Thermoelectric devices and methods for making the same
US6262357A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L2924/09701
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Thermoelectric devices having enhanced thermal characteristics are fabricated using multilayer ceramic (MLC) technology methods. Aluminum nitride faceplates with embedded electrical connections provide the electrical series configuration for alternating dissimilar semiconducting materials. Embedded electrical connections are formed by vias and lines in the faceplate. Methods for forming tunnels through lamination and etching are employed. A portion of the dissimilar materials are then melted within the tunnels to form a bond. Thermal conductivity of the faceplate is enhanced by adding electrically isolated vias to one surface, filled with high thermal conductivity metal paste. A low thermal conductivity material is also introduced between the two high thermal conductivity material faceplates. Alternating semiconducting materials are introduced within the varying thermal conductivity layers by punching vias within greensheets of predetermined thermal conductivity and filling with n-type and p-type paste. Alternating semiconducting materials may also be patterned in linear or radial fanout patterns through screening techniques and lamination of wire structures. A liquid channel withi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.