The use of laminate multichip modules for the packaging of 9-GHz digital multichip circuits

An investigation of the high-frequency performance of laminate multichip module (MCM-L) technology was undertaken with the goal of demonstrating its appropriateness for the development of digital radar receivers operating in the X band (8 to 12 GHz). A seven-chip circuit using digital components on a Gore MCM-L was successfully tested up to 9.6 GHz. An analog-to-digital converter on an MCM-L was successfully tested up to 6 GHz. An extensive characterization of the MCM-L technology using both simulations and measurements was performed to formulate a set of design guidelines for high-frequency applications. A novel dielectric-encapsulated MCM-to-MCM interconnect scheme was proposed and tested.