Patent Publication Number: US-2009220771-A1

Title: Voltage switchable dielectric material with superior physical properties for structural applications

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/028,187, entitled VOLTAGE SWITCHABLE DIELECTRIC MATERIAL WITH SUPERIOR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES, filed Feb. 12, 2008; the aforementioned priority application being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF ART 
     This application relates to compositions of voltage switchable dielectric material. More specifically, this application pertains to voltage switchable dielectric material having bonded particle constituents. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Voltage switchable dielectric (VSD) materials are known to be materials that are insulative at low voltages and conductive at higher voltages. These materials are typically composites comprising of conductive, semiconductive, and insulative particles in an insulative polymer matrix. These materials are used for transient protection of electronic devices, most notably electrostatic discharge protection (ESD) and electrical overstress (EOS). Generally, VSD material behaves as a dielectric, unless a characteristic voltage or voltage range is applied, in which case it behaves as a conductor. Various kinds of VSD material exist. Examples of voltage switchable dielectric materials are provided in references such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,357, U.S. Pat. No. 5,068,634, U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,380, U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,263, U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,387, U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,517, U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,509, WO 96/02924, and WO 97/26665, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     VSD materials may be formed using various processes and materials or compositions. One conventional technique provides that a layer of polymer is filled with high levels of metal particles to very near the percolation threshold, typically more than 25% by volume. Semiconductor and/or insulator materials is then added to the mixture. 
     Another conventional technique provides for forming VSD material by mixing doped metal oxide powders, then sintering the powders to make particles with grain boundaries, and then adding the particles to a polymer matrix to above the percolation threshold. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates use of select VSD material in a core layer structure, under an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a formulation of VSD material, under an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  each illustrate different configurations for a substrate device that is configured with VSD material having a composition such as described with any of the embodiments provided herein. 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified diagram of an electronic device on which VSD material in accordance with embodiments described herein may be provided. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments described herein provide for VSD material that has superior characteristics for its use as an integral structural component of a device. 
     Traditionally, VSD Materials are polymer composites filled to more than 50% by volume of a particle filler. In order to provide a composite with some level of mechanical stability, some conventional approaches have used polymers with very low glass transition temperature (Tg) as a matrix material. Traditionally, the matrix has been formulated from silicone rubber, which provides a very minimal level of mechanical stability to the composite but has a low modulus of elasticity, low Tg, high CTE, and very poor adhesion to metal. 
     VSD materials are typically used in discrete device applications where the packaging of the device can provide the necessary mechanical properties. When a VSD material is used in an application in which it is an integral structural component of a device, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) or IC chip substrate, embodiments recognize that the physical property demands on the VSD material are higher than other usages. Accordingly, embodiments recognize that properties such as the modulus of elasticity, Tg, CTE, and the material&#39;s ability to adhere to metal become highly relevant when the VSD material becomes an integral structural component. 
     For product integration, it is also important that common adhesives can adhere to the VSD material. Silicone polymers lack the inherent property that enables adhesives to adhere to the material. With embodiments described herein, the matrix of the VSD material may be formulated to enable adhesion by common adhesives in manufacturing processes for various structures. 
     Under many conventional approaches, VSD material formulations have relied on silicone polymer based resins for use as a matrix. Silicones are resistant to reductive chemical side reactions during the current flow in the “on state” of conduction, which helps the electrical durability. Embodiments recognize that silicone resins, however, promote characteristics of VSD material (when formed from such resins) that lack structural integrity and impede structural applications. For example, silicone based resins have low Tg, high coefficient of thermal expansion and poor adhesive properties (not easy to stick too). When considered structurally, such resins make poor candidates for use as the matrix in VSD material for applications that embed layers in printed circuit boards or chip package substrates. Conversely, traditional circuit board materials such as epoxies, polyimides, polyurethanes, bismaleimides, and the like have great physical properties but are not resistive to reductive reactions during a high voltage pulse. 
