Search results

1 – 10 of over 6000
Article
Publication date: 4 January 2016

Shanmugan Subramani and Mutharasu Devarajan

The purpose of this research is to study the effect of thickness and surface properties of ZnO solid thin film for heat dissipation application in LED. Heat dissipation in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study the effect of thickness and surface properties of ZnO solid thin film for heat dissipation application in LED. Heat dissipation in electronic packaging can be improved by applying a thermally conductive interface material (TIM) and hence the junction temperature will be maintained. ZnO is one of the oxide materials and used as a filler to increase the thermal conductivity of thermal paste. The thickness of these paste-type material cannot be controlled which restricts the heat flow from the LED junction to ambient. The controlled thickness is only possible by using a solid thin-film interface material.

Design/methodology/approach

Radio Frequency (RF)-sputtered ZnO thin film on Cu substrates were used as a heat sink for high-power LED and the thermal performance of various ZnO thin film thickness on changing total thermal resistance (R th-tot) and rise in junction temperature were tested. Thermal transient analysis was used to study the performance of the given LED. The influence of surface roughness profile was also tested on the LED performance.

Findings

The junction temperature was high (6.35°C) for 200 nm thickness of ZnO thin film boundary condition when compared with bare Cu substrates. Consecutively, low R th-tot values were noticed with the same boundary condition. The 600 nm thickness of ZnO thin film exhibited high R th-tot and interface resistance than the other thicknesses. Bond Line Thickness of the interface material was influenced on the interface thermal resistance which was decreased with increased BLT. Surface roughness parameter showed an immense effect on thermal transport, and hence, low R th (47.6 K/W) value was noticed with low film roughness (7 nm) as compared with bare Cu substrate (50.8 K/W) where the surface roughness was 20.5 nm.

Originality/value

Instead of using thermal paste, solid thin film ZnO is used as TIM and coated Cu substrates were used as a heat sink. The thickness can be controlled, and it is a new approach for reducing the BLT between the metal core printed circuit board and heat sink.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 33 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2023

Shanmugan Subramani and Mutharasu Devarajan

Polymer-based thermal interface materials (TIMs) are having pump out problem and could be resolved for reliable application. Solid-based interface materials have been suggested…

Abstract

Purpose

Polymer-based thermal interface materials (TIMs) are having pump out problem and could be resolved for reliable application. Solid-based interface materials have been suggested and reported. The purpose of this paper is suggesting thin film-based TIM to sustain the light-emiting diode (LED) performance and electronic device miniaturization.

Design/methodology/approach

Consequently, ZnO thin film at various thicknesses was prepared by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method and tested their thermal behaviour using thermal transient analysis as solid TIM for high-power LED.

Findings

Low value in total thermal resistance (Rth-tot) was observed for ZnO thin film boundary condition than bare Al boundary condition. The measured interface (ZnO thin film) resistance {(Rth-bhs) thermal resistance of the interface layer (thin film) placed between metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) board and Al substrates} was nearly equal to Ag paste boundary condition and showed low values for ZnO film prepared at 30 min process time measured at 700 mA. The TJ value of LED mounted on ZnO thin film (prepared at 30 min.) coated Al substrates was measured to be 74.8°C. High value in junction temperature difference (ΔTJ) of about 4.7°C was noticed with 30 min processed ZnO thin film when compared with Al boundary condition. Low correlated colour temperature and high luminous flux values of tested LED were also observed with ZnO thin film boundary condition (processed at 30 min) compared with both Al substrate and Ag paste boundary condition.

Originality/value

Overall, 30 min CVD processed ZnO thin film would be an alternative for commercial TIM to achieve efficient thermal management. This will increase the life span of the LED as the proposed material decreases the TJ values.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 41 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 March 2021

Muna E. Raypah, Mutharasu Devarajan and Shahrom Mahmud

One major problem in the lighting industry is the thermal management of the devices. Handling of thermal resistance from solder point to the ambiance of the light-emitting diode…

