side
view of the image sensor package formed by the methods of FIGS.
1A-1E or FIGS. 2A-2E, wherein a ledge is formed on the inner
perimeter of the molded barrier to support the transparent lid;
[0019] FIGS. 4A-4F are schematic sectional side views showing an
exemplary method of forming an image sensor package, wherein
encapsulation includes covering the perimeter area of a chip,
including interconnections such as wire bonds and bond pads, with a
liquid dispensed epoxy;
[0020] FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic sectional view of the region
II of FIG. 4F showing a layer of molding compound covering the
epoxy and the perimeter area of the chip, and further retaining the
edges of a transparent lid;
[0021] FIGS. 6A-6D are schematic sectional side views showing an
exemplary method of forming an image sensor package, wherein
encapsulation includes covering a chip with a unitary shell of
entirely transparent material;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an alternative schematic sectional side view of
the image sensor package formed by the method of FIGS. 6A-6D,
wherein a preformed shell is used to cover the chip;
[0023] FIGS. 8A-8E are schematic sectional side views showing an
exemplary method of forming an image sensor package, wherein
encapsulation includes molding a chip and transparent lid together
within a transfer mold;
[0024] FIGS. 9A-9E are schematic sectional side views showing a
method of forming an image sensor package as in FIGS. 8A-8E,
wherein multiple electronic components in the form of a chip stack
are encapsulated; and
[0025] FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic sectional view of the
region IV of FIG. 9E showing a layer of molding compound covering
the perimeter area of the chip stack, and further retaining the
edges of the transparent lid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Generally, the present invention includes methods for
assembling packaged image sensors that include solid-state devices,
such as CCD or CMOS chips, to receive an image of reflected light
or other electromagnetic radiation from one or more objects. It
should be understood, however, that the packages and other methods
of the present invention would also work well for enclosing other
types of light or other radiation-sensitive electronic components
such as, for instance, erasable programmable read-only memory chips
(EPROM's).
[0027] Referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar
features and elements are identified by the same or similar
reference numerals, the various embodiments of the image sensor
packages are formed on a carrier substrate 2. Carrier substrate 2
includes conductive elements 1 (e.g., traces) having first ends
with terminal pads 5 for electrical connection with components,
such as a chip 4, on carrier substrate 2. Wire bonds 8 are shown as
the intermediate conductive elements that electrically connect bond
pads 5' of chip 4 and corresponding terminal pads 5 on the upper
surface of carrier substrate 2, but other suitable
interconnections, including flip-chip or conductive tape-automated
bonding (TAB) elements carried by a dielectric, polymetric film,
may be used when compatible with the structures of chip 4 and
carrier substrate 2. The second ends of the conductive elements 1
terminate in attachment pads 3 for connecting carrier substrate 2
to the surface of a larger assembly, such as a printed circuit
board. Carrier substrate 2 may be constructed of plastic, such as
thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics, which is less expensive
and lighter than the ceramic substrates typically used for image
sensors. Other common substrate materials such as FR-4 or BT would
be suitable as well.
[0028] Turning to FIGS. 1A through 3, a first embodiment of the
present invention is illustrated. An optical sensor in the form of
a chip 4 is mounted on carrier substrate 2 with an adhesive layer 6
formed of epoxy or provided by an adhesive-coated tape in a
lamination process as known in the art. Chip 4 is then electrically
connected to carrier substrate 2 by wire bonds 8. Next, a
protective barrier 10 is formed around the chip, such as by known
transfer molding, pot molding, or injection molding processes, by
photolithographic processes, by stereolithographic processes, or as
otherwise known in the art. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, molded
protective barrier 10 is in the shape of a wall surrounding a
central exposed area containing chip 4 and its interconnections,
including wire bonds 8. Once protective barrier 10 is formed, a
transparent lid 12, having substantially the same size as the outer
perimeter of the central exposed area, is lowered into the
protective barrier 10. Transparent lid 12 is positioned at a
distance from the chip 4 that provides optimal performance. For
instance, if transparent lid 12 is shaped as a lens in order to
possess certain desired optical characteristics, the transparent
lid may be located at a specific focal point to ensure optimal
image sensing. Positioning may be accomplished by contacting
electrical probes 14 to the attachment pads 3 on the lower surface
of the carrier substrate 2 to monitor for a desired sensor output
while lowering transparent lid 12 within protective barrier 10.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, if a set optimal distance for
placement of transparent lid 12 from chip 4 is known, a ledge 16
may be formed on the inner perimeter 11 of protective barrier 10 to
support transparent lid 12 at that distance. After transparent lid
12 has been located in the proper position, an adhesive coated on a
perimeter 13 of transparent lid 12 or at an appropriate location of
protective barrier 10 secures transparent lid 12 into place. The
adhesive may comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a so-called
"activated adhesive." The term "activated adhesive" refers to
materials that do not completely adhere or cure until acted upon by
a specific initiating agency. Examples include UV curing,
thermosetting or chemically activated epoxy. Chip 4, bond pads 5'
thereof, and the intermediate conductive elements (e.g., wire bonds
8) that are secured to terminal pads 5, are effectively sealed in
an area surrounded by protective barrier 10 and under transparent
lid 12.
