Archive for the ‘Rigid Flex Circuit’ Category

Thursday, October 24th, 2024

Flexible PCB is a printed circuit board made of flexible substrate, which can be bent, folded or twisted to a certain extent to meet the needs of various complex electronic device structures.

What are flexible PCBs made of?

Flexible PCBs are mainly made of polyimide or polyester film. These materials have good flexibility and insulation properties, which enable flexible PCBs to maintain stable working conditions in various bending and twisting environments.

The manufacturing process of flexible PCBs includes the following main steps:

Design phase: Use design software to create a prototype of the circuit board, determine the required lines, circuits and components, and design the shape and size of the flexible PCB according to the shape and size of the product.

Board making phase: Print the required lines and patterns on the plastic substrate, usually using photolithography techniques such as coating photolithography and inkjet printing.

Surface treatment and coating: Clean the circuit board and apply a protective coating to prevent chemical and mechanical wear, moisture, corrosion, etc.

Electroplating copper: Apply electroplating copper to certain parts of the flexible PCB to thicken the line.

Pattern chemical etching: Etch away the unnecessary parts of the circuit board and retain the required lines and components.

Molding and perforation: Cut the flexible PCB into the desired shape.

What is the difference between FR4 and flex PCB?

Material composition and performance

FR4: FR4 is the most common PCB substrate, mainly composed of glass fiber and epoxy resin. It has good electrical, thermal and mechanical properties.

Flexible PCB: Flexible PCB (FPC) is mainly made of materials such as polyimide (PI) and is flexible and bendable. They are often used in application scenarios that require frequent bending or limited space.

Application scenarios

FR4: Due to its rigidity and stability, FR4 is often used in applications that require high mechanical strength and stability, such as computer motherboards, mobile phone motherboards, etc.

Flexible PCB: Flexible PCB is often used in applications in car curves and corners, display screens and reverse cam screens, etc. due to its flexibility and bendability.

Manufacturing process and cost

FR4: The manufacturing process includes drilling, etching, copper plating, etc., with moderate cost, suitable for most consumer electronic products.

Flexible PCB: The manufacturing process is relatively complex and the cost is high, but it can meet the needs of specific applications.

In summary, FR4 and flexible PCBs have significant differences in material composition, performance and application scenarios. Choosing the right material depends on the specific application requirements.

What is the difference between a rigid PCB and a flexible PCB?

The main differences between rigid PCBs and flexible PCBs include softness, load-bearing capacity, durability, heat resistance and other aspects.

Softness: Flexible PCBs (FPCs) have good flexibility and can be easily twisted, bent and even folded, and are suitable for application scenarios that require flexible wiring. Rigid PCBs, on the other hand, are harder and cannot be bent, and are usually used in devices that require stability and high load capacity.

Load-bearing capacity: Flexible PCBs have relatively weak current carrying capacity and are suitable for applications with smaller currents. Rigid PCBs have stronger current carrying capacity and are suitable for high-load electronic devices.

Durability and heat resistance: Flexible PCBs can better absorb vibration and shock, have high durability and heat resistance, and can be used in extreme environments. Although rigid PCBs are thicker, they are easily damaged under the influence of high temperatures and chemicals.

Manufacturing process and materials: Flexible PCBs use flexible materials such as polyimide, and a cover layer process is used during the manufacturing process to protect the circuit. Rigid PCBs use thicker materials, usually made of glass-like materials, and require reinforcement.

Application scenarios: Flexible PCBs are widely used in modern smart devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices due to their flexibility and thinness. Rigid PCBs are often used in devices that require stability and high load capacity, such as laptops and desktop computers.

In summary, there are significant differences between rigid PCBs and flexible PCBs in terms of softness, load-bearing capacity, durability, heat resistance, and application scenarios. The selection of the appropriate type of circuit board should be determined according to specific application requirements.

What is the advantage of flex PCB?

Flexible PCB (Flexible Printed Circuit, FPC for short) has the following main advantages:

Flexibility: The main advantage of flexible PCBs is their elasticity and bending ability. They can be easily twisted, bent, and even folded, suitable for design requirements of various complex shapes.

Reduce weight and space: Flexible PCBs not only provide greater design freedom, but also have better space utilization and weight efficiency. Due to their thin and light characteristics, flexible PCBs can greatly reduce weight and space, especially for small devices.

Suitable for harsh environments: Flexible PCBs can be made of various corrosion-resistant materials and can withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Better thermal management: Flexible PCBs are made of polyimide, which has excellent thermal stability and can withstand extremely high heat.

Reduce costs: Flexible PCBs reduce assembly costs by reducing space requirements and the number of components. Since the need for wiring and connectors is reduced, testing and rework time is also reduced, improving productivity and efficiency.

In summary, flexible PCBs have significant advantages in flexibility, weight, space utilization, environmental adaptability and cost-effectiveness, making them an ideal choice for many high-tech products and applications requiring high reliability.

What are the disadvantages of flexible PCB?

