Nanotherm launches 100um through-hole via technology for LED packaging applications

<p>Cambridge Nanotherm, a producer of innovative Nanoceramic thermal management technology for LEDs, has launched &lsquo;Nanotherm DMTH' - a double-sided substrate interconnected by laser drilled 100um through-hole vias. The technology development enhances Nanotherm DM&rsquo;s position as the leading substrate choice for high-brightness LED packaging applications.<br /><br />Nanotherm&rsquo;s patented electro-chemical oxidation (ECO) process converts the surface of aluminium into a super-thin ceramic layer, forming a Nanoceramic dielectric with exceptionally high thermal conductivity. This thermal performance helps keep LED die temperatures low ensuring longer lifetime and better colour rendering by removing excess heat as efficiently as possible.<br /><br />The new product is based on Nanotherm&rsquo;s award winning DM technology which uses thin-film circuitisation techniques to sputter a copper circuit trace directly onto the Nanoceramic layer. This direct metallisation approach gives Nanotherm DM a thermal conductivity normally only found in high-end electronics grade ceramics such as aluminium nitride (AIN).<br /><br />The through-hole vias are laser drilled into the aluminium so when it goes through the ECO process the surface of the vias is converted to a Nanoceramic along with the rest of the aluminium to create a perfect dielectric. This is critical as the vias are filled with copper during the circuitisation process to provide electrical interconnections between the top and the bottom side of the circuit; from the PCB module connected to the power, through the bottom of the packaging substrate and up to the LED chip on top.<br /><br />Nanotherm DMTH is designed to slot seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes as a robust replacement for AIN, where its ease of manufacturability and ability to be made in large panel sizes can bring the economies of scale found in PCB fabrication to the semiconductor industry.<br /><br />It&rsquo;s this combination of thermal performance and manufacturability that is driving adoption of Nanotherm DMTH.<br /><br />The material is undergoing extensive prototyping by key LED manufacturers for applications as diverse as automotive headlights, UV LEDs for the printing industry and general lighting packaged LEDs.</p>