MICROELECTRONIC SYSTEMS NEWS
FILENUMBER: 9501
BEGIN_KEYWORDS
Programmable MCMs Pico
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DATE: april 1997
TITLE: Programmable MCMs for High Temperature and Space Applications
Pico Systems, Inc. in Toledo, Ohio has an electrically programm-
able substrate for use in multichip modules. The substrate is
comprised of a grid pattern of different length signal traces.
These signal traces are programmed together as needed for a given
application using antifuses (normally open). Because the sub-
strate is programmable, it is essentially generic. This allows
Pico to prefabricate substrates and have them waiting for custo-
mer orders. The prefabricated nature eliminates the need for
custom masks thereby reducing NRE charges and decreasing the time
needed to receive initial units. The programmable nature also
provides for a flexible design environment. Often times changes
are made during the design of a system that require changes to
the MCM fabrication masks. This increases the NRE charges for a
given program and also extends the time before initial units can
be built and tested. On the contrary, Pico has in some cases
made changes to units the day before shipment at low cost to the
customer. This is possible due to the programmable nature of the
substrate. The cost and time savings above are also realized
when changes to die sizes (die shrinks) are made during the life
of a program. Again, changes would need to be made to custom
masks for competing approaches costing more time and money for
the program.
In an effort to speed the development of engineering models Pico
also provides standard, in-stock package sizes. These are
designed to be hermetically sealable and fit the standard sub-
strate sizes Pico provides. Future substrate sizes create a fami-
ly of substrate footprints and matching packages. This is an ef-
fort to provide the smallest foot print possible to Pico's custo-
mers. Current applications of Pico's technology are in the areas
of high performance computing, satellites, deep space missions
and high-g applications. NASA has performed extensive testing on
Pico's technology and has found it durable and cost effective for
space applications. High-g testing continues via DoD labs where
the substrate has been subjected to forces in excess of 100,000
g's. Pico is also leveraging this technology in the commercial
satellite industry. In this industry there is a distinct advan-
tage to using MCMs due to the decreased size, weight and volume
they provide. There are also distinct advantages in getting pro-
duct with lower NRE charges, faster turn-around, and in lower
quantities. Pico has a technology that specifically fits this
market segment. Pico is also investigating the area of high tem-
perature electronics. Down-hole (oil and gas, etc.) and aerospace
applications are areas where Pico believes its substrate can be
of particular interest.
For more information, access: http://www.picosys.com
Jeremy Buckingham
Pico Systems, Inc.
329 North 14th Street
Toledo, OH 43624-1454
TEL: 419-255-7426 Ext. 109
FAX: 419-244-9300
buckingham@picosys.com
dbouldin@utk.edu
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