tCORE has been involved a number of aspects of semiconductor research, in particular semiconductors for application in hostile environments and semiconductor test.

As part of an international consortium of researchers we worked on the development of Silicon-on-Insulator (SoI) devices for operation at temperatures up to 300C.

We also coordinate SETNET, the Semiconductor Test Network.

We have worked with an international consortium to develop passive components for high temperature electronics.

• Over recent years there has been considerable work carried out on developing semiconductors for application at high temperatures, and there are now commercially available devices that can operate at 250 C or even above.
  
• However, to use these devices in a system it is necessary to also have available passive components such as resistors, inductors and capacitors that will also function reliably at these temperatures and such components are scarce.
  
• tCORE has been engaged with a large multinational collaboration to develop such components.

We have a substantial background in electronic materials and materials interactions including:

• Semiconductors
• Interconnection
• Dielectrics
• Conductors
• PCBs
• Solders including lead-free
• Packaging
• Materials for high temperature electronics

We have developed prototype high temperature lead free solders .

We can provide advice and consultancy in a range of materials applications and problems.

Owner, partner or subcontractor

• HOTSOL - High Temp Solder with Zero Lead (SMART)
• PROCURE - Program for the development of passive components used in harsh environments
• ATHIS - Advanced Technique for High Temperature System-On-Chip

HOTSOL: High Operating Temperature Solder with Zero Lead.

Following pressures to reduce the amount of lead used in electronics manufacturing, the industry has successfully introduced lead free standard temperature solders.

However, currently there is no available alternative to lead free solders for high temperature soldering applications. High temperature solders are required for a number of applications:

• Within components such as resistor ladders
• For high temperature electronic applications
• For cascade soldering applications

The irony is that high temperature solders contain very much more lead than normal tin lead solders. However tCORE has demonstrated an alternative high temperature lead-free solder called HOTSOL, High Operating Temperature Solder with Zero Lead.

The demonstration of this product has been the subject of a Smart Award and has been evaluated positively in a pan-European project.

We are seeking partners to assist us in the further development of this exciting product. If you are potentially interested and would like to find out more, then please contact us

VIEW OUR HOTSOL PRESENTATION