     As an enhancement, one or more embodiments combine silicone polymer and organic (e.g. thermosetting) polymer in the form of a block or graft copolymer structure of silicone and epoxy and/or polymide and/or bismaleimide. The block or graft copolymer may be used to form the matrix for VSD material. When used for VSD material, such copolymer structures provide the VSD material with superior properties that are suited for structural applications, such as those applications that require VSD material to adhere to metal (e.g. copper). The superior properties that result from use of such copolymers signify the ability of VSD material, formed from materials such as described, to remain structurally sound and uniformly disposed after the completion of the manufacturing processes that require its integration as a layer adhered to copper or other metal. For example, the VSD material with desired physical and electrical characteristics can optimally withstand temperature variation and stress induced by processes to laminate or form copper foil or other structures. 
     As mentioned, the use of block or graft copolymers enhance the desired properties of VSD material for structural applications. The copolymer may be in the form of a block copolymer, in which different sets of homopolymer subunits are linked in one chain. As an alternative, some embodiments of VSD material may employ graft copolymers for the matrix. Graft copolymers are a special type of branched copolymer in which the side chains are structurally distinct from the main chain. Embodiments referenced herein that utilize block copolymers may alternatively use graft copolymers. 
     When a VSD material is used in an application in which it is an integral structural component of the system, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) or IC chip substrate, embodiments recognize that the physical property demands on the VSD material are higher than other usages. Various applications for VSD material are depicted below. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates use of select VSD material in a core layer structure, under an embodiment. The core layer structure  100  illustrates one application of VSD material where superior physical characteristics of the VSD material are beneficial. In an embodiment, the core layer structure  100  includes one layer of conductive foil  110  coated with protective VSD material  112 . In some implementations, prepreg material  114  may overlay VSD material  112 . The core layer structure enables use of VSD material  112  as a functional layer embedded into a printed circuit board or other substrate device. The VSD material  112  is adhered to one of the foils. The prepreg layer  114  may be distributed between one of the layers of foil and the VSD material  112 . Numerous other variations to the core layer structure  100  are possible. For example, additional layers of the materials as depicted may be implemented. Structural variations may also be included in the layers that comprise the core layer structure, or in the structure  100  as a whole (e.g. presence of vias). In any of the context described, embodiments provide for the use of VSD material with superior properties to enhance the integrity and formation of VSD material on the structure. These superior properties may be classified as relating to structural integrity and electrical durability. 
     Structural Integrity: VSD material is typically deposited as a layer on site (e.g. on a copper foil), then cured. In contrast to many past approaches, embodiments described herein provide for VSD material that is deposited as a layer having uniform thickness on a copper or conductive foil, where it is adhered. Because of its superior physical properties, subsequent manufacturing processes, such as lamination, copper etching/patterning processes, and heat treatments, do not substantially affect the uniformity of the VSD material. More specifically, the VSD material, in formulations such as described by embodiments, adheres and remains uniformly disposed as a layer on the substrate device after performance of various manufacturing processes (such as lamination or processes that affect temperature). 
     Electrical durability: Electrical durability refers to the characteristic that the VSD material does not substantially degrade electrical performance after an initial transient electrical event that causes at least some of the material to become conductive. Desirable electrical durability may specifically be quantified by the material&#39;s leakage current (i) after an initial electrical event, and (ii) in presence of some electrical stress. In an embodiment, VSD material is provided with electrical durability that is quantified, after an initial transient event that causes the VSD material to become conductive, to be no greater than 1 milliamp leakage, with application of voltage in range of 1 to 12 volts subsequent to the initial transient event. According to one embodiment, the electrical durability is quantified to be less than 1 milliamp leakage, and in range of 0.1 milliamps or less with application of voltage in range of 1 to 12 volts. A technique for defining a standard by which electrical durability is determined herein is described below. 
     Accordingly, VSD material may be formulated to provide specific properties that are known to materials in order to enhance structural integrity, electrical durability and other desired characteristics. Using, for example, properties of the matrix material and/or particle constituents, the VSD material may be formulated to exhibit numerous specific and known characteristics of materials. These characteristics may directly or indirectly relate to electrical durability and integrity. According to some embodiments, these characteristics include one or more of the following properties: (i) Peel: adhere sufficiently to the copper foil (for purpose of this application, good adherence can be assumed to occur when the VSD material has peel that is greater than 3 lb/inch peel); (ii) thermal expansion coefficient (CTE): have a sufficiently low CTE so as to sustain various manufacturing processes that occur in formulating the core layer structure  100 ; and (iii) have a high modulus of elasticity and flexural elasticity. 
