A lead frame has a flag, a peripheral frame, and main tie bars coupling the flag to the peripheral frame. At least one cross tie bar extends between two of the main tie bars and an inner row of external connector pads extending from an inner side of the cross tie bar and an outer row of external connector pads extending from an outer side of the cross tie bar. Both an inner non-electrically conductive support bar and an outer non-electrically conductive support bar are attached across the two of the main tie bars. The inner non-electrically conductive support bar is attached to upper surfaces of the two of the main tie bars and to upper surfaces of the inner row of the external connector pads.