A lead frame strip includes an array of sites arranged in at least one row connected to two exterior side rails which traverse the lead frame strip on two opposite sides. Each of the sites is further connected to the two exterior side rails by subrails which extend between the two exterior side rails. Interior side rails extend between the subrails having a length dimension oriented along a first direction. The interior side rails include at least one punch degating aperture having an aperture length oriented along the first direction, wherein a total of the aperture length along the interior side rails is greater than or equal to the die pad length.