LEAD FRAME

A sheet metal framework etched to form an array of metal traces (leads). An IC is attached to the lead frame at the innermost portion of the leads, and the outermost portion of the leads is attached to the next level of the assembly. However, lead frames are the basis for molded carrier ring (MCR) and plastic quad flatpack (PQFP) components, while TAB frames are the basis for TAB components.