     In an embodiment, the VSD material  112  is designed to have sufficiently low CTE to enable the VSD material to withstand delamination or other processes that are performed with extreme temperature fluctuations. The VSD material  112  may also be designed to have high flexural strength such that it does not crack during the manufacturing process and use of the structure  100  or finished PCB. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a formulation of VSD material, under an embodiment. The formulation may include various constituents that individually or collectively combine to provide desired properties such as described with an embodiment of  FIG. 1 . In an embodiment such as shown, VSD material  200  includes particle constituents dispersed in a binder or matrix  240 . The particle constituents may vary, depending on design and composition of VSD material. According to various embodiments, the particle constituents correspond or are composed of (i) a concentration of conductor particles  210 , (ii) a concentration of semiconductor particles  220 , and/or (iii) a concentration of nano-dimensioned particles. The concentration of nano-dimensioned particles may correspond to organic particles (such as graphenes, single wall carbon nanotubes or multi-wall carbon nanotubes) or inorganic high aspect ratio (HAR) particles (nanorods, nanowires etc.). Various types of VSD material are possible, with some or all of the different types of particle constituents listed. For example, in one embodiment, the VSD material  200  is comprised of a concentration of conductor particles (e.g. nickel) without use of semiconductor particles or nano-dimensioned particles. In another embodiment, conductor particles and semiconductive particles  220  may be dispersed in the matrix  240 . Still further, nano-dimensioned particles may be added to the matrix as an option. Some embodiments that emphasize use of conductor particles  210  load particle constituents to below, or just below the percolation threshold of the matrix  240 . Other embodiments use semiconductive particles  220  (with or without conductor particles  210 ) and/or nano-dimensioned particles (which can be conductors or semiconductors, depending on the type of particle used) to load the particle concentration past the percolation threshold. 
     In one embodiment, the matrix  240  is formed from a copolymer, such as a block copolymer or graft polymer. The particle constituents include metal conductors, and the overall particle concentration is below (or just below) the percolation threshold. According to some embodiments, a composition of VSD material includes 20-30% by volume of micron sized conductors, 0.1-10% by volume of nano-sized conductors, 0-20% by volume of micron-sized semiconductors and 5-30% by volume of nano-sized semiconductors. Such formulations, with appropriately selected particles, enable development of VSD material with one or more of the properties as stated. Some superior physical characteristics may be provided in part by the selection of the type and quantity of nanoparticles. Numerous compositions of VSD material in accordance with embodiments described herein are described with  FIG. 1 . 
     Specific compositions and techniques by which organic and/or HAR particles are incorporated into the composition of VSD material is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/829,946, entitled VOLTAGE SWITCHABLE DIELECTRIC MATERIAL HAVING CONDUCTIVE OR SEMI-CONDUCTIVE ORGANIC MATERIAL; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/829,948, entitled VOLTAGE SWITCHABLE DIELECTRIC MATERIAL HAVING HIGH ASPECT RATIO PARTICLES; both of the aforementioned patent applications are incorporated by reference in their respective entirety by this application. 
     A mixture of semiconductors that have been sintered to form micron sized particles could be added to the block copolymer resin with optional conductors to form a VSD material. 
     As mentioned, embodiments recognize that the matrix or binder  240  often is integral in the physical properties of the resulting VSD material. Accordingly, the matrix  240  is be selected to have specific properties or characteristics that promote, enhance or amplify the properties that are desired from the VSD material. In one embodiment, matrix  240  includes a copolymer material (such as an epoxy compound or other polymer material) that exhibits good adhesion to copper and also includes surfactants and surface treatments to enhance the compatibility and electrical properties of the nanoparticles (and/or micron sized particles) with the matrix polymer. 
     As mentioned, one or more embodiments enhance the VSD material by forming matrix  240  from a block or graft copolymer. In an embodiment, a block polymer for use as matrix  240  may be formed by combining two polymers using a curative. In one embodiment, a silicone polymer (“Block A”) (characterized by good electrical durability, and relatively poor metal adhesion) may be combined with, for example, a hydrocarbon polymer (“Block B”) (traditionally having poor electrical characteristics, but good adhesion to metal or copper) using a suitable curative. In one implementation, the silicone based polymer is combined with epoxy, using a curative such as of a diamine, phenolic, or anhydride types. The following may be used for Block A silicone and Block B (shown as polybutadiene): 
     “Block A” Silicone 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     “Block B” polybutadiene 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     Still further, the block copolymer may be formed from segments with low glass transition temperature (Tg) and segments with high Tg. In one embodiment, the copolymer includes one or more of the following block copolymers: 
     (1) Bisphenol A epoxy block—polybutadiene block—Bisphenol A epoxy block 
     In another embodiment, the following block copolymers may be used: 
     (2) Bisphenol A epoxy block—polydimethyl siloxane block—Bisphenol A epoxy block 
     Still further, another embodiment may use: 
     (3) Bisphenol A epoxy block—polydimethyl siloxane block—Bisphenol A epoxy block
 
