Hybrid Microcircuitry for 300°C Operation

Abstract

Microelectronic instrumentation for geothermal well logging must operate in ambient temperatures up to 300°C for several hundred hours. This study involved an extensive survey of 25 to 300°C operation of resistors, capacitors, conductors, interconnections, and active devices. Three major selection criteria were: 1) part lifetime of at least 1000 h at 300°C; 2) minimum change in electrical parameters from 25 to 300°C; 3) availability to the common circuit builder (no one of a kind). Certain thick film resistors, capacitors, and conductors were found compatible with such high-temperature operation. In addition, reconstituted mica and aluminum solid electrolytic capacitors were found useful up to 300°C. Simple circuits for a geothermal temperature logging tool have been fabricated using these hybrid materials, components, and Si MOS and JFET devices. Oven tests show satisfactory stability from 25 to 300°C and at least 100-h circuit operation at 300°C.