Capacitors on organic modules: a new THB failure mode and method of detection

Multi-terminal low inductance capacitors (MTLICs) are used widely throughout the electronics industry to aid with voltage noise suppression and to manage high speed switching currents. They are implemented on system level cards as well as microprocessors and ASICs. MTLIC component dimensions are getting smaller with increased requirements on capacitance/inductance, driving more Ni plates (up to ~160), thinner dielectrics and therefore resulting in an increased risk for failure in temperature, humidity and bias stressing. Traditionally, MTLICs have been more robust than the modules they are used on-but this may be changing.