Moulded ceramic packaging enhances GaN, says StratEdge
Off-the-shelf moulded ceramic packages by StratEdge can be configured to meet the requirements for chips with frequencies up to 18GHz, including gallium nitride (GaN) devices.
StratEdge designs and produces semiconductor packages for microwave, millimeter-wave, and high-speed digital devices. This latest line of moulded ceramic packages comes in over 200 standard outlines. This volume dramatically increasing the packaging options for GaN devices, says the company. StratEdge also offers complete automated assembly and test services for these packages, including gold-tin solder die attach.
GaN devices are traditionally packaged in StratEdge’s LL family of high power, laminate copper-moly-copper (CMC) base packages with a ratio of 1:3:1 CMC. These packages accommodate frequencies up to 63GHz. In the moulded ceramic package, the standard ASTM F15 alloy base can be replaced with CMC. For frequencies of 18GHz or less, using a moulded ceramic package provides the advantages of hermeticity, a broad array of outline packages and lower cost, says the company. At the same time, the CMC provides the heat dissipation needed for GaN devices to meet requirements for aerospace applications.
For SMT applications, the packages can be manufactured with gull-wing formed leads. A benefit of the design is that it is inexpensive to change the lead design to match an existing footprint.
“When sealed with metal lids using gold-tin solder, Mil-Std fine and gross leak hermeticity is met and the atmosphere within the sealed package can be controlled,” said Casey Krawiec, vice president of global sales for StratEdge. “Moulded ceramic packages offer flexibility to our customers with complex GaN packaging needs,” Krawiec added.
StratEdge was established in 1992 to design, manufacture and provide assembly services for a high frequency and high power semiconductor packages operating from DC to over 63GHz.
StratEdge offers post-fired ceramic, low-cost moulded ceramic, and ceramic QFN packages, and specialises in packages for extremely demanding gallium arsenide (GaAs) and GaN devices. Markets served include telecomms for 5G, VSAT, broadband wireless, satellite, military, test and measurement, automotive, clean energy, and down-hole equipment.
All packages are lead-free and most meet RoHS and WEEE standards. StratEdge is ITAR registered and is an ISO 9001:2015 certified facility located in Santee, California, USA.
