Thick Film Hybrid Electronics
BHC develops and produces hybrid electronic solutions on behalf of customers. In many cases these are printed electronic circuits for power electronics due to the higher temperatures, thermal conductivity and breakdown voltage properties. In some cases, one opts for durability and high-quality electronic circuits. Others go for telecom miniaturization because of the good high-frequency properties. Some choose the sensors and heaters. Regardless of what is chosen; it is always based on the great properties of the ceramic materials.
DThe (thick film) hybrid circuits and the screen printing of pastes (including conductors, resistors, glass and polymer on ceramic substrates, which are then dried and sintered) were largely used for the aerospace, medical and automotive industries. They choose this because of its reliability, reproducibility, chemical resistance and temperature stability. However, this technique is also increasingly finding its way within the telecom, lighting, consumer, office and general industrial markets. You can visit our facilities in 's-Heerenberg to see how hybrids are made. Also take a look at our projects and markets to see the application possibilities.
Why a hybrid electronic circuit?
To determine this, we need to understand the properties of ceramics and the screen printing process (download the PDF with the substrate properties here). Hybrid technology is very eco-friendly because it uses materials that come from nature, and the product is recyclable and very sustainable. It’s an additive process (you only use material where you want it), not a subtractive process (where you take away 100% of the copper surface and through etching everything else that is not needed). When components are placed that generate heat, the good thermal conductivity of the ceramic allows you to dissipate the heat. This keeps the electronics cool and gives them a longer life.
In addition, ceramics are more temperature resistant, mechanically more stable in relation to heat conductivity, have higher breakdown voltage and better high-frequency properties. Circuits can be built single or double sided and can use vias. We can integrate resistors, capacitors and coils in these circuits, which can then be adjusted for voltage, current, frequency etc. using a trim laser. By integrating sensors, it’s also possible to easily protect or control the temperature circuit.
