Contact Us Contact Us How can we help you? Drop us a message and we will get back to you very quickly Home » News » Custom Interconnect Ltd invests in K&S Asterion Heavy Gauge Wirebonder for APC15@FutureBEV and GaNSiC projects Custom Interconnect Ltd invests in K&S Asterion Heavy Gauge Wirebonder for APC15@FutureBEV and GaNSiC projects Custom Interconnect Ltd invests in K&S Asterion Heavy Gauge Wirebonder for APC15 @ FutureBEV and GaNSiC WBG device packaging for multiple electric vehicle projects. Custom Interconnect Ltd has further invested in K&S Asterion Heavy Gauge wirebonder from Inseto Ltd to enhance its WBG packaging capability. The K&S Asterion is to play a crucial role in two major electric vehicle (EV) projects in which CIL is extensively involved. In the first, CIL is engaged with BMW and other project partners on APC15@FutureBEV to maximise potential for future BEV systems. The project is one of 10 projects by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) in its latest round of Government and industry funding for low-carbon emissions research. In the second case, CIL is the project lead on GaNSIC - a project that stems from the UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) ‘Driving the Electric Revolution’ challenge and brings together CIL and Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult (CSA Catapult). It is set to develop novel ways of applying Silver Sinter pastes to WBG semiconductors, such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices, to optimise their thermal coupling and solve complex power module assembly challenges. John Boston, Managing Director of CIL, comments: “Because of the high currents EV power modules handle, both projects require the placement of heavy gauge wire or ribbon, of between 150 and 600microns diameter or width compared to fine-wire bonding, which tends to be about 25microns.” Boston goes on to say that SiC-based power module designs are aiming to switch up to 800VDC and handle up to 600A. He adds: “You need heavy gauge, but heavy gauge wire bonding of wide bandgap materials is a relatively new technology. More than ever before, there’s a need for collaboration and trust within the industry. Also, with keeping costs low such an imperative in the automotive sectors, the use of manufacturing tools likely to produce the best results is essential, particularly when some Tier 1 vehicle manufactures are demanding zero defects and stipulating that reworks are not allowed on any production assemblies. CIL is an electronic solutions provider. It has the largest independent ‘chip and wire’ facility in the UK and its micro-electronics packaging facility is regarded as being at the forefront of the EV power revolution. Boston concludes: “In addition to APC15@FutureBEV and GaNSiC, we’re the manufacturing partner on many other EV projects, plus we have many customers in the aerospace sector – active under initiatives like the More Electric Aircraft and the All-Electric Aircraft. “ The K&S Asterion is located in CIL’s BEV facility, and joins an automatic die bonder and high pressure Silver Sinter press (both of which are for the packaging of WBG materials) and a scanning acoustic microscope, used to detect voids. The Asterion will also be used in the manufacture of EV batteries, specifically for bonding between cells and busbars/plates. Back to News Help and Advice? CIL Brochure E: sales@cil-uk.co.uk T: +44 (0)1264 321321 OUR OFFICE Address: Custom Interconnect Limited, Charlton Road, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3JL Phone: +44 (0)1264 321321 Email: sales@cil-uk.co.uk SERVICES + Electronics Manufacturing + Advanced Technologies + Design Services + Power Electronics for BEV & PHEV Vehicles + Box Build + Rapid Prototypes SECTORS + Aerospace & Space Tech + Automotive BEV & PHEV + Communications + Defence & Homeland Security + Industrial + Medical & Laboratory + Oil & Gas + Transportation Infrastructure CORPORATE + A Brief History + Our Vision, Mission & Values + CIL Supply Chain + Quality Assurance + Case Studies + Downloads + Connexion Technologies + Privacy Policy + Accessibility Custom Interconnect Limited (Group) - © 2021 Web Design by Devmac