Via Hole Filling Technology for High Density, High Aspect Ratio Printed Wiring Boards Using a High Tg, low CTE Plugging Paste

The continued fast pace towards miniaturization is leading circuit board designers to push the envelope on integration density. This trend is driving fabricators to closely look at methods and processes that will enable the move towards sequential lamination and blind and buried via technology. Circuit board fabricators particularly in North America are adopting techniques such as via filling capability with nonconductive, high Tg, low CTE plugging pastes. This paper describes the implementation of the via filling process in a highly effective and reliable fashion for high density, high aspect ratio printed wiring boards. Close attention is paid to use of these via filling materials under high temperature assembly conditions. In addition, via plugging material requirements, equipment considerations and process limitations will be presented. Further, the pros and cons of different filling techniques are discussed. Finally, desmear and metallization techniques to insure adhesion of the plating to the filled via are presented in the context of “Best Practices.”