Mixed-Signal Mcm-L Design Using a Global Positioning System (gps) Receiver as an Example

Under an Advanced Research Projects Agency program (NRaD contract N66001-89-C-0104), the Special Purpose Processor Development Group, Mayo Foundation and the Government and Systems Technology Group, Motorola, have developed a fully functional Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver using Laminated Multichip Modules (MCM-Ls) fabricated by Acsist Associates. Though the many facets of GPS are of interest in themselves, this paper will use this particular module design as an example of a more generic mixed-signal (i.e., containing both analog and digital electronic elements) system, concentrating on the design, assembly, and test aspects related to typical mixed-signal MCM problems. Topics include system requirements, design constraints, substrate selection and description, design approach, assembly, and test.