(4) Polyimide block—polydimethyl siloxane block—polyimide block
 
     Other block copolymers of the form ABA, BAB, AB, or BA can be used, where A=low Tg, and B=high Tg. The following are general examples of block copolymer formulations: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 AAAAABBBBBCCCCC 
                   
               
               
                   
                 AAAAABBBBAAAAA 
               
               
                   
                 BBBBBBCCCCCBBBBBDDDD 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The following is an example of a graft copolymer formulation with similarly defined blocks: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 AAAAAACCCCCCC 
                   
               
               
                   
                 B  B 
               
               
                   
                 B  B 
               
               
                   
                 B  B 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In the examples provided for block or graft copolymers, examples of the ‘C’ and ‘D’ blocks include: 
     “Block C” Polyimide 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     “Block D” Epoxy 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     The following structures are examples Block A, as provided with one or more embodiments. 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     The following structures are examples Block B, as provided with one or more embodiments. 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     The following structures are examples Block D, as provided with one or more embodiments. 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     Table 1 describes various Formulations (listed columnularly) in accordance with various embodiments. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Example Formulations. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Weight 
                 Weight 
                 Weight 
                   
                   
                 Weight 
                 Weight 
                 Weight 
                 Weight 
               
               
                   
                 (grams) 
                 (grams) 
                 (grams) 
                 Weight 
                 Weight 
                 (grams) 
                 (grams) 
                 (grams) 
                 (grams) 
               
               
                   
                 JW013- 
                 PS017- 
                 PS017- 
                 (grams) 
                 (grams) 
                 RJF003- 
                 RJF003- 
                 RJF003- 
                 PS017- 
               
               
                 Material 
                 051 
                 110 
                 141 
                 RJF005-1 
                 RJF005-6 
                 135 
                 95 
                 183 
                 135 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Epon 828 
                 157.0 
                 49.2 
                 114.4 
                 90 
                 23.25 
                 0 
                 15.1 
                 0 
                 158.4 
               
               
                 EP0409 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 22 
                 21.05 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 POSS 
               
               
                 Albiflex 296 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 30.05 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 SIB1115 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 2.09 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 epoxy 
               
               
                 silicone 
               
               
                 KJR651E 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 205.1 
                 0 
               
