Effect of oxygen partial pressure on co-firing behavior and magnetic properties of LTCC modules with integrated NiCuZn ferrite layers

low-κ dielectric LTCC was developed, to realize successful co-firing with NiCuZn ferrite tapes. A critical high-temperature process in the production of highly integrated LTCC modules is the migration of silver from inner conductors into the LTCC glass phase. Intensive silver migration causes strong deformation of LTCC multilayers during firing in air. Silver migration into the LTCC glass phase depends on oxygen content of the sintering atmosphere and can be minimized by sintering in nitrogen atmosphere. However, partial decomposition of NiCuZn-ferrite and formation of cuprite was observed during sintering in nitrogen and, consequently, the permeability of the ferrite decreases. As shown by a combined XRD/thermogravimetric study the co-firing of LTCC modules with silver metallization and integrated ferrite layer demands precise adjustment of oxygen partial pressure.