This artifact is an engineering test sample demonstrating an early step in the construction of a microelectronic hybrid, a specialized device combining electrical components and circuits arranged in layers on top of an alumina wafer.
Each layer consisted of three sublayers: a conducting sublayer composed of circuits; an insulating sublayer; and a "via" sublayer that provided connections between adjoining layers. This artifact shows the blue glass used to create an insulating conducting sublayer.
The number of layers in a device ranged from three to eight, depending on its function. A completed hybrid was an ingenious puzzle in which the various layers were integrated through as many as several thousand connections.
Such hybrids were essential components on some types of science and communications satellites in the 1980s and 1990s. Lockheed Martin donated this artifact to the Museum in 1998.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Electronics
Manufacturer
General Electric Space Systems Division
Dimensions
Overall (Substrate Layer): 5.87 x 5.87 x 0.22cm (2 5/16in. x 2 5/16in. x 1/16in.)
Overall (Paper Label): 9.21 x 1.27cm (3 5/8in. x 1/2in.)
Materials
Overall: Alumina Silicate Ceramic, Unknown Blue Layer, Copper, Paper, Adhesive, Ink
Inventory Number
A19980310001
Credit Line
Gift of Lockheed Martin
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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