Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs)
Phase-Change Metal Alloy (PCMA) TIMs
Metals conduct heat and electricity through their valence electrons, a highly efficient mechanism that applies to both solid and liquid forms of metals and alloys. In addition to their naturally high thermal conductivity, liquid metals also feature low interfacial resistance, enabling them to dissipate heat quickly. Indium Corporation’s PCMA TIMs are engineered to provide exceptional thermal conductivity and reliability, making them ideal for both TIM0 (TIM1.5) and TIM1 applications.
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- High Thermal Conductivity
- Pure Metal TIMs
- Liquid Phase During Operational Hours
Product Overview
Low Melting Point Metal Alloys
PCMA TIMs are thermal interface materials that are solid at room temperature. With a low melting temperature range (50°C–108°C), they are designed to become liquid or pasty during operation, enhancing heat transfer by filling in surface gaps.
Barrier Material
Since PCMA TIMs will be in a liquid/paste phase during operational hours, there should be a barrier designed that will prevent leakage of those materials.
Thickness Recommendation
The minimum thickness for most alloys is 50 μm, but the recommended thickness for certain applications will depend on the specific warpage of the die (for the semi-conductor applications) and potential CTE mismatch between the surfaces connected with PCMA TIM.
TIM Set Up
If there is any warpage in the package (curved die), it is highly recommended to do a burn-in step with PCMA TIM (70°C for at least 30 seconds). Recommended pressure for PCMA TIMs is between 30 and 40 PSI.
Features
The thermal performance of PCMA TIMs is similar to that of liquid metal TIMs, but PCMA TIMs offer several distinct advantages.
High Volume Production
PCMA TIMs can be placed in high volumes using a pick-and-place machine, which allows for much higher throughput. They can be applied by robotic arms or manually.
Better Volume Control
Since PCMAs are made as a preform, it is much easier to control TIM volume.
Avoiding Gallium
Some PCMAs do not contain gallium and could safely be used with aluminum.
Liquid or Pasty
Some PCMAs will not fully melt but remain pasty, which makes them less prone to breakage. They also offer better resistance to oxidation.
Phase Change Metal TIMs Products
There are 2 types of PCMA TIMs:
Non-Gallium Containing PCMAs
| PCMA | Phase Change Temp (°C) | Thermal Conductivity (W/mK) | Contains Ga? | Manufacturability | Oxidation | Surface Planarity | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCMA2305 | 55-58 | 18.4 | N | EASY | GOOD | GOOD | GOOD |
| PCMA1 | 56-60 | 21.5 | N | EASY | GOOD | OK | GOOD |
| Indalloy® 19 | 60 | 19.6 | N | EASY | BAD | BAD | BAD |
| PCMA2 | 70 | 22.6 | N | EASY | GOOD | GOOD | GOOD |
| Indalloy® 162 | 72 | 29 | N | EASY | OK | GOOD | OK |
| Indalloy® 174 | 79 | 10 | N | OK | OK | OK | OK |
| Indalloy® 27 | 81 | 12 | N | OK | OK | OK | OK |
| Indalloy® 224 | 108 | 44 | N | EASY | GOOD | GOOD | GOOD |
| Indalloy® 1E | 118 | 41 | N | EASY | GOOD | GOOD | GOOD |
| Indalloy® 281 | 138 | 16 | N | OK | OK | GOOD | GOOD |
| Indalloy® 290 | 143 | 73 | N | EASY | GOOD | GOOD | GOOD |
| PCMA6 | 150 | 70 | N | OK | GOOD | GOOD | GOOD |
| Indalloy® 4 | 157 | 86 | N | EASY | GOOD | GOOD | GOOD |
Related Applications
PCMA TIMs are available for use in a variety of applications.
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Related Markets
Indium Corporation PCMA TIMs is suitable for a wide range of markets.
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