Effect of Insulative Debris on the Contact Resistance of Anisotropic Conductive Film (ACF) Adhesives: A Comparison Between a Solid Conducting Particle and a Coated Insulative Particle

The electrical contact resistance of two types of particles, solid conductive particles and insulating particles coated with a conductive coating, used in anisotropic conductive film (ACF) adhesive as current carrying components are investigated. The effect of insulative debris on both types of particles is explored using finite element analysis. Analysis shows that the contact resistance of coated particles is more immune to contaminants than solid particles. Thus, ACFs made with coated particles have a double advantage over solid conducting particles: one of economy, and the other, on robust electrical performance of a forgiving nature in applications.