Packages: Not Just for Christmas

When they look at an integrated circuit, most people do not realize that what they are looking at is simply the package that encapsulates the actual IC or “the brains.” Integrated circuit packaging is something that happens to parts before they ever leave the manufacturing facility meaning that most designers and engineers never see the raw IC itself. Although the encapsulated IC may be the portion that brings value to the overall product, the package has an incredibly large effect on many different aspects of performance. While different packages are promoted by different manufacturers along with their specific pros and cons, this article will discuss the packages in general and the different attributes to consider when making a selection.