The main disadvantages of flexible PCBs (FPCs) include:

High one-time initial cost: Since flexible PCBs are designed and manufactured for special applications, the cost of circuit design, wiring and photographic plates is high.

Difficult to change and repair: Once a flexible PCB is made, changes must start from the base map or the compiled photolithography program, so it is not easy to change. Its surface is covered with a protective film, which needs to be removed before repair and restored after repair, which is a relatively difficult task.

Size is limited: Flexible PCB is usually manufactured by intermittent process when it is not yet popular. Therefore, it is limited by the size of production equipment and cannot be made very long or wide.

Improper operation can easily cause damage: Improper operation by the assembly personnel can easily cause damage to the flexible circuit. Its soldering and rework require trained personnel to operate.

How thick is a flex PCB board?

The common thickness of flexible PCB board is 0.2mm. The thickening layer will be added behind the parts to be soldered. The thickness of the thickening layer is generally 0.2mm or 0.4mm12.

In addition, the thickness of flexible PCB board usually ranges from 0.1mm to 0.4mm, of which the thickness of 0.1mm to 0.4mm is called ultra-thin PCB board.

Where are flexible PCBs used?

Flexible PCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board, FPC) is widely used in many fields, mainly including the following aspects:

Consumer electronics: Flexible PCB is widely used in consumer electronics such as smartphones, tablets, smart watches, etc.

Medical equipment: In medical equipment, flexible PCB can bend and adapt to specific shapes, and is often used in electrocardiographs, blood pressure monitors, monitoring equipment and medical sensors, etc.

Automotive electronics: Flexible PCB plays an important role in automotive electronic systems, connecting in-vehicle entertainment systems, navigation systems, dashboards, body control modules and safety systems, etc.

Aerospace: Flexible PCB is also widely used in the aerospace field, such as satellite communications, spacecraft control, etc.

Industrial control and automation: In the field of industrial control and automation, flexible PCB is used to connect sensors, actuators, control modules and data acquisition equipment, etc.

LED lighting: Flexible PCB is also used in LED lighting products to provide connection and signal transmission functions.

In summary, the material combination of flexible PCBs gives them unique properties and a wide range of application prospects. The flexible substrate provides bendability and durability, the conductive layer ensures efficient transmission of electronic signals, and the cover layer provides protection for the entire structure. The continuous innovation and optimization of these materials will continue to promote the development of flexible PCBs.

What is the maximum temperature for a flex PCB?

The high temperature resistance of a flexible PCB mainly depends on its substrate material. Generally speaking, the maximum temperature that a flexible PCB can withstand can reach 280 degrees in a short period of time, but the long-term temperature is generally between 120 degrees and 150 degrees. ‌

What is a high temperature resistance flexible PCB?

Different types of flexible PCB materials have different tolerances to temperature. PI is a commonly used flexible PCB substrate material that has excellent heat resistance and stability. It can maintain performance in the range of -200 degrees to 300 degrees, but the long-term use temperature is generally between 120 degrees and 150 degrees. ‌

In addition, the glass transition point of solder mask is about 110 degrees, so special attention should be paid to the temperature limit of these materials when designing flexible PCBs. ‌

What temperature should flexible PCB soldering be?

‌The optimal temperature range for flexible PCB soldering is 290-310 degrees Celsius. This temperature range is suitable for most flexible PCB soldering operations and can ensure soldering quality and component reliability.

In specific operations, the soldering time should be kept within a few seconds to prevent damage to the pads of the PCB board. Accurate temperature management is essential to ensure the solder joint quality and circuit performance of the PCB board. The soldering temperature may vary for different types of flexible PCBs.

What is high Tg PCB?

‌High Tg PCB refers to PCB materials with higher glass transition temperature (Tg). ‌ Tg is the temperature point at which the material changes from glass to rubber state. High Tg materials can still maintain good mechanical strength and dimensional stability at high temperatures. ‌

The main advantages of high Tg PCB include:

‌Heat resistance‌: High Tg materials can still maintain good mechanical strength and dimensional stability at higher temperatures and are suitable for high temperature environments. ‌

‌Moisture resistance‌: High Tg materials have low moisture absorption. Even after being heated after moisture absorption, they can maintain good mechanical strength and adhesion, reducing the risk of failure caused by moisture‌.

‌Chemical resistance‌: High Tg materials have better chemical stability at high temperatures and are not easy to decompose‌.

‌Dimensional stability‌: When the temperature changes, the dimensional changes of high Tg materials are small, ensuring the accuracy of PCB‌.

Application scenarios of high Tg PCB include:

Lead-free manufacturing process‌: In highly functional and multi-layered electronic products, high Tg materials can ensure the stability and reliability of PCB in lead-free processes‌.

‌High temperature environment‌: In applications that need to withstand high temperature environments, such as computers, mobile communication devices, etc., high Tg PCBs can ensure stable operation of the equipment‌.

What are the disadvantages of flexible PCB?

