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SCHOTT North America
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TO Headers
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The term Transistor Outline (more commonly referred to as TO) has been used for several decades. It is an industrial standard that governs the design and size of current-conducting electronic housings. A TO package always consists of two components: a header and a cap. While the header makes sure that the encapsulated components are provided with power, the cap ensures the smooth transmission of optical signals. This includes the sensors (e.g. laser diodes) as well as the receivers of the optical signals (e.g. photodiodes).
Product Description
The TO header provides a mechanical basis for the installation of electronic and optical components such as semiconductors, laser diodes or simple electronic circuits, while at the same time providing power to the encapsulated components with the aid of pins. Optical components such as photodiodes and laser diodes are particularly susceptible to damage from their environment. Humidity, in particular, can cause semiconductor elements to corrode rapidly, leading to failure of the entire component. This is why these components require reliable and permanent protection.
In general, there are three different types of TO headers which are distinguished based on the production technology used in their manufacture:
- Shelled headers consist of a metal foil that was shaped using thermoforming and in which the pins are fixed using glass.
- Stamped headers come with raised heads (Stamp A) or flat heads (Stamp B):
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Applications
In opto-electronics, TO headers are used in nearly all conventional areas of applications - on both the transmitter side (TOSA) and on the receiver side (ROSA) of transceivers, as well as in the area of high-speed data transfer, infrared applications etc... The new SCHOTT TO PLUS® electronic packaging is also suitable for use in high frequency applications.
Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) represent a new area of application with great potential for growth. These systems enable optical signals to be switched using a range of small, mobile mirrors. At the present time MEMS are predominantly used in the high-tech sector, but are becoming increasingly used in mass applications such as LCD projectors and other image projectors.
While data communication applications use only stamped headers, shelled headers are used primarily on the receiver side of sensor technology applications.
Product Advantages
We are experienced in the production of TO headers in all conventional, standard designs and sizes. We also manufacture special TO headers according to customer specifications. Used in conjunction with the right cap, TO headers form a totally hermetic seal that offers long-lasting and reliable protection to the components housed within, and ensures that the components function properly.
Technology
The types of metal used in the manufacture of headers depend largely on the production methods used. Compression glass seals are generally manufactured using cold rolled steel (i.e. AISI 1010), while matched seals are primarily manufactured using Kovar®(ASTM-F15) and Alloy 52 (ASTM-F30).
The headers can be plated with various materials (nickel, nickel-gold, nickel-silver), and can also be coated in additional metal layers when required.
For more information about our glass-to-metal sealing technology, please refer to our GTMS technology page.
Features / Specifications
Generally, we can manufacture all standard stamped and shelled header designs. As shown in the table below, there is a range of different international standards that have been established over the years.
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| TO
| Profile
| Plateau Dia.
| Outside Dia.
| Compatible Cap
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| TO 5
| Shelled
| 7.6
| 9.1
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TO 5
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| TO 8
| Stamped A
| 11.7
| 13.9
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TO 8
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| TO 18
| Shelled
| 4.2
| 5.4
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TO 18
TO 52
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| TO 38
| Stamped B
| n⁄a
| 3.8
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TO 38
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| TO 39
| Stamped A
| 7.5
| 9.1
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TO 5
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| TO 41
| Stamped A
| 3.1
| 4.1
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TO 56
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| TO 46
| Stamped A
| 4.2
| 5.6
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TO 18
TO 52
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| TO 56
| Stamped B
| n⁄a
| 5.6
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TO 56
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Forms of Supply and Product Packaging
All products can be supplied in loose form or packaged individually and supplied on trays.
Quality Assurance
All our production facilities are ISO 9001 certified. All our TO headers comply with the International Telcordia Specifications and all products are ROHS compatible.
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Contact
Electronic Packaging
SCHOTT North America, Inc.
122 Charlton Street Southbridge, MA 01550 USA
 | +1 (508) 765-3370 |
 | +1 (508) 765-3377 |
E-mail
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