Multilayer alumina substrates for ECU [automotive electronics]

Alumina multilayer ceramic substrates (MLCS) offer high reliability for use in the automotive field in terms of significant size reduction, thermal durability, high heat dissipation, rigidity, and extended practical application. The work described in this paper summarizes the achievements of design significance of multilayer cofired alumina. The combination of the inherited superior design and processing rules brings forth the realization of miniaturization of about 30% in terms of size (area) compared to the use of conventional glass epoxy substrates. In addition, the thermal conductivity of alumina, 18 W/mK, which is almost 10 times that of glass ceramics (LTCC), and its inherited mechanical/thermal durability enables the substrate to be attached directly to the engine with good heat dissipation. We performed various reliability tests for the substrates for 3000 hours/3000 cycles without any defects. Additional alumina multilayer technology applications for automotive electronics besides electronic control units (ECU) are mentioned in this paper.