The main disadvantages of flexible PCB include:

‌High one-time initial cost‌: Since flexible PCBs are designed and manufactured for special applications, the initial circuit design, wiring and photographic plate costs are high.

‌Difficult to change and repair‌: Once a flexible PCB is made, it must be changed from the base map or the compiled photolithography program, so it is not easy to change. Its surface is covered with a protective film, which must be removed before repair and restored after repair, which is a more difficult task‌.

How thick is the copper in a flex PCB?

The copper foil thickness in a flexible PCB is usually around 0.1mm. The copper foil thickness of a flexible PCB is generally 0.1mm, which is one of its common specifications‌.

In addition, the copper foil thickness of a rigid PCB has a wide range, and common thicknesses include 0.2mm, 0.4mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.6mm, 2.0mm, etc.‌. The copper foil thickness of a rigid PCB can be adjusted according to demand. For example, in an environment where high current and high power are required, the copper foil thickness may be higher‌.

Flexible PCB materials usually include polyester film, polyimide film, and fluorinated ethylene propylene film, etc. These materials are widely used in curved and flexible circuit designs in electronic devices‌.

Why are Flex PCBs so expensive?

First, material cost is one of the main factors affecting the price of flexible PCBs. Flexible PCBs mainly use special materials such as polyimide (PI) and polyester film, which have excellent heat resistance and electrical properties, but are more expensive.

Second, manufacturing process is also an important reason for the high cost of flexible PCBs. The production process of flexible PCBs includes multiple complex links such as exposure, development, etching, lamination and testing. High-precision manufacturing processes, such as fine line etching and precise alignment, require advanced equipment and technology, which increases production costs.

Design complexity is also a key factor. The design and manufacture of flexible PCBs involve multiple processes, such as etching, copper plating, drilling, etc. The higher the complexity of the process, the higher the manufacturing cost.

Finally, market demand also affects the cost of flexible PCBs. Mass production can effectively reduce unit costs, while small batch or customized production may lead to higher costs.

What is rigid-flex PCB vs flex PCB?

The main difference between rigid-flex PCB and flexible PCB lies in their structure and application scenarios. Rigid-flex PCB combines the characteristics of rigid PCB and flexible PCB, while flexible PCB is made entirely of flexible materials.

Rigid-flex PCB is a circuit board that combines rigid board and flexible board, and is usually used in areas where both rigidity and flexibility are required. This type of circuit board uses flexible materials in specific areas and remains rigid in other areas to meet complex design requirements.

Flexible PCB is made entirely of flexible materials and is usually used in applications that require high flexibility and space saving. Flexible PCB uses flexible materials such as polyimide, allowing the circuit board to be easily bent and folded in a small space. This type of PCB is widely used in modern smart devices such as smartphones, tablets and wearable devices to achieve smaller size and more complex functions.

What is the difference between FR4 and flex PCB?

The main difference between FR4 and flexible PCB lies in their materials, structure and application scenarios. FR4 is a rigid PCB substrate, mainly composed of glass fiber and epoxy resin, with good electrical properties and mechanical strength, suitable for applications requiring high stability and reliability. Flexible PCBs are highly flexible and bendable, suitable for applications with limited space or frequent bending.

FR4 features and applications:

FR4 is currently the most common PCB substrate. FR4 has good electrical properties, with a dielectric constant between 4.5 and 4.8, suitable for medium and low frequency applications; in terms of thermal performance, its thermal expansion coefficient is about 14-17ppm/°C, and its heat resistance can reach 260°C; in terms of mechanical properties, FR4 has high bending strength and tensile strength, suitable for manufacturing processes such as drilling, etching, and copper plating.

Due to its stability and reliability, FR4 is often used in applications such as display screens and reverse cam screens that require high stability.

Flexible PCBs features and applications:

Flexible PCBs (FPCs) are mainly made of materials such as polyimide and are highly flexible and bendable. They are often used in applications with limited size or frequent bending.

The design of flexible PCB is relatively simple, but when rigidity needs to be increased for easy installation or assembly, reinforcement plates such as PI, FR-4 or steel sheets are used.

Due to the high flexibility of flexible PCBs, they are often used in devices that require frequent movement or deformation, such as touch sensors and automotive lighting systems.

As a new type of PCB in the electronics field, high-temperature resistant flexible PCBs have gradually become a popular choice in the electronics field with their excellent high-temperature resistance, bendability, foldability, light weight, stable electrical performance, and good mechanical properties. High-temperature resistant flexible PCBs play an important role in applications in high-temperature environments such as aerospace, automotive electronics, industrial control, and medical equipment.

What are the holes in a PCB called?

What are the holes on PCB called? What are the holes in the circuit? The holes on PCB can be roughly divided into 3 types, screw holes (mounting holes), conductive holes (vias), and plug-in holes.

Screw holes: Screw holes are used for fixing.

Conductive holes: Conductive holes (also called vias) are used for conducting electricity just like circuits.