               
                 Multiwall 
                 0 
                 4.84 
                 5.01 
                 5.5 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 2.36 
                 5.08 
               
               
                 Carbon 
               
               
                 Nanotubes 
               
               
                 5% MWCNT 
                 0 
                   
                   
                   
                 71.1 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 in epoxy 
               
               
                 CP-1230 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 80.73 
                 21.0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 MWCNT in 
               
               
                 epoxy 
               
               
                 Cabotherm 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 21 
                 23.11 
                 34.09 
                 0 
                 10.11 
                 0 
               
               
                 BN 
               
               
                 GP611 
                 52.7 
                 49.2 
                 38.13 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 KR44 
                 0 
                 2.57 
                 2.61 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 2.71 
               
               
                 PolyBD 605E 
                 0 
                 49.2 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 Bismuth 
                 0 
                 142.5 
                 140.3 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 147.8 
               
               
                 Oxide 
               
               
                 Titanium 
                 0 
                 84.4 
                 83.9 
                 215 
                 197.1 
                 158.06 
                 0 
                 80.01 
                 87.8 
               
               
                 Dioxide 
               
               
                 DT52 
               
               
                 Titanium 
                 109.4 
                 77.9 
                 77.4 
                 0 
                   
                 0 
                 39.0 
                 0 
                 81.0 
               
               
                 Dioxide P25 
               
               
                 Dyhard T03 
                 9.9 
                 6.03 
                 7.17 
                 5.25 
                 5.25 
                 3.9 
                 1.73 
                 0 
                 7.26 
               
               
                 Nickel 4SP- 
                 750.0 
                 620.7 
                 633.5 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 648.1 
               
               
                 10 
               
               
                 Nickel 
                 62.6 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 140.46 
                 162 
                 85.03 
                 0 
               
               
                 INP400 
               
               
                 1- 
                 1.04 
                 0.83 
                 0.83 
                 0.5 
                 0.6 
                 0.68 
                 0.05 
                 0 
                 0.84 
               
               
                 methylimidazole 
               
               
                 HCTF TiB2 
                 0 
                   
                   
                 120 
                 117 
                 68.5 
                 0 
                 45.03 
                 0 
               
               
                 Titanium 
                 0 
                   
                   
                 112 
                 113.16 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 Nitride grade C 
               
               
                 N- 
                 151.8 
                 194.2 
                 160.6 
                 269.8 
                 355 
                 233 
                 109.8 
                 150 
                 116 
               
               
                 methylpyrrolidone 
               
               
                 FS10P ATO 
                 34.8 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 rods 
               
               
                 UVLP7500 
                 109.4 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 TiO2 
               
               
                 BYK 142 
                 4.8 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     A general process for formulating VSD material in accordance with one or more embodiments: (i) Add MWCNT, polymers, NMP and predisperse with sonication 1 hour; (ii) Add surfactants/dispersants, curative, and catalyst; (iii) Add powders slowly while mixing with Cowles blade mixer; and (iv) Mix in high shear rotor-stator type mixer with sonication. 
     The following table shows example formulations of block copolymers containing silicone blocks and polyimide, epoxy, and/or polybutadiene blocks. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Resulting physical and electrical properties. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Peel 
                 Pre Tg 
                 Post Tg 
                   
                   
                 Post electrical Stress 
               
               
                 (lb/inch) 
                 CTE 
                 CTE 
                   
                 Clamp 
                 Leakage current 
               
               
                 (kg/cm) 
                 Ppm/C. 
                 Ppm/C. 
                 Tg C. 
                 Voltage 
                 at 3 volts 
               
               
                   
               
               
                  3.8 (0.68) 
                 74 
                 84 
                 159 
                 161 
                 2.26E−7 (PS017-141) 
               
               
                 3.28 (0.59) 
                 57 
                 68 
                 140 
                 366 
                 7.28E−8 (PS017-110) 
               
               
                 3.08 (0.55) 
                 80 
                 87 
                 146 
                 237 
                 8.07E−8 (JW013-051) 
               
               
                 4.42 (0.79) 
                   
                   
                 150 
                 206 
                 3.69E−6 (PS017-135) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The following table lists examples of materials that may be used as provided by supplier. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Supplier Listing 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Material 
                 Supplier 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Epon 828 
                 Resolution Performance Products 
               
               
                 EP0409 POSS 
                 Hybrid Plastics 
               
               
                 Albiflex 296 
                 Hanse chemie USA, Inc. 
               
