One of the most cutting-edge packaging technologies to recently emerge in the electronics marketplace is the quad flat no leads (QFN)-type package. It serves as an alternative to the more costly laminate-based chip scale packages (CSP) the fine-pitch ball grid array (FBGA), the flex ball grid array (FxBGA) and micro BGA in portable applications, such as cellular handsets and PDAs. The QFN-type package is known for its small size, cost-effectiveness and good production yields.
QFN-type packages are performance and efficiency competitive with array packages including the FBGA because they to do not require ball grid array (BGA) substrates, and do not require expensive ball tooling. They are best used in low-lead count arrays. Leaded packages in the same form factors include small outline integrated circuits (SOIC) and thin shrink small outline packages (TSSOP). QFN-types include very fine pitch quad flat pack-no leads (VFQFP-N) and very very fine pitch quad flat pack-no leads (WFQFP-N).