Plug-in holes: Plug-in holes are of course used to plug in various parts, such as diodes, transistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.

What is a through hole

What is a through hole? Through holes, also known as perforations, are holes in a PCB that go all the way through the board. Their main purpose is to provide electrical connections for component pins while allowing soldering on both sides of the board.

1.A via is a special through hole whose wall is metallized to achieve electrical connection between different layers on a circuit board. This type of hole is usually used to connect component pins to internal circuits, or to achieve electrical connection between different layers in a multi-layer PCB. Vias need to be metallized during the PCB manufacturing process, which usually includes drilling, desmearing, chemical copper plating, and electroplating.

2.Non-conducting holes are the opposite of through holes. Their hole walls are not metallized, so they do not have electrical connection functions. These holes are mainly used for mechanical fixation, heat dissipation or identification purposes. Non-conducting holes are relatively simple in the PCB manufacturing process, and only drilling operations are required.

What is a blind via?

A blind via is a hole that extends from one side of a PCB to a certain internal layer without penetrating the entire board. The emergence of blind vias is mainly due to the development of HDI technology, which provides circuit designers with greater flexibility and more compact layout. Blind vias are usually used to connect surface mount components (SMD) to internal circuit layers, or to connect circuits between different internal layers.

What are buried vias?

Buried vias are holes located inside the PCB that do not penetrate any side of the board. They are completely hidden inside the board and are used to connect circuits between different internal layers. Buried vias are especially useful in HDI boards because they can reduce the overall thickness of the board while maintaining electrical connections between internal circuits.

What is a microvia?

Microvia refers to a hole with a smaller diameter, usually at the micron level. The emergence of microvia technology enables PCB designers to achieve more complex circuit layouts in a smaller space. Microvias are often used in high-density, high-reliability electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets. The manufacture of microvias requires high-precision drilling equipment and technology to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the holes.

What are Mounting holes？

What are Mounting holes?Locking holes are auxiliary holes used in the PCB manufacturing and assembly process to accurately locate and fix the circuit board. They are usually located at the edge or specific position of the PCB to ensure that the circuit board can be accurately aligned and fixed during manufacturing, testing and assembly. The locating holes do not participate in the connection of the circuit, but are essential to ensure the quality and performance of the circuit board.

What are Mounting holes？

What are thermal vias?

Thermal vias are holes designed specifically for heat dissipation, usually large and can run through the entire PCB or multiple layers. Their role is to reduce heat buildup on the circuit board by increasing surface area and air flow, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the device. Thermal vias are particularly important in high-performance, high-power electronic devices.

FAQ About board electronics with holes

How to solve the contradiction between manual routing and automatic routing of high-speed signals?

Most of the current powerful routing software’s automatic routing tools have set constraints to control the routing method and the number of vias. The routing engine capabilities and constraint setting items of various EDA companies are sometimes very different. For example, whether there are enough constraints to control the winding method of the serpentine, whether the routing spacing of the differential pair can be controlled, etc. This will affect whether the routing method generated by automatic routing can meet the designer’s ideas. In addition, the difficulty of manually adjusting the routing is also related to the capabilities of the routing engine. For example, the pushing ability of the routing, the pushing ability of the via, and even the pushing ability of the routing pair copper. Therefore, choosing a routing tool with strong routing engine capabilities is the solution.

Will adding test points affect the quality of high-speed signals?

As for whether it will affect the signal quality, it depends on the method of adding test points and how fast the signal is. Basically, the additional test points (not using the existing vias (via or DIP pins) as test points) may be added to the line or a small section of wire may be pulled out from the line. The former is equivalent to adding a very small capacitor to the line, while the latter is an additional branch. Both of these situations will have some impact on high-speed signals, and the extent of the impact is related to the frequency speed of the signal and the edge rate of the signal. The magnitude of the impact can be learned through simulation. In principle, the smaller the test point, the better (of course, it must meet the requirements of the test equipment) and the shorter the branch, the better.

Can you introduce some foreign technical books and data on high-speed PCB design?

Now the application of high-speed digital circuits includes communication networks and calculators and other related fields. In the communication network, the operating frequency of PCB boards has reached around GHz, and the number of layers is as many as 40 layers as far as I know. Due to the advancement of chips, the operating frequency of calculator-related applications, whether it is a general PC or server, has reached 400MHz (such as Rambus) or above. In response to the demand for high-speed and high-density routing, the demand for blind/buried vias, mircrovias and build-up process technology is gradually increasing. These design requirements can be mass-produced by manufacturers.

Does the design of rigid-flexible boards require special design software and specifications? Where can I undertake the processing of such circuit boards in China?

Can I use general PCB design software to design flexible printed circuits (Flexible Printed Circuit). The Gerber format is also used for FPC manufacturers to produce. Since the manufacturing process is different from that of general PCBs, each manufacturer will have its own restrictions on line width, line spacing, and aperture (via) based on their manufacturing capabilities. In addition, some copper foil can be laid at the turning point of the flexible circuit board for reinforcement. As for the manufacturer, you can search for “FPC” as a keyword on the Internet and you should be able to find it.

