MICROELECTRONIC SYSTEMS NEWS



FILENUMBER: 509
BEGIN_KEYWORDS
Electrically Programmable MCM Substrates
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DATE: january 1994
TITLE: Electrically Programmable MCM Substrates

Electrically Programmable MCM Substrates

(Contributed by Jeff Banker of ERIM)

    ERIM offers an  electrically  programmable  multichip  module
technology  based  on  patented  antifuse  technology principles.
This capability offers a very cost-effective means for  achieving
quick-reaction,  rapid  prototyping  of miniaturized circuits and
systems.  ERIM is stockpiling 30 mm square and 100 mm wafer-scale
substrates  for  future  customer specific-MCM needs.  Due to the
technology's programmable nature, these substrates are  "generic"
and can be used for virtually any customer application.  Delivery
of prototype modules based on the 30 mm square substrate can  oc-
cur  within  two weeks, which includes fully assembled and tested
units.  This assumes that no long lead time components are needed
and that one of ERIM's inventoried packages will be used.


    ERIM has developed several application-specific modules based
on  the  30  mm  form  factor  and  has successfully demonstrated
wafer-scale MCMs in operation. Under sponsorship of the U.S. Army
Center  for Night Vision and Electro-Optics Directorate (CNVEOD),
ERIM developed a SEM-E  module  for  real-time  image  processing
based  on an electrically programmable wafer-scale MCM substrate.
One of these modules is currently operating in an image  process-
ing computer at the CNVEOD in Washington, D.C.

    Key traits for the programmable MCM technology include

	o Fast development time from electronic netlist to working 
	  prototypes.
	o Moderate non-recurring development charges.
	o Flexible technology that readily accommodates design changes 
	  & rework.
	o Less program risk since substrates are in stock & ready for 
	  use.
	o Complete test access afforded by IEEE 1149.1 capability.
	o Excellent thermal conductivity provide by silicon substrates.
	o Rugged technology tested to withstand over 15,000 g's.


ERIM's MCM-D technology offers a very dense wiring array  on  two
layers  with  typically  50%  of the integrated routing resources
unused.  These unused resources provide the extra flexibility for
rework, changes, and fault tolerance.

    ERIM acquired this technology in 1989 from Mosaic Systems and
has  spent  most  of the past four years improving circuit speeds
supported by the technology (up ~4x) and automating the  software
tools  used  in  the  MCM development process.  ERIM is currently
seeking external applications for prototyping and low volume pro-
duction.  

New Address as of June 1996:

Jeff Banker
Pico Systems, Inc.
"The Quick-turn MCM Solution"
419-255-7426  (Voice)
419-244-9300  (FAX)
banker@picosys.com

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