Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: A low profile integrated module is fabricated to include sheets of material, such as ceramic or PCB, fixed together and including a via extending through at least one of the plurality of sheets from the lower module surface partially to the upper module surface and in a side module surface. The via is filled with conductive material. The module is then mounted on a supporting substrate having a solder pad on the mounting surface with an area greater than the lower surface of the via. The lower surface of the via is positioned adjacent the upper surface of the mounting pad and soldered so that solder wicks up the via along the side module surface.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system includes a cell lysis chamber, a DNA separation chamber, a DNA amplification chamber, and a DNA detection system. The multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system is provided as a substantially monolithic structure formed from a plurality of green-sheet layers sintered together. The substantially monolithic structure has defined therein a means for heating the DNA amplification chamber and a means for cooling the DNA amplification chamber. The means for heating and means for cooling operate to cycle the temperature of the DNA amplification chamber as required for performing a DNA amplification process, such as PCR.

Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices. In preferred aspects, the devices are fabricated using ceramic multilayer technology to form devices in which parallel, independently controlled molecular reactions, such as nucleic acid amplification reactions including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be performed. Additionally, the devices can include and comprise micro-gas chromatographs similarly fabricated from ceramics.

Abstract: An intermediate low-pressure laminated ceramic device is formed from a plurality of layers of unfired ceramic material each including ceramic particles in an organic binder. A polymer interfacial layer having a glass transition temperature such that it flows at a temperature below a temperature required for the unfired ceramic layers to substantially deform, is deposited on one surface of each of the unfired ceramic layers. The unfired ceramic layers are stacked with an interfacial layer positioned between adjacent unfired ceramic layers in the stack. The stack is heated to a temperature greater than the glass transition temperature of the interfacial layers and a pressure is applied to the heated stack below approximately 1200 psi to fixedly bond the plurality of layers in the stack together.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a multilayered structure out of sheets of green-tape without the application of high pressures includes the step of applying an adhesive to the sheets of green-tape. Selection of an adhesive with a polymer that decomposes at a higher temperature than the binder present in the green-tape promotes stability of the interfaces during the firing process and promotes void-free sintering within the interfacial regions.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system includes a cell lysis chamber, a DNA separation chamber, a DNA amplification chamber, and a DNA detection system. The multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system is provided as a substantially monolithic structure formed from a plurality of green-sheet layers sintered together. The substantially monolithic structure has defined therein a means for heating the DNA amplification chamber and a means for cooling the DNA amplification chamber. The means for heating and means for cooling operate to cycle the temperature of the DNA amplification chamber as required for performing a DNA amplification process, such as PCR.

Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic device having a substantially monolithic structure is formed by sintering together a plurality of green-sheet layers. The substantially monolithic structure has an inlet port for receiving fluid, an outlet port for releasing fluid, and an interconnection between the inlet port and the outlet port. The substantially monolithic structure may also include a variety of components to enable useful interaction with the fluid, such as electrically conductive pathways, heaters, fluid sensors, fluid motion transducers, and optically transmissive portions. The components are preferably fabricated using thick-film or green-sheet technology and are preferably co-fired with and sintered to the green-sheet layers to become integral with the substantially monolithic structure.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system includes a cell lysis chamber, a DNA separation chamber, a DNA amplification chamber, and a DNA detection system. The multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system is provided as a substantially monolithic structure formed from a plurality of green-sheet layers sintered together. The substantially monolithic structure has defined therein a means for heating the DNA amplification chamber and a means for cooling the DNA amplification chamber. The means for heating and means for cooling operate to cycle the temperature of the DNA amplification chamber as required for performing a DNA amplification process, such as PCR.

Abstract: A method to fabricate a printed circuit board with a low temperature coefficient of resonant frequency comprising the steps of mixing a volume of glass particles, a volume of filler material, and a volume of finely modifier powder. The function of the finely modifier powder is to adjust the low temperature of resonant frequency. The mixture is sintered at a temperature to form a low temperature cofired ceramic which will have a low temperature coefficient of resonant frequency that is approximately zero.

Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: An intermediate low-pressure laminated ceramic device is formed from a plurality of layers of unfired ceramic material each including ceramic particles in an organic binder. A polymer interfacial layer having a glass transition temperature such that it flows at a temperature below a temperature required for the unfired ceramic layers to substantially deform, is deposited on one surface of each of the unfired ceramic layers. The unfired ceramic layers are stacked with an interfacial layer positioned between adjacent unfired ceramic layers in the stack. The stack is heated to a temperature greater than the glass transition temperature of the interfacial layers and a pressure is applied to the heated stack below approximately 1200 psi to fixedly bond the plurality of layers in the stack together.

Abstract: Devices (20)/(32) include respectively a conductive layer (22)/(34) having a plurality of ceramic phases (26, 28, 30)/(38, 40, 42). Devices are prepared in a receptacle (10) having a colloidal suspension of ceramic particles, a first electrode (12), a second electrode (14) and a power source (16). A substrate with a conductive layer is affixed to one of the electrodes and a voltage is applied to deposit particles on the conductive layer.

Abstract: Low profile interconnect structure includes an electronic circuit module with a plurality of mounting areas and a plurality of electrical contact areas defined by the mounting surface. The plurality of mounting areas are spaced a first distance from a mounting and interconnect surface parallel to and spaced from the mounting surface and the plurality of electrical contact areas are spaced a second distance, less than the first distance, from the mounting and interconnect surface. Large solder balls are used between the mounting areas and the mounting and interconnect surface to form a solid mount and smaller solder members are used for electrical interconnections.

Abstract: A multiphase dielectric composition for a multilayered ceramic device (10), and devices incorporating the same, including a (SrCa)TiO3 dielectric powder and a glass that is substantially free of lead having a weight ratio of about 35 to about 65 parts powder: about 65 to about 35 parts glass, and having a particle size of about 1 to about 2.5 micron (um) and having a dielectric constant (K) of about 18 to about 30 and an electrical Q of at least about 300 to about 550.

Abstract: Solder and a method of manufacturing the solder are disclosed wherein powdered free silver is added to a solder alloy with a particle size sufficient to preserve silver metallization during use and with a concentration sufficient to maximize the effectiveness and avoid adverse effects on solder reflow characteristics. Preferably, the particle size is in a range of approximately 5 &mgr;m to 20 &mgr;m and the powdered free silver is added in a concentration of approximately 5% to 10%.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic integrated circuit module for a receiver front-end of a wireless communication device is provided. The module contains an embedded component portion, which has a plurality of thick film capacitors; a plurality of multilayer capacitors; and a plurality of transmission lines deposited internal to the multilayer ceramic integrated circuit module to interconnect the plurality of thick film capacitors and the plurality of multilayer capacitors. The module also contains a mounted component portion, which has a pair of pin diodes; a transistor and a plurality of resistors coupled thereto, for controlling the bias of the pair of pin diodes; and a low-noise-amplifier. The module reduces the size and weight of wireless devices and combines multiple functions into a highly integrated device.

Abstract: An alumina based dielectric ceramic composition comprising a base material and an additive material. The base material is represented by the general formula (x) Al2O3+(y) TiO2 wherein x and y are percentages of the total weight of the base material, and x is in the range of about 60 to about 96, more preferably about 94 to about 96, and y is in the range of about 4 to about 40, more preferably about 4 to about 6. In one embodiment the additive material comprises Nb2O5. In a second embodiment the additive material further comprises at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of BaCO3, SnO2, Mn2O3, MnCO3, Mg(OH)2, and Y2O3. The composition requires a relatively lower peak soak temperature (as compared to conventional alumina ceramics) of about 1320 to about 1400° C., more optimally about 1350 to about 1370° C., and is particularly suited for use in high frequency applications.