If the size of the circuit board is fixed, if the design needs to accommodate more functions, it is often necessary to increase the routing density of the PCB, but this may lead to increased mutual interference between the routings, and at the same time, the impedance cannot be reduced if the routing is too thin. Please introduce the techniques in the design of high-speed (>100MHz) high-density PCBs?

When designing high-speed and high-density PCBs, crosstalk interference does need to be paid special attention to because it has a great impact on timing and signal integrity. Here are a few things to note:

Control the continuity and matching of the characteristic impedance of the trace.

The size of the trace spacing. The spacing commonly seen is twice the line width. Through simulation, you can know the impact of trace spacing on timing and signal integrity and find the tolerable spacing. The results of different chip signals may be different.

Choose an appropriate termination method.

Avoid the same routing direction of the upper and lower adjacent layers, or even have traces overlapped up and down, because this kind of crosstalk is greater than the case of adjacent traces on the same layer.

Use blind/buried vias to increase the trace area. However, the production cost of the PCB board will increase. It is indeed difficult to achieve complete parallelism and equal length in actual implementation, but it should be done as much as possible.

In addition, differential termination and common mode termination can be reserved to mitigate the impact on timing and signal integrity.

The RF part, IF part, and even the low-frequency circuit part of the outdoor unit are often deployed on the same PCB. What are the material requirements for such PCB? How to prevent interference between RF, IF, and even low-frequency circuits?

Hybrid circuit design is a big problem. It is difficult to have a perfect solution.

Generally, RF circuits are laid out and wired as an independent single board in the system, and there will even be a special shielding cavity. Moreover, RF circuits are generally single-sided or double-sided boards, and the circuits are relatively simple. All of these are to reduce the impact on the distributed parameters of RF circuits and improve the consistency of RF systems. Compared with general FR4 materials, RF circuit boards tend to use high-Q substrates. The dielectric constant of this material is relatively small, the distributed capacitance of the transmission line is small, the impedance is high, and the signal transmission delay is small. In hybrid circuit design, although RF and digital circuits are made on the same PCB, they are generally divided into RF circuit area and digital circuit area, and laid out and wired separately. Shielding is used between ground vias and shielding boxes.

1. Single-sided board:

On the most basic printed circuit board, parts are concentrated on one side and wires are concentrated on the other side. Because wires only appear on one side, this type of printed circuit board is called a single-sided board. Because single-sided boards have many strict restrictions on designing circuits (because there is only one side, wiring cannot cross and must go around a separate path), early circuits used this type of circuit board.

2. Double-sided board

This type of circuit board has wiring on both sides. In order to connect the wires on both sides, there must be a proper circuit connection between the two sides. This connection between the circuits is called a guide hole. A guide hole is a small hole filled or coated with metal on a printed circuit board, which can be connected to the wires on both sides. Because the area of a double-sided board is doubled that of a single-sided board, and the wiring can be interlaced (can go around to the other side), double-sided boards can be used on more complex circuits than single-sided boards.

3. Multilayer board:

In order to increase the area that can be wired, multilayer boards use more single- or double-sided wiring boards. Multilayer boards use several double-sided boards, and put an insulating layer between each layer of boards and glue them firmly. The number of layers of the circuit board represents how many independent wiring layers there are, usually an even number of layers, and includes the two outermost layers.

4. Flexible PCB board

Flexible PCB board is a printed circuit board made of a flexible substrate. Its advantage is that it can be bent, which is convenient for the assembly of electrical components. Flexible circuit board, flexible PCB, flexible circuit and multi-function printed circuit are other names for these circuit boards. These printed circuit boards are made using the same components as rigid printed circuit boards. The main difference is that the circuit board is designed to bend to the desired shape throughout the application process. These PCBs are available in single-sided, double-sided, and multi-layer configurations. This helps reduce the complexity of unit assembly.

5. Rigid PCB Board

Rigid PCB is a circuit board that cannot be twisted or folded. The base material of the board is a rigid substrate, which gives the board rigidity and strength. They are composed of multiple layers, including substrate layers, copper layers, solder mask layers, and silk screen layers, which are bonded together by adhesives and heat. While some circuit boards are single-sided, double-sided, or multi-layered, rigid PCBs can be any of these as needed. However, once made, they cannot be modified or changed.

6. Rigid-Flex Board

Rigid-Flex Board is a hybrid circuit board that combines elements of flexible and rigid circuit boards to form a foldable or continuously bendable circuit board, which is usually molded into a curved shape or curve during the manufacturing process.

The flexible portion of the circuit board is often used for interconnections between rigid circuit boards, allowing narrower wires to take up less space, thereby reducing the size of the circuit board. Using flexible PCBs for interconnections often eliminates the need for bulky and heavy connectors, making rigid-flex boards lighter. The design of rigid-flex boards is slightly more complicated because these boards are 3D constructed, allowing the board to be folded or twisted to produce the shape required for the product.

