Performance of Cu-Al2O3 thin film as thermal interface material in LED package: thermal transient and optical output analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Qiang Lim ◽  
Mutharasu Devarajan ◽  
Shanmugan Subramani
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Resistance ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Annealing Effect ◽  
Thermal Interface Material ◽  
System Level ◽  
Output Analysis ◽  
Thermal Interface ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cu Substrate ◽  
Layer Stacking

Purpose This paper aims to study the influence of the Cu-Al2O3 film-coated Cu substrate as a thermal interface material (TIM) on the thermal and optical behaviour of the light-emitting diode (LED) package and the annealing effect on the thermal and optical properties of the films. Design/methodology/approach A layer-stacking technique has been used to deposit the Cu-Al2O3 films by means of magnetron sputtering, and the annealing process was conducted on the synthesized films. Findings In this paper, it was found that the un-annealed Cu-Al2O3–coated Cu substrate exhibited low value of thermal resistance compared to the bare Cu substrate and to the results of previous works. Also the annealing effect does not have a significant impact on the changes of properties of the films. Research limitations/implications It is deduced that the increase of the Cu layer thickness can further improve the thermal properties of the deposited film, which can reduce the thermal resistance of the package in system-level analysis. Practical implications The paper suggested that the Cu-Al2O3–coated Cu substrate can be used as alternative TIM for the thermal management of the application of LEDs. Originality value In this paper, the Cu substrate has been used as the substrate for the Cu-Al2O3 films, as the Cu substrate has higher thermal conductivity compared to the Al substrate as shown in previous work.

Impact of thermal interface material on luminous flux curve of InGaAlP low-power light-emitting diodes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muna E. Raypah ◽  
Mutharasu Devarajan ◽  
Shahrom Mahmud
Keyword(s):  
Low Power ◽  
Thermal Resistance ◽  
Thermal Management ◽  
Light Output ◽  
Luminous Flux ◽  
Thermal Interface Material ◽  
Junction Temperature ◽  
Thermal Interface ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Thermally Conductive

Purpose One major problem in the lighting industry is the thermal management of the devices. Handling of thermal resistance from solder point to the ambiance of the light-emitting diode (LED) package is linked to the external thermal management that includes a selection of the cooling mode, design of heatsink/substrate and thermal interface material (TIM). Among the significant factors that increase the light output of the of the LED system are efficient substrate and TIM. In this work, the influence of TIM on the luminous flux performance of commercial indium gallium aluminium phosphide (InGaAlP) low-power (LP) LEDs was investigated. Design/methodology/approach One batch of LEDs was mounted directly onto substrates which were glass-reinforced epoxy (FR4) and aluminium-based metal-core printed circuit boards (MCPCBs) with a dielectric layer of different thermal conductivities. Another batch of LEDs was prepared in a similar way, but a layer of TIM was embedded between the LED package and substrate. The TIMs were thermally conductive epoxy (TCE) and thermally conductive adhesive (TCA). The LED parameters were measured by using the integrated system of thermal transient tester (T3Ster) and thermal-radiometric characterization of LEDs at various input currents. Findings With the employment of TIM, the authors found that the LED’s maximum luminous flux was significantly higher than the value mentioned in the LED datasheet, and that a significant reduction in thermal resistance and junction temperature was revealed. The results showed that for a system with low thermal resistance, the maximum luminous flux appeared to occur at a higher power level. It was found that the maximum luminous flux was 24.10, 28.40 and 36.00 lm for the LEDs mounted on the FR4 and two MCPCBs, respectively. After TCA application on the LEDs, the maximum luminous flux values were 32.70, 36.60 and 37.60 lm for the FR4 and MCPCBs, respectively. Moreover, the findings demonstrated that the performance of the LED mounted on the FR4 substrate was more affected by the employment of the TIM than that of MCPCBs. Research limitations/implications One of the major problems in the lighting industry is the thermal management of the device. In many low-power LED applications, the air gap between the two solder pads is not filled up. Heat flow is restricted by the air gap leading to thermal build-up and higher thermal resistance resulting in lower maximum luminous flux. Among the significant factors that increase the light output of the LED system are efficient substrate and TIM. Practical implications The findings in this work can be used as a method to improve thermal management of LP LEDs by applying thermal interface materials that can offer more efficient and brighter LP LEDs. Using aluminium-based substrates can also offer similar benefits. Social implications Users of LP LEDs can benefit from the findings in this work. Brighter automotive lighting (signalling and backlighting) can be achieved, and better automotive lighting can offer better safety for the people on the street, especially during raining and foggy weather. User can also use a lower LED power rating to achieve similar brightness level with LED with higher power rating. Originality/value Better thermal management of commercial LP LEDs was achieved with the employment of thermal interface materials resulting in lower thermal resistance, lower junction temperature and brighter LEDs.

