Mentor Graphics is offering a new web-based tool for thermal characterization and design of semiconductor packages. FloTHERM® IC reduces the time spent on thermal characterization and design by providing an automated process that includes pre-verified thermal models to reduce the risk of modeling errors. The tool can also achieve reductions of up to 25 percent in the time … [Read more...]
LED Thermal Standardization: A Hot Topic
Introduction The main topic of the article is how to cope with the increasing need for standardization of thermal characterization of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and LED-based products (see Fig.1 showing a typical LED package). The LED-business is growing much faster than analysts predicted five years ago. Unfortunately, the progress in thermal characterization has not kept … [Read more...]
When Moore Is Less: Exploring the 3rd Dimension in IC Packaging
Introduction As consumers of electronics we have become spoiled. We not only expect our electronic devices to get smaller, faster, more functional, cheaper, more interconnected, and more reliable, we actually demand it. It would not be a pretty picture either for the consumer or the electronics industry if suddenly the design of our electronic gadgets became static. At this … [Read more...]
Simplified Transient Model for IC Packages
Previous installments of this column have all dealt with situations in which the die temperature was assumed to be at a constant temperature after the system had achieved the steady state. However, there are many times in which it is useful to know how rapidly the temperature of the chip changes when the applied power changes abruptly. This month's column presents a simple … [Read more...]
Advanced Techniques for IC Surface Temperature Measurement
Introduction: The Need for IC Surface Measurement Techniques Current trends in microelectronic design generate challenges in both the design and test of integrated circuits (ICs). One area that has been gaining increased relevance with regard to the microelectronic evolution is thermal management/analysis, which proves essential in the domain of IC design to prevent reliability … [Read more...]
