MICRO SURFACE MOUNT DEVICE PACKAGING

A variety of improved approaches for packaging integrated circuits are described. In one described approach, a multiplicity of die cavities are formed in a plastic carrier. In some preferred embodiments, the die cavities are formed by laser ablation. A multiplicity of dice are placed on the carrier, with each die being placed in an associated die cavity. Each of the dice preferably has a multiplicity of I/O bumps formed thereon. An encapsulant is applied over the carrier to form an encapsulant layer that covers the dice and fills portions of the cavities that are not occupied by the dice. In some preferred embodiments, the encapsulant is an epoxy material applied by screen printing and the dice are not physically attached to the carrier prior to the application of the encapsulant. In these embodiments, the epoxy encapsulant serves to secure the dice to the carrier.