Advanced Materials and Processes for realisation of High Power Hybrids for Space Applications

Abstract

This paper describes about an advanced material used in the realisation of Power Hybrid and its qualification which involves various new processes. This Power Hybrid is realised using hybrid microcircuit (HMC) technology. A new material capable of dissipating high power, and handling high current is selected and used for realising Power Hybrid which is realised for space applications. Choice of material plays a very important role in high power and high current applications, in order to keep the device temperatures well within the safe operating limits. An advanced material, namely direct bonded copper which satisfies both thermal and current requirements, has been chosen for this application. As this material is used for the first time in HMCs, process optimisation and qualification activities have been carried out. HMC package which is used for the realisation of this Power Hybrid is also custom made with the new materials and also undergoes qualification processes. Using this advanced material and new type of package, four new processes are successfully qualified and implemented in a Power Hybrid which is a part of satellite power subsystem.