7. High-frequency PCB board

High-frequency circuits refer to the overall circuit board design, not the other types of circuit board structures we described earlier. These PCBs are designed to conduct signals over 1 GHz.

High-frequency boards mostly use FR4-grade glass-reinforced epoxy boards, polyphenylene ether (PPO) resins, and Teflon, but Teflon has a low and stable Dk value, low dielectric loss, low hygroscopicity, and is slightly more expensive.

When designing high-frequency circuits, various factors must be considered, such as Dk value, dissipative loss, and dielectric thickness. The DK value of the substrate is an important factor to remember. Substrates with a higher probability of Dk value changes usually experience impedance changes, which affects the harmonics that make up the electrical signal, resulting in poor signal integrity.

8. Copper substrate

Copper substrate is a metal substrate with high thermal conductivity, suitable for high-frequency circuits and areas with large high and low temperature changes and heat dissipation and architectural decoration industries for precision communication equipment.

The copper substrate circuit layer requires a large current carrying capacity, and a thicker copper foil should be used, with a thickness of generally 35μm~280μm. The thermal conductive insulation layer is the core technology of the copper substrate. It is composed of core thermal conductive components and high molecular polymers, with low thermal resistance (0.15), excellent viscoelastic properties, resistance to thermal aging, and the ability to withstand mechanical and thermal stress.

The copper substrate metal base is the supporting member of the copper substrate, which is required to have high thermal conductivity. It is generally a copper plate, and a copper plate can also be used (where the copper plate can provide better thermal conductivity). It is suitable for conventional mechanical processing such as drilling, punching and cutting.

9. Aluminum-based PCB board

The design of aluminum-based PCB circuits is similar to that of copper-based PCBs, but the substrate material of aluminum-based PCBs is aluminum metal, rather than the standard glass fiber used in most circuits.

The aluminum layer is reinforced with the least heat-resistant insulation material, which means less heat is transferred from the insulation material to the backing. After applying the insulation layer, another layer of copper is required.

10. High Density Interconnect (HDI) PCB

Among the many types of PCBs, HDI PCB is a circuit with multiple interconnections that takes up very little space. HDI components are mounted close to each other, minimizing PCB space while maintaining high functionality. Boards containing 120-160 pins per square inch are classified as HDI PCBs.

HDI designs integrate dense device mounting and multi-purpose wiring. With the help of microvias, buried vias, and blind vias, compact circuits can be made, minimizing drilling to copper. For the electrical requirements of high-speed signals, HDI PCBs must have high-frequency conduction capabilities, impedance control, and minimal redundant radiation.

11. Thick Copper PCB

Thick copper PCB is also called heavy copper PCB. Basically, it contains more than 2 ounces of copper in the inner and outer layers of the board. Heavy copper transmitters significantly increase the overall thickness of the board; thick copper boards are known for supporting high currents, high temperatures, and cyclical thermal cycles.

12. High TG PCB

Among various types of PCBs, high Tg PCBs are circuit boards designed to work at high temperatures. Glass transition temperature (Tg) is an essential element of any epoxy resin. It is basically the temperature point at which the polymer changes from a hard glass substrate to a soft rubber substrate. The substrates used to make high Tg circuit boards must be flame retardant, which means that they soften instead of burning at the glass transition point (Tg).

The higher the Tg value, the higher the temperature requirement during lamination. Under such conditions, the PCB will become hard and brittle, affecting the aperture size and related electrical properties. Standard boards will soften, deform and melt under such conditions, and their mechanical and electrical properties will be significantly reduced.

Standard FR-4 Tg is between 130-1400C, medium Tg is between 150-1600C, and high Tg is above 1700C. The higher the Tg value, the better the board’s heat, moisture and chemical resistance.

Conclusion:

PCB board types are updated and iterated with the rapid development of the industry, and various types of PCB boards have gradually evolved to cope with various application scenarios, adding corresponding materials according to the required performance. BEST Technology has various PCB types of manufacturing technology, which can meet your any type of PCB needs.

What is a flex board?

Flexible board is a printed circuit board made of flexible insulating substrate, also known as flexible printed circuit board (FPC). This circuit board has many advantages that rigid printed circuit boards do not have, such as it can be bent, wound, folded freely, and can withstand millions of dynamic bending without damaging the wires. Flexible circuit boards provide excellent electrical performance, meet the design needs of smaller and higher density installations, help reduce assembly processes and enhance reliability. It is the only solution to meet the requirements of miniaturization and mobility of electronic products, which can greatly reduce the volume and weight of electronic products and adapt to the needs of electronic products developing towards high density, miniaturization, and high reliability.

Comprehensive understanding of flex board

The main feature of the flexible board is that its substrate is usually polyimide or polyester film. This material has good elasticity and a certain degree of softness, which allows the flexible board to move and stretch arbitrarily in three-dimensional space, realizing the integration of component assembly and wire connection. In addition, the flexible board also has the characteristics of high wiring density, light weight, thin thickness and good bendability, making it the preferred choice in many application scenarios.

