Nanometer-sized Dielectric Powders for Embedded Capacitance
Summary:
With BMDO SBIR funding, TPL, Inc., has developed nanometer-sized dielectric, ceramic powders that can help cut size requirements of circuit boards and microelectronic applications. AlliedSignal has licensed the use of TPL’s nano-powders for embedded capacitance laminates, now in the research and development phase.
Technology Description:
TPL has developed nano-sized ceramic powders for dielectric applications. These are the smallest powders commercially available, approximately 50 nanometers in size. About one-tenth the size of conventional dielectric powders, these crystalline ceramic powders have an even particle size distribution, high dielectric constant, and sintering temperatures as low as 1100 C.
The particle sizes of conventional powders result from milling processes. Typically the particles cannot be milled uniformly to much smaller sizes than one micron. The resulting wide range of particle sizes makes this type of product unsuitable for use in ultra-thin film manufacturing. In contrast, TPL’s processing technique was specifically designed to produce uniform nano-sized particles, making these powders ideal for use in thinner layers in embedded capacitance applications. This proprietary technique insures homogeneous distribution of both dielectric properties and particle sizes. Smaller, more uniform particles result in thinner films with higher capacitance.
TPL’s ceramic powders can be used in ultra-thin, multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCC). Smaller particle size also lowers sintering temperature requirements, reducing production costs. Moreover, the powder’s composition can be customized to specific performance requirements.
MDA Origins:
TPL received SBIR Phase II funding from BMDO to research refinement of nano-sized, dielectric ceramic powders for embedded capacitance and miniaturized multilayer ceramic capacitors. These devices would be used in a variety of BMDO applications.
Spinoff Applications:
TPL anticipates these powders will be used for miniature and embedded capacitors. In particular, the potential market for embedded capacitors appears promising, as the idea is currently receiving much attention from the microelectronics industry. Instead of placing a discrete capacitor atop a circuit board, an ultra-thin dielectric layer can be sandwiched within the board itself, and be used for storing charges. The advantages include reduced mounting space, more possible routing channels, smaller boards with higher functionality, and lower assembly costs.
Applications requiring miniaturized dielectrics might benefit from use of these powders. Examples are computer memory and smart credit cards, for instance.
Commercialization:
TPL sells nanopowders in both research and bulk quantities. Recently, the company opened a pilot plant to increase production. During the BMDO SBIR Phase II effort, daily production was limited to five kilogram batches. Now the plant can produce over 100 times that amount.
AlliedSignal has licensed the use of TPL’s nano-sized ceramic powders for embedded capacitance laminates, which may one day be used in computer electronics. The laminates are now in the research and development phase. Michael Vallance, Vice President of Technical Marketing at AlliedSignal Laminate Systems, notes ''several systems-level trends, including proliferation of wireless communications and increasing off-chip data transmission rates in digital electronics are driving the need for new approaches to signal conditioning and signal termination.''
Company Profile:
Formed in 1991, TPL, Inc., specializes in advancing state-of-the-art technologies in electronic materials, specialty materials, instrumentation, and sensors. Located in the Rio Grande Research Corridor of Albuquerque New Mexico, TPL employs 75 people. TPL was an Inc. 500 company in 1995 and 1996, and a recipient of the 1996 Small Business Administration's Tibbets' Award, recognizing its accomplishments in the SBIR program.
Contact Information:
Yvonne H. Spooner
Staff Scientist
TPL, Inc.
3921 Academy Parkway North NE
Albuquerque NM 87109-4416
Tel:505-342-4448
Fax:505-345-8155
email: yspooner@tplinc.com
web: www.tplinc.com
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