Electrical characterization of epoxy-based molding compounds for next generation HV ICs in presence of moisture. (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cornigli, D.; Reggiani, S.; Gnudi, A.; Gnani, E.; Baccarani, G.; Fabiani, D.; Varghese, D.; Tuncer, E.; Krishnan, S.; Nguyen, L.
• Is Part Of: Microelectronics and reliability. Volume 88/90(2018)
• Page Start: 752
• Page End: 755
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: Epoxy resin -- Dielectric spectroscopy; Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Reliability -- Periodicals; Miniature electronic equipment -- Periodicals; Appareils électroniques -- Fiabilité -- Périodiques; Équipement électronique miniaturisé -- Périodiques; Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Reliability; Miniature electronic equipment; Periodicals; 621.3815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.microrel.2018.07.030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0026-2714

Abstract

Abstract: The effects of moisture on the electrical properties of epoxy molding compounds containing high quantities of silica filler microparticles have been investigated by means of dielectric spectroscopy, steady-state conductivity and pulsed electro-acoustic space charge measurements. It has been shown that the presence of water at the filler/epoxy interfacial areas affects the low-frequency dielectric response of the materials and significantly increases their electrical conductivity, especially at higher temperatures. In addition, in presence of moisture, space charge measurements have shown the accumulation of heterocharges which significantly increase the electric field at the electrodes. These aspects are of primary importance, as the electrical properties of the encapsulation materials strongly influence the space charge distribution in high voltage devices. Highlights: Moisture absorption affects the electrical properties of epoxy molding compounds. The low-frequency dielectric response of materials is altered by the presence of water molecules. In wet specimens, the electrical conductivity is increased, especially at high temperatures. In presence of humidity, the accumulation of heterocharge near the electrodes has been observed.