Apparatus and method for series connection of two die or chips in single electronics package

Abstract

An apparatus and method for a two semiconductor device package where the semiconductor devices are connected in electrical series. The first device is mounted P-side down on an electrically conductive substrate. Non-active area on the P side is isolated from the electrically conductive substrate. The second device is mounted P-side up at a spaced apart location on the substrate. Opposite sides of each are electrically connected to leads to complete the series connection of the two devices. A method of manufacturing such a package includes providing an electrically conductive lead frame, mounting one device P-side up and flipping the other device and mounting it P-side down on the lead frame with non-active area of the P side isolated from the lead frame, and connecting the other side of each device to separate leads. Isolation of the non-active area of the P side of the device can be through modification of the substrate or lead frame surface by grooves or raised portions. Alternatively, it can be by adding an electrically isolating coating on the non-active area of the P-side of a semiconductor device to allow it to be mounted P side down on an electrically conductive substrate or mounting location without modification to the substrate or lead frame.