Analysis of ZnO Thin Film as Thermal Interface Material for High Power Light Emitting Diode Application

2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Shanmugan ◽  
O. Zeng Yin ◽  
P. Anithambigai ◽  
D. Mutharasu
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Thermal Resistance ◽  
Heat Sink ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Thermal Interface Material ◽  
Zno Thin Film ◽  
Thermal Interface ◽  
Light Emitting ◽  
Thermal Paste ◽  
Cu Substrates

All solid-state lighting products produce heat which should be removed by use of a heat sink. Since the two mating surfaces of light emitting diode (LED) package and heat sink are not flat, a thermal interface material (TIM) must be applied between them to fill the gaps resulting from their surface roughness and lack of coplanarity. The application of a traditional TIM may squeeze out when pressure is applied to join the surfaces and hence a short circuit may result. To avoid such a problem, a thin solid film based TIM has been suggested. In this study, a zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film was coated on Cu substrates and used as the TIM. The ZnO thin film coated substrates were used as heat sink purposes in this study. The prepared heat sink was tested with 3 W green LED and the observed results were compared with the results of same LED measured at bare and commercial thermal paste coated Cu substrates boundary conditions. The influence of interface material thickness on total thermal resistance (Rth-tot), rise in junction temperature (TJ), and optical properties of LED was analyzed. A noticeable reduction in Rth-tot (5.92 K/W) as well as TJ (ΔTJ = 11.83 °C) was observed for 800 nm ZnO thin film coated Cu substrates boundary conditions when compared with bare and thermal paste coated Cu substrates tested at 700 mA. Change in TJ influenced the thermal resistance of ZnO interface material. Improved lux level and decreased correlated color temperature (CCT) were also observed with ZnO coated Cu substrates.

Thermal Resistance Analysis of High Power Light Emitting Diode Using Aluminum Nitride Thin Film-Coated Copper Substrates as Heat Sink

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Shanmugan ◽  
D. Mutharasu
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Aluminum Nitride ◽  
Thermal Resistance ◽  
High Power ◽  
Heat Sink ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Thermal Interface Material ◽  
Circuit Board ◽  
Light Emitting ◽  
Cu Substrate

AlN thin film was coated over Cu substrate (575 mm2) with 400 nm thickness using DC sputtering for thermal interface material (TIM) application. Aluminum Nitride (AlN)-coated Cu substrate (AlN/Cu) was used as a heat sink for 3-W green light emitting diode (LED). The thermal transient curve was recorded for given LED attached with bare Cu and AlN-coated Cu substrate at three different driving currents. LED attached on AlN/Cu showed the reduced raise in junction temperature (TJ) by 2.59 °C at 700 mA. The LED/TIM/AlN/Cu boundary condition was not supported to reduce the TJ. The total thermal resistance (Rth-tot) was reduced for AlN-coated Cu substrate at 350 mA. The thermal resistance between metal core printed circuit board and Cu substrate (Rth-b-hs) was also observed as low for AlN-coated Cu substrates compared with other boundary conditions measured at 700 mA. The observed results were supported for the use of AlN thin film as TIM in high power LEDs.

Thermal conduction characteristics of silicone composites including ultrasonic-treated graphite

2021 ◽  
pp. 002199832110595
Author(s):  
Weontae Oh ◽  
Jong-Seong Bae ◽  
Hyoung-Seok Moon
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Ultrasonic Treatment ◽  
Thermal Conduction ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Thermal Interface Material ◽  
Ultrasonic Power ◽  
Lighting System ◽  
Thermal Interface ◽  
Light Emitting ◽  
Inorganic Oxides

The microstructural change of graphite was studied after ultrasonic treatment of the graphite. When the graphite solution was treated with varying ultrasonic power and time, the microstructure changed gradually, and accordingly, the thermal conductivity characteristics of the composite containing the as-treated graphite was also different with each other. Thermal conductivity showed the best result in the silicone composite containing graphite prepared under the optimum condition of ultrasonic treatment, and the thermal conductivity of the composite improved proportionally along with the particle size of graphite. When the silicone composite was prepared by using a mixture of inorganic oxides and graphite rather than graphite alone, the thermal conductivity of the silicone composite was further increased. A silicone composite containing graphite was used for LED (light emitting diode) lighting system as a thermal interface material (TIM), and the temperature elevation due to heat generated, while the lighting was actually operated, was analyzed.

