<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  Designing a PCB with the DEX PCB Designer > Designs > Parts > PCB Device Types > Device Package Types > PCB Device Packages > Integrated Circuits > CBGA - Ceramic Ball Grid Array

The Ceramic Ball Grid Array (CBGA) is a type of integrated circuit package that comes under the broader category of Ball Grid Array (BGA) packages. As the name suggests, CBGA uses a ceramic base material, making it different from more traditional plastic BGA packages. This choice of material brings several advantages and considerations, especially in high-reliability or extreme environment applications. Here’s a detailed look:

Structure

•Base Material: CBGA packages use a ceramic substrate, which differs from the traditional plastic used in most other types of BGAs. Ceramic has specific properties that can be beneficial under certain operating conditions, such as better thermal conductivity and improved resistance to higher temperatures.

•Solder Balls: Like other BGA packages, CBGAs have an array of solder balls on the underside of the package for surface mounting to the PCB. These solder balls form the electrical connections between the IC and the PCB.

•Die Attach: The semiconductor die is attached to the ceramic package, and wire bonding is used to connect the die to the substrate's conductive traces. In some cases, a heat spreader or lid may cover the die for added protection and thermal management.

Advantages

•Thermal Performance: Ceramic materials have better thermal conductivity than plastics, allowing for more efficient heat dissipation. This factor is critical in high-power applications or those with tight thermal management requirements.

•High-Temperature Resilience: CBGAs can withstand higher soldering temperatures and are less susceptible to damage during reflow soldering, making them suitable for high-reliability applications.

•Low Outgassing: Ceramic doesn’t produce much gas under high temperatures, an essential factor in vacuum or aerospace applications where outgassing can compromise sensitive measurements or contaminate the environment.

•Mechanical Robustness: Ceramic packages are generally more robust mechanically, providing better protection to the die in high-stress environments.

Applications

•Aerospace and Defense: The resilience to extreme conditions and low outgassing make CBGAs suitable for space, aviation, and military applications, where components need to withstand high stress and extreme environmental conditions.

•Automotive: The ability to handle temperature fluctuations and mechanical stresses make these packages useful in automotive applications, especially in power electronics related to electric vehicles or under-the-hood applications.

•Medical and Industrial: The reliability and robustness of CBGAs are valuable in critical applications such as medical equipment and industrial systems, where failure is not an option.

Considerations

•Cost: Ceramic-based packages can be more expensive due to the material costs and the more complex manufacturing process. They are generally used in applications where their additional benefits are required.

•Design and Assembly: PCB designs need to account for thermal characteristics of CBGAs, possibly incorporating additional thermal relief measures. Assembly processes must also be aligned with the package’s specifications, including reflow temperatures and handling requirements.

•Inspection and Rework: Like with all BGA packages, solder joints on CBGAs are hidden beneath the package, making inspection and rework more challenging. X-ray imaging is often used for inspection to ensure proper soldering.

In summary, CBGAs are an integral part of electronics in extreme or high-reliability environments due to their thermal, mechanical, and environmental resilience. They continue to be relevant, with innovations in ceramic materials and packaging technologies, despite the higher costs compared to standard plastic BGAs.