               
                 SIB1115 epoxy silicone 
                 Gelest 
               
               
                 KJR651E 
                 Shin-Etsu 
               
               
                 Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes 
                 Cheaptubes 
               
               
                 5% MWCNT in epoxy 
                 Zyvek 
               
               
                 CP-1230 MWCNT in epoxy 
                 Hyperion Catalysis 
               
               
                 Cabotherm BN 
                 Saint- Gobian Advanced Ceramics 
               
               
                   
                 Corporation 
               
               
                 GP611 
                 Genesee Polymers 
               
               
                 KR44 
                 Kenrich Petrochemicals 
               
               
                 PolyBD 605E 
                 Sartomer 
               
               
                 Bismuth Oxide 
                 Nanophase 
               
               
                 Titanium Dioxide DT52 
                 Millenium Chemical 
               
               
                 Titanium Dioxide P25 
                 Evonik (Degussa) 
               
               
                 Dyhard T03 
                 Evonik (Degussa) 
               
               
                 Nickel 4SP-10 
                 Inco Novamet 
               
               
                 Nickel INP400 
                 Inco Novamet 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Electrical Durability and Measurement Standard 
     Numerous embodiments described herein provide for formulation of VSD material that has enhanced electrical durability. As mentioned previously, desirable electrical durability properties of VSD material may be quantified in the following manner: For a given quantity of VSD material (i) after an initial transient event that causes the VSD material to become conductive, (ii) then while under electrical stress (as can be) measured by voltage in range of 1 to 12 volts subsequent to the initial transient event, (iii) the VSD material exhibits leakage current that is no greater than 1 milliamp. 
     The standard for quantifying electrical durability as mentioned may correspond or be consistent with the following technique. A transmission line pulse (TLP) generator is used to generate a square-wave shaped pulse having very fast rise/fall times and a uniform amplitude throughout the duration of the pulse. This is accomplished by first charging a length of transmission line (for example, a coaxial cable, cut to give a 130 ns pulse width) to charged to 3000 volts (actual voltage discharged into sample is 900 Volts due to attenuation in the matching network) and then discharging the transmission line through a suitable matching network into the structure (i.e. layer of VSD material) being studied. The pulse width is proportional to the length of the transmission line, with longer lengths resulting in wider pulses and shorter lengths resulting in shorter pulses. The oscilloscope is connected to the structure being studied using a voltage probe. The VSD material quantified for electrical durability by way of this section may be positioned across a 2.5 mil gap. This allows one to study the response of the structure to the TLP pulse throughout the duration of the pulse. 
     VSD Material Applications 
     Numerous applications exist for compositions of VSD material in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. In particular, embodiments provide for VSD material to be provided on substrate devices, such as printed circuit boards, semiconductor packages, discrete devices, thin film electronics, as well as more specific applications such as LEDs and radio-frequency devices (e.g. RFID tags). Still further, other applications may provide for use of VSD material such as described herein with a liquid crystal display, organic light emissive display, electrochromic display, electrophoretic display, or back plane driver for such devices. The purpose for including the VSD material may be to enhance handling of transient and overvoltage conditions, such as may arise with ESD events. Another application for VSD material includes metal deposition, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,797,145 to L. Kosowsky (which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). 
       FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  each illustrate different configurations for a substrate device that is configured with VSD material having a composition such as described with any of the embodiments provided herein. In  FIG. 3A , the substrate device  300  corresponds to, for example, a printed circuit board. In such a configuration, VSD material  310  (having a composition such as described with any of the embodiments described herein) may be provided on a surface  302  to ground a connected element. As an alternative or variation,  FIG. 3B  illustrates a configuration in which the VSD material forms a grounding path that is embedded within a thickness  310  of the substrate. 
     Electroplating 