[0029] Protective barrier 10 is constructed of for example, molding
compound or a similar encapsulant material formed onto carrier
substrate 2 using a transfer mold. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, under
certain circumstances it may be desirable to form protective
barrier 10 on carrier substrate 2 prior to mounting chip 4 to
carrier substrate 2. This may reduce possible contamination or
damage to chip 4 resulting from the process of forming protective
barrier 10. Further, it would allow the formation of protective
barrier 10 to be performed outside of a clean room environment
which might otherwise be required if chip 4, which is highly
sensitive to air-born contaminants, was already attached.
[0030] A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 4A-4F and 5. Image sensor chip 4 is mounted to carrier
substrate 2 and connected by wire bonds 8 in the same manner as
described above. A liquid epoxy 18 or other nonconductive adhesive
material is then dispensed around the perimeter 7 of chip 4 to
encapsulate wire bonds 8 and corresponding bond pads 5' on chip 4
and terminal pads 5 on carrier substrate 2. Transparent lid 12 is
placed over chip 4, and contact of transparent lid 12 with liquid
epoxy 18 that encapsulates the chip perimeter 7 provides an
adhesive interface to retain transparent lid 12 in position over
chip 4. The epoxy 18 is then cured to secure transparent lid 12 in
place. Transparent lid 12 may be placed directly against the
surface of chip 4, or a gasket 9 may be inserted between the two,
if desired, to prevent liquid epoxy 18 from seeping into the area
beneath transparent lid 12 due to capillary action. In the case
where transparent lid 12 is formed as a lens, gasket 9 may also
support transparent lid 12 at an optimal distance from chip 4, much
like ledge 16 in FIG. 3 of the previously described embodiment.
[0031] After attachment of transparent lid 12, the assembly is
suitable for use as an image sensor package without any further
encapsulation. In some cases, however, it may be desirable to
reinforce the assembly with additional material in the form of
molding compound. FIGS. 4E-4F show a layer 20 of molding compound
applied to the assembly using a transfer molding process, although
other known and suitable techniques (e.g., pot molding, injection
molding, photolithography, stereolithograpy, etc.) may be used to
form layer 20. As can be seen in FIG. 5, layer 20 covers epoxy 18
that encapsulates wire bonds 8 and the perimeter 7 of chip 4 and,
further, retains the position of transparent lid 12 relative to
chip 4.
[0032] FIGS. 6A-6D and 7 illustrate a third embodiment of the
present invention. Chip 4 is mounted and connected to carrier
substrate 2 as in the previously described embodiments. Next, a
shell 22, formed entirely of a transparent material, may be added
to the assembly for encapsulation of chip 4 and its associated
interconnections, which, in the example of FIGS. 6A-6D, are wire
bonds 8. The shell 22 may be formed by molding a transparent
compound directly around chip 4 or, as in FIG. 7, attaching a
preformed shell 22' to carrier substrate 2 with an adhesive.
[0033] In the case where shell 22 is formed directly around chip 4,
a clear compound will be molded onto carrier substrate 2. Clear
epoxy or other inexpensive resin-type materials, like polystyrene
and silicon, may be used for the clear compound so long as they
harden into a durable and highly transparent structure. Once
formed, shell 22 acts both as a protective encapsulant for chip 4
and its interconnections and as a transparent lid for image
sensing. An even, untextured surface improves the clearness or
transmissivity of shell 22, which is important for optimal image
sensing. This may be accomplished during the molding process by
using a mold cavity made with one or more very smooth surfaces
overlying the face of the chip 4. The mold cavity may also be used
to determine optical qualities by imparting lens shapes or focusing
surface features on the shell. Alternatively, the surface of shell
22 may be polished by known processes after molding to carrier
substrate 2. The option of molding shell 22 directly around chip 4
offers the advantage of securing all the connections within a
highly protective solid structure.