Abstract

Purpose

One major problem in the lighting industry is the thermal management of the devices. Handling of thermal resistance from solder point to the ambiance of the light-emitting diode (LED) package is linked to the external thermal management that includes a selection of the cooling mode, design of heatsink/substrate and thermal interface material (TIM). Among the significant factors that increase the light output of the of the LED system are efficient substrate and TIM. In this work, the influence of TIM on the luminous flux performance of commercial indium gallium aluminium phosphide (InGaAlP) low-power (LP) LEDs was investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

One batch of LEDs was mounted directly onto substrates which were glass-reinforced epoxy (FR4) and aluminium-based metal-core printed circuit boards (MCPCBs) with a dielectric layer of different thermal conductivities. Another batch of LEDs was prepared in a similar way, but a layer of TIM was embedded between the LED package and substrate. The TIMs were thermally conductive epoxy (TCE) and thermally conductive adhesive (TCA). The LED parameters were measured by using the integrated system of thermal transient tester (T3Ster) and thermal-radiometric characterization of LEDs at various input currents.

Findings

With the employment of TIM, the authors found that the LED’s maximum luminous flux was significantly higher than the value mentioned in the LED datasheet, and that a significant reduction in thermal resistance and junction temperature was revealed. The results showed that for a system with low thermal resistance, the maximum luminous flux appeared to occur at a higher power level. It was found that the maximum luminous flux was 24.10, 28.40 and 36.00 lm for the LEDs mounted on the FR4 and two MCPCBs, respectively. After TCA application on the LEDs, the maximum luminous flux values were 32.70, 36.60 and 37.60 lm for the FR4 and MCPCBs, respectively. Moreover, the findings demonstrated that the performance of the LED mounted on the FR4 substrate was more affected by the employment of the TIM than that of MCPCBs.

Research limitations/implications

One of the major problems in the lighting industry is the thermal management of the device. In many low-power LED applications, the air gap between the two solder pads is not filled up. Heat flow is restricted by the air gap leading to thermal build-up and higher thermal resistance resulting in lower maximum luminous flux. Among the significant factors that increase the light output of the LED system are efficient substrate and TIM.

Practical implications

The findings in this work can be used as a method to improve thermal management of LP LEDs by applying thermal interface materials that can offer more efficient and brighter LP LEDs. Using aluminium-based substrates can also offer similar benefits.

Social implications

Users of LP LEDs can benefit from the findings in this work. Brighter automotive lighting (signalling and backlighting) can be achieved, and better automotive lighting can offer better safety for the people on the street, especially during raining and foggy weather. User can also use a lower LED power rating to achieve similar brightness level with LED with higher power rating.

Originality/value

Better thermal management of commercial LP LEDs was achieved with the employment of thermal interface materials resulting in lower thermal resistance, lower junction temperature and brighter LEDs.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 October 2022

Marcin Myśliwiec, Ryszard Kisiel and Mirosław J. Kruszewski

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test the thermal interface materials (TIM) for application in assembly of semiconductor chips to package. Good adhesion properties…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test the thermal interface materials (TIM) for application in assembly of semiconductor chips to package. Good adhesion properties (>5 MPa shear strength) and low thermal interface resistance (better than for SAC solders) are the goal of this research.

Design/methodology/approach

Mechanical and thermal properties of TIM joints between gold plated contacts of chip and substrate were investigated. Sintering technique based on Ag pastes was applied for purpose of this study. Performance properties were assessed by shear force tests and thermal measurements. Scanning electron microscopy was used for microstructural observations of cross-section of formed joints.

Findings

It was concluded that the best properties are achieved for pastes containing spherical Ag particles of dozens of micrometer size with flake shaped Ag particles of few micrometers size. Sintering temperature at 230°C and application of 1 MPa force on the chip during sintering gave the higher adhesion and the lowest thermal interface resistance.

Originality/value

The new material based on Ag paste containing mixtures of Ag particles of different size (form nanometer to dozens of microns) and shape (spherical, flake) suspended in resin was proposed. Joints prepared using sintering technique and Ag pastes at 230°C with applied pressure shows better mechanical and thermal than other TIM materials such as thermal grease, thermal gel or thermally conductive adhesive. Those material could enable electronic device operation at temperatures above 200°C, currently unavailable for Si-based power electronics.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Muna E. Raypah, Mutharasu Devarajan and Fauziah Sulaiman

Proper thermal management is a key to improve the efficiency and reliability of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This paper aims to report the influence of applying thermally…

Abstract

Purpose

Proper thermal management is a key to improve the efficiency and reliability of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This paper aims to report the influence of applying thermally conductive materials on thermal performance of indium gallium aluminum phosphide (InGaAlP)-based thin-film surface-mounted device (SMD) LED.

