CAMERA MODULE WITH MOLDED TAPE FLIP CHIP IMAGER MOUNT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

A novel design and method for manufacturing camera modules is disclosed. The camera module includes a flexible circuit substrate, an image capture device flip-chip mounted to the bottom surface of the flexible circuit substrate, a housing mounted over the top surface of the flexible circuit substrate, and a lens unit coupled to the housing. In an example embodiment, the camera module includes a stiffener formed directly over a plurality of electrical components mounted on the top surface of the flexible circuit substrate. In another example embodiment, the bottom surface of the flexible circuit substrate defines a recessed portion whereon the image capture device is flip-chip mounted. A disclosed method for manufacturing camera modules includes providing a flexible circuit tape having a plurality of discrete circuit regions, providing a plurality of image capture devices, flip-chip mounting each image capture device on an associate one of the discrete circuit regions, providing a plurality of housings, and mounting each housing on an associate one of the discrete circuit regions.