Dual gauge lead frame

Abstract

A dual gauge lead frame 36 is provided, including at least one mating surface 14 and a plurality of terminal arms 16 formed into a flat circuit surface 12 having a first gauge 32 . Each of the plurality of terminal arms 16 includes a fold over terminal arm portion 28 folded over and coined into a base terminal arm portion 26 to form a plurality of end posts 30 . The plurality of end posts 30 form a second gauge 34.

1 . A method of manufacturing a dual gauge lead frame comprising: 
 forming at least a pair of terminal arms and at least one mating surface into a flat circuit surface by stamping at least one pattern gap into said flat circuit surface, said pair of terminal arms and said mating surface formed from a first gauge;    folding a fold over portion of each of said pair of terminal arms back onto a base terminal portion to form a respective pair of end posts;    coining said end posts such that said fold over portions are secured to said base terminal portions, said end posts creating a second gauge; and    adjusting said second gauge during said coining.    
   
   
       2 . (Cancelled) A method of manufacturing a dual gauge lead frame as described in  claim 1 , wherein said forming a plurality of terminal arms and at least one mating surface comprises stamping a plurality of pattern gaps into said flat circuit surface.  
   
   
       3 . (Cancelled) A method of manufacturing a dual gauge lead frame as described in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 adjusting said second gauge during said coining.