Design/methodology/approach

The LED thermal and optical parameters were determined using the combination of thermal transient tester (T3Ster) and thermal and radiometric characterization of power LEDs (TeraLED) instruments. The LED was mounted on FR4, 2W and 5W aluminum (Al) package substrates. Measurements were carried out by setting different boundary conditions: air between LED package and substrate and using thermally conductive epoxy (TIM A) and adhesive (TIM B) of thermal conductivity 1.67 and 1.78 W/mK, respectively.

Findings

For LED mounted on FR4 package, the total real thermal resistance is improved because of TIM B by 6 and 9 per cent at 50 and 100 mA, respectively. Likewise, the relative decrease in total thermal resistance of LED on 2W Al package is about 9 and 11 per cent. As well, for LED mounted on 5W Al package, the total real thermal resistance is reduced by 2 and 4 per cent.

Originality/value

No much work can be found in the literature on thermal interface material effects on thermal performance of low-power SMD LED. This work can assist in thermal management of low-power LEDs.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2013

Hao Rong, Baoming Wang, Wei‐Qing Lin, Lichao Sun, Jin‐Cheng Zheng and Miao Lu

The purpose of this paper is to report a simple, room temperature approach to assemble dense, vertically aligned single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) between a chip and its…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a simple, room temperature approach to assemble dense, vertically aligned single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) between a chip and its substrate acting as a kind of thermal interface material by virtue of better mechanical and thermal properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Two silicon chips, with shallow trenches about 2 μm deep on the surface, were pressed together face to face with the trench direction perpendicular to each other. SWNT aqueous solution was driven into the gap between the two chips by capillary force. Later, the sample was baked to remove the moisture completely.

Findings

SWNTs beams were found to be assembled in the gap and have their two ends bonding with the interface of the two chips, respectively. The shear strength of the two chips was measured, and the thermal conductivity of the stacked chip‐SWNTs‐chip was tested using a laser flash method. In result, shear strength up to about 100 kPa, and an average thermal conductivity of 19.3 W·m−1·K−1 were demonstrated.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an approach to grown dense SWNT array bridging a chip and its substrate, and these SWNTs have potential capability to provide mechanical strength and higher thermal conductance instead of commercial thermal interface materials.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2009

Björn Carlberg, Teng Wang, Johan Liu and Dongkai Shangguan

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel nanostructured polymer‐metal composite film providing continuous all‐metal thermally conductive pathways, intended to meet future…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel nanostructured polymer‐metal composite film providing continuous all‐metal thermally conductive pathways, intended to meet future performance requirements on thermal interface materials (TIMs) in microelectronics packaging applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Porous polymer structures with a thickness of approximately 100 μm were manufactured using electrospinning technology. Pressure‐assisted infiltration of low‐melting temperature alloy into the porous polymeric carrier resulted in the final composite film. Thermal performance was evaluated using an accurate and improved implementation of the ASTM D5470 standard in combination with an Instron 5548 MicroTester. Finally, a brief comparative study using three current state‐of‐the‐art commercial TIMs were carried out for reference purposes.

Findings

Composite films with continuous all‐metal thermally conductive pathways from surface to surface were successfully fabricated. Thermal resistances down to 8.5 K mm2 W−1 at 70 μm bond‐line thickness were observed, corresponding to an effective thermal conductivity of 8 W m−1 K−1, at moderate assembly pressures (200‐800 kPa), more than twice the effective thermal conductivity of the commercial reference materials evaluated.

