Liquid-Crystal Polymer Meets the Challenges of RF Power Packaging
May 2, 2004
OriginallyPublished MPMN May 2004
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Liquid-Crystal Polymer Meets the Challenges of RF Power Packaging
The plastic air-cavity packages are hermetically sealed using a proprietary process
Susan Wallace
LDMOS packages from Quantum Leap Packaging feature heat-dissipating flanges. |
A material used in a proprietary process addresses the challenges of packaging radiofrequency (RF) power products. The material characteristics of the liquid-crystal polymer (LCP) made by Quantum Leap Packaging (Wilmington, MA) provide increased reliability and high performance when compared with previous plastic packages, according to the company.
High-frequency performance is possible because the dielectric constant and loss properties of LCP are lower than those of conventional materials. Also, the structural properties of LCP enable thin-wall package construction, providing more area inside the air cavity for the active and passive components while maintaining footprints common to ceramic and metal packages.
Integral to the package are mounting flanges that dissipate the significant heat produced by a lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (LDMOS) device. A copper alloy replaces the typical copper tungsten flange material in the insert molding process. This yields a more than 30% improvement in heat dissipation.
Lids are attached using the company's Ultraseal technology, which produces a hermetic seal in less than 2 seconds. According to the company, its process creates stronger seals than epoxy methods and eliminates the problem of epoxy flow and outgassing, which adversely affect reliability. Since the curing time is faster, manufacturing costs are reduced. The LCP RF power packages are available in strip form, facilitating assembly and further lowering costs.
Medical applications include new product development of portable electronic medical devices, such as handheld patient-monitoring modules, notebook-sized defibrillators, and mobile test equipment.
Quantum Leap Packaging Inc.
200 Research Dr.
Wilmington, MA 01887
tel: 978/658-7711
fax: 978/658-2444
url: www.qlpkg.com
Copyright ©2004 Medical Product Manufacturing News
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