StratEdge SMX Surface Mount Packages Support DC to 18GHz Devices

Business Wire, Jan 4, 2007

For VSAT, Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint, and WiMax Applications

SAN DIEGO -- StratEdge, leader in the design and production of semiconductor packages for microwave, millimeter wave, and high speed digital devices, announces the release of its SMX Series surface mount DC to 18 Gigahertz (GHz) packages for test and measurement, VSAT, point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and WiMax applications. These power packages have low insertion loss, good return loss, and excellent thermal properties.

The SMX Series ceramic packages were designed to provide good electrical transition performance for die in the DC to 18GHz range, although they have been used and performed well in applications beyond 18GHz. The packages are made to provide wideband electrical performance and incorporate copper composite bases for enhanced thermal dissipation. These are true surface mount packages that allow automated assembly and soldering for high volume production of devices without sacrificing electrical and thermal performance. They are sealed with cup-shaped liquid crystal polymer lids with B-stage epoxy preforms that are provided with the packages.

Tests on the StratEdge SMX 580447 package were performed by Brian Higgins, RF Developmental Engineer, of JDS Uniphase, Bloomfield, Connecticut. A 50-Ohm thru line was mounted inside the StratEdge package with conductive epoxy. Double 1 mil diameter gold wires were used to connect the line to the package at the input and output. Adjacent package traces were grounded to the package base to prevent the signal from coupling. Test results showed that insertion loss was better than minus 1.5 decibels (dB) up to 14GHz and better than minus 2.25dB through 18GHz. The measured results are the combined losses from two package transitions, two sets of wire bonds, and the 50-Ohm thru line. The S11 Return Loss data graph can be found at: http://theedge.cts.com/S11ReturnLoss.jpg. The S21 Insertion Loss graph can be found at: http://theedge.cts.com/S21InsertionLoss.jpg

"Plastic packages can't handle the heat produced by die with high power dissipations," said StratEdge vice president of North American sales Casey Krawiec. "Our SMX series can handle both the thermal and electrical requirements of these devices and can be used in many, many high speed and high frequency applications because of their wideband performance. Our customers who have used them are extremely pleased with their performance."

About StratEdge

StratEdge, founded in 1992, designs, manufactures, and provides test and assembly services for a complete line of high performance semiconductor packages operating from DC to 50 GHz for the high speed digital (OC-48, OC-192, OC-768), mixed signal, broadband wireless, satellite, point-to-point/multipoint, VSAT, and test and measurement industries, as well as aerospace stripline filters. StratEdge offers ceramic, low cost hermetic SMT, and metal packages. All packages are lead-free and meet RoHS and WEEE standards. For more information contact StratEdge at 858-560-6877, email: info@stratedge.com, or visit our website at www.stratedge.com.

Photo of 560101 package: http://theedge.cts.com/SMX580447withLid.jpg

Photo of 580448 package: http://theedge.cts.com/SMX580448.jpg