Originality/value

A unique high‐performance nanostructured polymer‐metal composite film for TIM applications with the potential to meet the microelectronics industry's future demands on thermal performance and cost efficiency is presented.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2021

Mathias Ekpu

In microelectronics industry, the reliability of its components is a major area of concern for engineers. Therefore, it is imperative that such concerns are addressed by using the…

Abstract

Purpose

In microelectronics industry, the reliability of its components is a major area of concern for engineers. Therefore, it is imperative that such concerns are addressed by using the most reliable materials available. Thermal interface materials (TIMs) are used in electronic devices to bridge the topologies that exists between a heat sink and the flip chip assembly. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the reliability of SAC405 and SAC396 in a microelectronics assembly.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, SnAgCu solder alloys (SAC405 and SAC396) were used as the TIMs. The model, which comprises the chip, TIM and heat sink base, was developed with ANSYS finite element analysis software and simulated under a thermal cycling load of between −40°C and 85°C.

Findings

The results obtained from this paper were based on the total deformation, stress, strain and fatigue life of the lead-free solder materials. The analyses of the results showed that SAC405 is more reliable than SAC396. This was evident in the fatigue life analysis where it was predicted that it took about 85 days for SAC405 to fail, whereas it took about 13 days for SAC396 to fail. Therefore, SAC405 is recommended as the TIM of choice compared to SAC396 based upon the findings of this investigation.

Originality/value

This paper is centred on SnAgCu solders used as TIMs. This paper demonstrated that SAC405 is a reliable solder TIM. This can guide manufacturers of electronic products in deciding which SAC solder to apply as TIM during the assembly process.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

Wei Qiang Lim, Mutharasu Devarajan and Shanmugan Subramani

This paper aims to study the influence of the Cu-Al2O3 film-coated Cu substrate as a thermal interface material (TIM) on the thermal and optical behaviour of the light-emitting…

178

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the influence of the Cu-Al2O3 film-coated Cu substrate as a thermal interface material (TIM) on the thermal and optical behaviour of the light-emitting diode (LED) package and the annealing effect on the thermal and optical properties of the films.

Design/methodology/approach

A layer-stacking technique has been used to deposit the Cu-Al2O3 films by means of magnetron sputtering, and the annealing process was conducted on the synthesized films.

Findings

In this paper, it was found that the un-annealed Cu-Al2O3–coated Cu substrate exhibited low value of thermal resistance compared to the bare Cu substrate and to the results of previous works. Also the annealing effect does not have a significant impact on the changes of properties of the films.

Research limitations/implications

It is deduced that the increase of the Cu layer thickness can further improve the thermal properties of the deposited film, which can reduce the thermal resistance of the package in system-level analysis.

Practical implications

The paper suggested that the Cu-Al2O3–coated Cu substrate can be used as alternative TIM for the thermal management of the application of LEDs.

Originality value

In this paper, the Cu substrate has been used as the substrate for the Cu-Al2O3 films, as the Cu substrate has higher thermal conductivity compared to the Al substrate as shown in previous work.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2018

Piotr Sobik, Radoslaw Pawlowski, Bartlomiej Pawlowski, Boguslaw Drabczyk and Kazimierz Drabczyk

The purpose of this paper is to present results of the studies on modification of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulation foil to be used as thermal interface material (TIM)…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present results of the studies on modification of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulation foil to be used as thermal interface material (TIM). It is estimated that poor thermal management in electronic devices can cause over 50 per cent of failures. As the junction temperature rises, the failure rate for electronics increases exponentially. To ensure sufficient heat transfer from its source, TIMs are used in various circuits. On the other hand, it is important to ensure high electric resistivity of the designed TIM.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus of the investigation was twofold: modification of EVA with both graphene oxide (GO) and silver nanopowder (nAg); and TIM applicability through lamination of photovoltaic cells with standard and modified EVA foil. The main problem of a new type of encapsulant is proper gas evacuation during the lamination process. For this reason, reference and modified samples were compared taking into account the percentage of gas bubbles in visible volume of laminated TIM. Finally, reference and modified TIM samples were compared using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and laser flash analysis (LFA) measurements.

Findings

The proper parameters of the lamination process for the modified EVA foil - with both GO and organometallic nAg particles - were selected. The nAg addition results in an increase in thermal conductivity of the proposed compositions with respect to unmodified EVA foil, which was confirmed by DSC and LFA measurements.

Originality/value

The experiments confirmed the potential application of both EVA foil as a matrix for TIM material and nAg with GO as an active agent. Proposed composition can bring additional support to a solar cell or other electronic components through effective heat removal, which increases its performance.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 6000