Characterization of a Liquid-Metal Micro Droplets Thermal Interface Material

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amer M. Hamdan ◽  
Aric R. McLanahan ◽  
Robert F. Richards ◽  
Cecilia D. Richards
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Metal ◽  
Thermal Resistance ◽  
Contact Resistance ◽  
Applied Load ◽  
Thermal Interface Material ◽  
Thermal Interface ◽  
Interface Resistance ◽  
Thermal Interface Resistance ◽  
Droplet Array

This work presents the characterization of a thermal interface material consisting of an array of mercury micro droplets deposited on a silicon die. Three arrays were tested, a 40 × 40 array (1600 grid) and two 20 × 20 arrays (400 grid). All arrays were assembled on a 4 × 4 mm2 silicon die. An experimental facility which measures the thermal resistance across the mercury array under steady state conditions is described. The thermal interface resistance of the arrays was characterized as a function of the applied load. A thermal interface resistance as low as 0.253 mm2 K W−1 was measured. A model to predict the thermal resistance of a liquid-metal micro droplet array was developed and compared to the experimental results. The model predicts the deformation of the droplet array under an applied load and then the geometry of the deformed droplets is used to predict the thermal resistance of the array. The contact resistance of the mercury arrays was estimated based on the experimental and model data. An average contact resistance was estimated to be 0.14 mm2 K W−1.

Development of a Compliant Nanothermal Interface Material

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Shaddock ◽  
Stanton Weaver ◽  
Ioannis Chasiotis ◽  
Binoy Shah ◽  
Dalong Zhong
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Thermal Resistance ◽  
Thermal Stresses ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
High Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Thermal Interface Material ◽  
Thermal Interface Materials ◽  
Thermal Interface ◽  
Bondline Thickness ◽  
Interface Materials

The power density requirements continue to increase and the ability of thermal interface materials has not kept pace. Increasing effective thermal conductivity and reducing bondline thickness reduce thermal resistance. High thermal conductivity materials, such as solders, have been used as thermal interface materials. However, there is a limit to minimum bondline thickness in reducing resistance due to increased fatigue stress. A compliant thermal interface material is proposed that allows for thin solder bondlines using a compliant structure within the bondline to achieve thermal resistance <0.01 cm2C/W. The structure uses an array of nanosprings sandwiched between two plates of materials to match thermal expansion of their respective interface materials (ex. silicon and copper). Thin solder bondlines between these mating surfaces and high thermal conductivity of the nanospring layer results in thermal resistance of 0.01 cm2C/W. The compliance of the nanospring layer is two orders of magnitude more compliant than the solder layers so thermal stresses are carried by the nanosprings rather than the solder layers. The fabrication process and performance testing performed on the material is presented.

Packaging of High Power UV-LED Modules on Ceramic and Aluminum Substrates

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 (1) ◽  
pp. 000225-000232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Schneider ◽  
Benjamin Leyrer ◽  
Christian Herbold ◽  
Stefan Maikowske
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Resistance ◽  
Heat Sink ◽  
Input Power ◽  
Thermal Interface Material ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Thermal Interface ◽  
Uv Led ◽  
Forward Current ◽  
Water Cooler ◽  
Forced Air

An LED module consisting of 98 UV-LEDs with an emission wavelength of 395 nm placed on a ceramic substrate of 211 mm2 is presented. The module is cooled by a forced air heat sink as well as a high performance microstructured water cooler to lower the thermal resistance. For high thermal conductance a liquid metal as the thermal interface material between substrate and heat sink is used. With the forced air heat sink a maximum irradiance of 27.3 W/cm2 at a forward current of 700 mA and 220 W electrical input power was achieved. The microstructured water cooler enabled an almost doubling of the electrical input power (430 W) while maintaining the chip's maximum temperature. For a reduction of the module's thermal resistance a thick film process for aluminum sheet metal substrates was developed. A prototype LED module with 25 UV-LED chips on an area of 54 mm2 achieved a maximum optical power density of 31.6 W/cm2 at a forward current of 900 mA using a forced air heat sink. For an improved cooling of the LED chips a chip-on-heat sink-technology with embedded water cooling channels is developed to eliminate the thermal interface between substrate and heat sink.

Thermal Resistance Analysis of Sn-Bi Solder Paste Used as Thermal Interface Material for Power Electronics Applications

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Zhang ◽  
Jian Cai ◽  
Qian Wang ◽  
Jingwei Li ◽  
Yang Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Resistance ◽  
Power Electronics ◽  
Heat Dissipation ◽  
Laser Flash ◽  
Acoustic Microscopy ◽  
Thermal Interface Material ◽  
Solder Paste ◽  
Good Reliability ◽  
Thermal Interface ◽  
Power Modules

To promote heat dissipation in power electronics, we investigated the thermal conduction performance of Sn-Bi solder paste between two Cu plates. We measured the thermal resistance of Sn-Bi solder paste used as thermal interface material (TIM) by laser flash technique, and a thermal resistance less than 5 mm2 K/W was achieved for the Sn-Bi TIM. The Sn-Bi solder also showed a good reliability in terms of thermal resistance after thermal cycling, indicating that it can be a promising candidate for the TIM used for power electronics applications. In addition, we estimated the contact thermal resistance at the interface between the Sn-Bi solder and the Cu plate with the assistance of scanning acoustic microscopy. The experimental data showed that Sn-Bi solder paste could be a promising adhesive material used to attach power modules especially with a large size on the heat sink.

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