Thick films in automotive equipment

The problems facing the manufacture of microelectronic equipment for motor vehicles are outlined. These arise from the physical and electrical environments, the power levels to be controlled which result in high currents, a need for very low saturation voltages, low thermal resistances and efficient heat sinks. These items are then considered with reference to a hybrid integrated circuit alternator voltage regulator, and the design employed to develop an economic unit is discussed. The methods include the use of a printed and fired thick film circuit, with dice-mounted directly to the circuit. The assembly is encapsulated into a combined heat sink and cover. Manufacturing costs are discussed in relationship to those of equivalent electromechanical and discrete component assemblies.