Method for attaching an integrated circuit package to a circuit board

Abstract

A method for attaching an IC package to a circuit board, the IC package having a plurality of electrical contacts in an arrangement having a perimeter, first positions the IC package adjacent to the circuit board. Then, electrically connects the IC package to the circuit board through the plurality of electrical contacts. The method finally, disposes at least one anchor mechanically attaching the IC package to the circuit board, the anchor disposed at a location outside of the perimeter of the plurality of electrical contacts. The type, quantity, and exact geometry of the anchors depend on the specific design parameters of the IC package and circuit board.

1 . A method for attaching an integrated circuit (IC) package to a circuit board, the IC package having a plurality of electrical contacts, the plurality of electrical contacts being disposed on a major surface of the IC package in an arrangement having a perimeter, the method comprising: 
 positioning the IC package relative to the circuit board, such that the major surface of the IC package is adjacent to a major surface of the circuit board;    electrically connecting the IC package to the circuit board through the plurality of electrical contacts; and    attaching at least one metal strap directly to the IC package to mechanically attach the IC package to the circuit board;    wherein the metal strap does not provide an electrical contact between the IC package and the circuit board.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the metal strap is disposed at a location outside of the perimeter of the plurality of electrical contacts.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the major surface of the IC package has a rectangular shape, and the arrangement of the plurality of electrical contacts is a grid-like array.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein metal straps are disposed at four corners of the major surface of the IC package.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein metal straps are disposed along four edges of the major surface of the IC package.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 3  wherein metal straps are disposed on edges of the IC package.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the electrical contacts are solder balls.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the electrical contacts are pins.