     In addition to inclusion of the VSD material on devices for handling, for example, ESD events, one or more embodiments contemplate use of VSD material (using compositions such as described with any of the embodiments herein) to form substrate devices, including trace elements on substrates, and interconnect elements such as vias. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/881,896, filed on Sep. Jul. 29, 2007, and which claims benefit of priority to U.S. Pat. No. 6,797,145 (both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their respective entirety) recites numerous techniques for electroplating substrates, vias and other devices using VSD material. Embodiments described herein enable use of VSD material, as described with any of the embodiments in this application. 
     Other Applications 
       FIG. 4  is a simplified diagram of an electronic device on which VSD material in accordance with embodiments described herein may be provided.  FIG. 4  illustrates a device  400  including substrate  410 , component  420 , and optionally casing or housing  430 . VSD material  405  (in accordance with any of the embodiments described) may be incorporated into any one or more of many locations, including at a location on a surface  402 , underneath the surface  402  (such as under its trace elements or under component  420 ), or within a thickness of substrate  410 . Alternatively, the VSD material may be incorporated into the casing  430 . In each case, the VSD material  405  may be incorporated so as to couple with conductive elements, such as trace leads, when voltage exceeding the characteristic voltage is present. Thus, the VSD material  405  is a conductive element in the presence of a specific voltage condition. 
     With respect to any of the applications described herein, device  400  may be a display device. For example, component  420  may correspond to an LED that illuminates from the substrate  410 . The positioning and configuration of the VSD material  405  on substrate  410  may be selective to accommodate the electrical leads, terminals (i.e. input or outputs) and other conductive elements that are provided with, used by or incorporated into the light-emitting device. As an alternative, the VSD material may be incorporated between the positive and negative leads of the LED device, apart from a substrate. Still further, one or more embodiments provide for use of organic LEDs, in which case VSD material may be provided, for example, underneath the OLED. 
     With regard to LEDs and other light emitting devices, any of the embodiments described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/562,289 (which is incorporated by reference herein) may be implemented with VSD material such as described with other embodiments of this application. 
     Alternatively, the device  400  may correspond to a wireless communication device, such as a radio-frequency identification device. With regard to wireless communication devices such as radio-frequency identification devices (RFID) and wireless communication components, VSD material may protect the component  420  from, for example, overcharge or ESD events. In such cases, component  420  may correspond to a chip or wireless communication component of the device. Alternatively, the use of VSD material  405  may protect other components from charge that may be caused by the component  420 . For example, component  420  may correspond to a battery, and the VSD material  405  may be provided as a trace element on a surface of the substrate  410  to protect against voltage conditions that arise from a battery event. Any composition of VSD material in accordance with embodiments described herein may be implemented for use as VSD material for device and device configurations described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/562,222 (incorporated by reference herein), which describes numerous implementations of wireless communication devices which incorporate VSD material. 
     As an alternative or variation, the component  420  may correspond to, for example, a discrete semiconductor device. The VSD material  405  may be integrated with the component, or positioned to electrically couple to the component in the presence of a voltage that switches the material on. 
     Still further, device  400  may correspond to a packaged device, or alternatively, a semiconductor package for receiving a substrate component. VSD material  405  may be combined with the casing  430  prior to substrate  410  or component  420  being included in the device. 
     Embodiments described with reference to the drawings are considered illustrative, and Applicant&#39;s claims should not be limited to details of such illustrative embodiments. Various modifications and variations will may be included with embodiments described, including the combination of features described separately with different illustrative embodiments. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular feature described either individually or as part of an embodiment can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments, even if the other features and embodiments make no mentioned of the particular feature.