US Patent 7755179 Semiconductor package structure having enhanced thermal dissipation characteristics

In an exemplary embodiment, a packaged device having enhanced thermal dissipation characteristics includes a semiconductor chip having a major current carrying or heat generating electrode. The semiconductor chip is oriented so that the major current carrying electrode faces the top of the package or away from the next level of assembly. The packaged device further includes a conductive clip for coupling the major current carrying electrode to a next level of assembly, and a heat spreader device formed on or integral with the conductive clip. A portion of the heat spreader device may be optionally exposed.