Singulation of IC packages
A method of dividing a two dimensional array of encapsulated integrated circuits into individual integrated circuit packages uses a first series of parallel cuts ( 32 ) extending fully through the leadframe ( 16 ) and encapsulation layer ( 14 ), and defining rows of the array. The cuts terminate before the beginning and end of the rows such that the integrity of the array is maintained by edge portions ( 34 ) at the ends of the rows. After plating contact pads ( 18 ), a second series of parallel cuts ( 36 ) is made extending fully through the leadframe ( 16 ) and encapsulation layer ( 14 ). This separates the array into columns thereby providing singulation of packages between the edge portions ( 34 ).
1. A method of dividing a two dimensional array of encapsulated integrated circuits into individual integrated circuit packages, wherein the array comprises a leadframe and an encapsulation layer over the leadframe in which the integrated circuits are encapsulated, wherein the method comprises:
performing a first series of parallel cuts, the cuts extending fully through the leadframe and encapsulation layer, and defining rows of the array, wherein the cuts terminate before the beginning and end of the rows such that the integrity of the array is maintained by edge portions at the ends of the rows;
plating contact pads of the leadframe, and including contact pad edge regions formed by the first series of cuts; and
performing a second series of parallel cuts, angled with respect to the first series of parallel cuts, the cuts extending fully through the leadframe and encapsulation layer, and separating the array into columns thereby providing singulation of packages between the edge portions.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the leadframe comprises contact pads at the underside of the leadframe, opposite the encapsulation layer.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plating comprises tin.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the leadframe and encapsulation layer are provided over a tape, and the method comprises removal of the singulated packages from the tape.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein after the first series of parallel cuts, the leadframe provides electrical interconnection between all contact pads in each row and provides electrical interconnection between the contact pads of different rows by means of the edge portions.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each package comprises exactly one or two contact pads at one edge and exactly one or two contact pads at an opposite edge.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6 , wherein each package comprises exactly two or three contact pads.