Temperature Estimation of High Temperature Data Acquisition Multichip Module for Oil Field Apparatus

Deeper reservoirs are being explored in the search for sources of oil and gas, and this implies a need for oil field apparatus capable of measuring temperatures higher than 200 degrees C. However, very few integrated circuit (especially digital integrated circuit) products are available that can operate at high temperatures. Multichip modules (MCMs) have been used at high temperatures in some studies, but the integrated circuits used in MCMs are not designed specifically to operate at these temperatures. It is therefore essential to develop MCMs for estimating high temperatures. Simulations of chips in a plastic package and an MCM were performed, and the results compared. A spreading thermal resistance model was used to assess the temperature distribution in the MCM, which was then tested at 200 degrees C to determine its performance at high temperatures. Good agreement was obtained between the calculated and experimental results, showing that the MCM could be used in oil fields at temperatures as high as 200 degrees C.