The application of flexible boards is very wide. For example, in new energy vehicles, the FPC solution has become the main choice for most new models. FPC is integrated with CCS (integrated busbar system) and is connected with copper and aluminum busbars and plastic structural parts to form electrical connection and signal detection structural components.

What is a Flexboard made of?

Flexible boards are made of polyimide or polyester film. ‌

Flexible circuit board (FPC) is a printed circuit board with high reliability and excellent flexibility. Its substrate is mainly polyimide or polyester film. This material selection gives FPC a variety of superior properties, including high wiring density, light weight, thinness and good bendability. These characteristics of FPC enable it to meet the needs of electronic products to develop in the direction of high density, miniaturization and high reliability.

Specifically, the substrate characteristics of FPC include:

‌Polyimide‌: This is a high-performance polymer with excellent mechanical properties, electrical properties and thermal stability. It is often used to manufacture flexible circuit boards because it can provide excellent flexibility and durability.

‌Polyester film‌: As a lightweight material, the application of polyester film in FPC provides good insulation performance and certain mechanical strength while maintaining overall lightness and thinness.

The choice of these two materials together ensures that the application of FPC in electronic devices can provide excellent electrical performance, meet the design needs of smaller and higher density installation, and help reduce assembly processes and enhance reliability.

Which flex material is best?

The best material for flexible PCB boards is polyimide. Polyimide has extremely strong toughness and scalability, and can meet the requirements of bending, folding, twisting, etc. in various shapes, which makes polyimide an ideal material for flexible PCB boards. In addition, polyimide also has good impedance control and signal integrity, ensuring the high reliability and stability of flexible PCB boards. Therefore, for application scenarios that require high flexibility and reliability, polyimide is the preferred flexible PCB material.

How many types of flex board are there?

There are four main types of flexible boards:

Single-sided flexible board: This is the most basic type of flexible circuit board, in which only one side has conductive lines. It is usually used for low-density and low-complexity applications, such as printer inkjet cartridges and computer memory.

Double-sided flexible board: This type of circuit board has conductive lines on both sides, and the electrical connection between the two sides is achieved through metallized vias.

Multi-layer flexible board: Multi-layer FPC consists of several layers of conductive lines and insulating materials, and the electrical connection between the layers is achieved through blind holes, buried holes or through holes.

Rigid-flex combination flexible board: This type combines a rigid substrate and a flexible substrate, and a conductive connection is formed through metallized holes. Rigid-flexible combined flexible boards meet the needs of electronic products to develop in the direction of miniaturization, high frequency, high speed and multi-function.

These different types of flexible boards are widely used in consumer electronics, automotive electronics, medical equipment, aerospace and defense, etc. according to their specific application requirements and design complexity.

What is the thickness of a flex board?

The thickness of a flexible circuit board (FPC) usually ranges from 0.1mm to 0.2mm. ‌This thickness range applies to single-layer and double-layer flexible circuit boards. For multi-layer flexible circuit boards, due to their complex manufacturing process and high cost, the thickness is uncertain.

The thickness range of the reinforcement board is wider, from 0.05mm to 0.1mm for thin reinforcement boards to 0.2mm to 0.5mm for thick reinforcement boards, and even ultra-thick reinforcement boards with a thickness of more than 0.5mm. The thickness selection of these reinforcement boards depends on the design requirements, the use environment and the required mechanical strength.

The material of flexible circuit boards usually includes polyimide (PI), and its thickness generally ranges from 12.5um (0.5mil) to 125um (5mil), and common specifications include 25um (1mil) and 12.5um (0.5mil). This information shows that the thickness of flexible circuit boards can be adjusted according to specific application requirements and designs, from thin to thick reinforcement boards, to meet different mechanical strength and stability requirements.

In general, the thickness selection of flexible circuit boards is very flexible and can be customized according to specific application scenarios and design requirements. Whether it is a single-layer, double-layer or multi-layer flexible circuit board, its thickness can be adjusted as needed to ensure the best electrical performance and mechanical strength. ‌

Why are Flex PCBs so expensive?

The high price of flexible PCBs (flexible circuit boards) is mainly caused by factors such as its material cost, the complexity of the manufacturing process, and technical requirements. ‌

‌Material cost‌: The main substrates of flexible PCBs include polyimide (PI) and polyester (PET). Polyimide has excellent heat resistance and electrical properties, but the price is higher; polyester has lower cost, but the performance is slightly inferior. In addition, the conductive layer is usually composed of copper foil, and factors such as foil thickness, copper purity and quality will also affect the cost.

‌Manufacturing process‌: The manufacturing process of flexible PCB is complex, including multiple links such as exposure, development, etching, lamination and testing. The process accuracy and equipment level of each link will affect the production cost‌.