[0034] Turning to FIG. 7, when preformed shell 22' is used rather
than molding a shell 22 directly around chip 4, the shell may be
spaced apart from chip 4, forming a cavity 24 thereover, instead of
comprising a solid structure on the surface of chip 4. An adhesive
layer 26, such as epoxy or tape, may also be required for
attachment at the interface between preformed shell 22' and carrier
substrate 2. Enclosing chip 4 in this manner advantageously allows
preformed shell 22' to later be removed if repair or replacement of
parts in the image sensor package is necessary. If removal is not a
concern, after preformed shell 22' is attached, cavity 24 may be
filled in with a clear compound 25 like that used for molding so as
to strengthen the package.
[0035] Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 8A through 10. After mounting and connecting chip 4 to
carrier substrate 2, the assembly is loaded into a mold tooling 28.
Transparent lid 12 is also loaded into mold tooling 28 so that
transparent lid 12 and chip 4 are held into alignment and position
for proper image sensing. The cavity 29 of mold tooling 28 is then
filled with molding compound so as to create a layer 30 covering
the area around the perimeter 7 of chip 4 and to retain transparent
lid 12 while leaving its upper surface exposed. The encapsulation
for the image sensor package is thereby completed. In order to
prevent molding compound flash onto the top surface of transparent
lid 12 during the molding process, a conformal film 32 may be
applied between the interior surface of mold tooling 28 and
transparent lid 12. This produces a gasketing effect and prevents
molding compound intrusions.
[0036] FIG. 9A-9E shows a variation of the fourth embodiment of the
present invention, wherein multiple electronic components 4, 4', 4"
in the form of a multi-chip module 34 are enclosed within the
package. Components 4, 4', 4" may be mounted to carrier substrate 2
and to each other with epoxy or adhesive-coated tape 6, 6', 6", and
interconnected with wire bonds 8, 8', 8" or other suitable
interconnections. Of course, multi-chip module 34 may be comprised
of any number of components as long as the image sensor chip 4 is
on top of the chip stack or in a position to be clear of
obstruction. The encapsulation process then continues as previously
described, with carrier substrate 2 and attached multi-chip module
34 being loaded into mold tooling 28 for alignment and molding with
transparent lid 12. As can be seen in FIG. 10, layer 30
encapsulates the perimeter area and interconnections of multi-chip
module 34, and retains transparent lid 12. Although an example of
packaging multi-chip module 34 has been illustrated only in terms
of the present transfer mold tooling embodiment, it should be clear
that the first three encapsulating embodiments discussed above
would also work well for enclosing a multi-chip module 34.
[0037] In all of the embodiments, after the encapsulation step the
package may proceed through other conventional assembly steps. This
includes attachment of solder balls 36, or other discrete
conductive elements such as conductive or conductor-filled epoxy
pillars, columns or bumps, on the bottom of carrier substrate 2 to
form an easily mountable BGA package. Moreover, if the packaging
has been assembled as an array of chips attached to one large
substrate, it may be cut or otherwise divided into pieces that each
comprise a single image sensor package.
[0038] It is also within the scope of the present invention that
certain aspects of one of the described embodiments might be used
in the fabrication of another of the described embodiments. The
method of molding transparent shell 22 around image sensor chip 4
with clear compound, for instance, may be used for encapsulation in
other embodiments. In the first embodiment, rather than using
transparent lid 12 to cover the central exposed area of protective
barrier 10, a clear compound may simply be filled into the central
exposed area, with the upper surface of the clear compound being
formed into the desired window or lens shape. Further, in the
embodiments where transparent lid 12 is placed directly against the
sensing surface of chip 4, the focal point for image sensing is
constant and will be optimized based only on shaping when the form
of a lens is required. In any of those embodiments, a transparent
lid of clear compound directly molded onto chip 4 may be
advantageous.
[0039] All of the above-illustrated embodiments of the present
invention provide image sensor packages that are constructed of low
cost material and require simple methods of assembly. The packages
are also durable and lightweight, making them highly desirable for
use in increasingly demanding operating conditions. Although the
present invention has been depicted and described with respect to
the illustrated embodiments, various additions, deletions and
modifications are contemplated from its scope or essential
characteristics. Furthermore, while described in the context of
image sensor packaging, the invention has utility for packaging of
all components that are sensitive to light or other radiation and
require a transparent surface for exposure. The scope of the
invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather
than the foregoing description. All changes which come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced
within their scope.
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