‌Technical requirements‌: The design complexity, special requirements and gold finger surface treatment methods of flexible PCB in the production process will affect the cost. Complex circuit design requires more design time and process control, while special requirements such as high temperature resistance, moisture resistance, and bending resistance require different processes and difficulties, which increase the manufacturing cost‌.

‌Size and circuit structure‌: The cost of flexible PCB is also affected by size and circuit structure. Larger size and complex circuit structure will increase manufacturing cost.

In summary, the high cost of flexible PCB is mainly due to the combined effect of factors such as high material cost, complex manufacturing process, high technical requirements, and complexity of size and circuit structure.

Conclusion:

Compared with traditional hard boards, flexible boards have higher flexibility and bendability, adapt to various complex shapes and spatial layouts, and make circuit board design more flexible and diverse. With the advantages of small size and light weight, it greatly reduces the size and weight of the device, making it more convenient to carry electronic equipment. For the design and manufacture of various flexible circuit boards, you can contact BEST Technology, and we will provide you with comprehensive and best quality services.

What is a PCB Board?

A printed circuit board (PCB) is an electronic that uses metal conductors to create electrical connections between components. Generally, a PCB is a flat, laminated composite made of non-conductive substrate materials with conductive pathways etched or printed onto it. These pathways, also known as traces, enable the electronic components mounted on the board to communicate with each other.

PCBs are designed to support and electrically connect various components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, and integrated circuits. The intricate network of copper tracks forms circuits that dictate the device’s functionality. PCBs can range from simple single-sided boards used in basic electronics to complex multi-layered structures found in advanced applications.

Common PCB Structure

A PCB’s structure is composed of several key layers, each serving a distinct purpose. Here is a detailed breakdown of these layers:

Substrate (Base Material)

The substrate, usually made of fiberglass (FR4), provides the board with its rigidity and thickness. It is the foundational layer upon which all other materials are built.

Copper Layer

This conductive layer is typically made of copper foil. For single-sided PCBs, the copper layer is only on one side of the substrate, whereas double-sided and multi-layer PCBs have copper layers on both sides or between multiple layers of substrate.

Solder Mask

The solder mask is a protective layer applied over the copper traces to prevent oxidation and accidental short-circuiting. It insulates the copper traces and leaves the component pads exposed for soldering. The green color commonly associated with PCBs comes from this layer, though it can also be found in other colors like red, blue, black, and white.

Silkscreen

The silkscreen layer is used to add labels, symbols, logos, and other markings to the PCB. This layer helps in identifying component locations and orientations during assembly and troubleshooting.

Components and Connectors (PCBA)

Components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, and integrated circuits are soldered onto the PCB. Connectors allow the PCB to interface with other boards, power supplies, and external devices.

How Many Types of PCB?

Single-Sided PCBs

These are the simplest types of PCBs, with copper on only one side of the board. You’ll find them in basic, low-cost electronics like calculators, radios, and power supplies. They’re easy to design and manufacture, which keeps costs down and makes them great for straightforward applications.

Double-Sided PCBs

These boards have copper layers on both sides, allowing for more complex circuits. They’re common in more sophisticated electronics like amplifiers, power monitoring systems, and HVAC systems. With increased circuit density and flexible design options, they can handle more complex tasks.

Multi-Layer PCBs

When you need to pack in a lot of circuits, multi-layer PCBs are the way to go. They consist of three or more layers of copper, separated by insulating layers. You’ll see these in high-tech devices like computers, servers, medical equipment, and aerospace electronics. They offer high circuit density, reduced size and weight, and better signal integrity.

Rigid PCBs

Made from solid, inflexible materials like fiberglass, rigid PCBs keep their shape and provide strong support for components. They’re durable and used in everything from simple toys to complex industrial equipment.

Flexible PCBs

These are made from flexible plastic materials like polyimide, allowing them to bend and flex. Perfect for wearable electronics, flexible displays, and compact devices where space is tight. They’re lightweight, can fit into small, irregular spaces, and can handle being bent repeatedly.

Rigid-Flex PCBs

Combining the best of both rigid and flexible PCBs, these are great for devices that need both stability and flexibility, like smartphones, cameras, and medical devices. They save space, reduce the need for connectors and interconnections, and improve reliability.

High-Frequency PCBs

Designed to operate at frequencies above 1 GHz, these are used in communication systems, microwave technology, and high-speed devices. They provide low signal loss and high performance, making them crucial for advanced communication technologies.

Ceramic PCBs

Using ceramic as the substrate material, these PCBs offer excellent thermal conductivity and stability. They’re perfect for high-power applications and environments with extreme temperatures, like LED lighting, power electronics, and aerospace systems. Ceramic PCBs ensure reliable performance in harsh conditions.

Metal Core PCBs

Featuring a metal core, usually aluminum or copper, these PCBs improve heat dissipation. They’re used in high-power applications where efficient thermal management is crucial, such as LED lighting, power supplies, and automotive electronics.

Special PCBs

Bus Bar PCBs

These integrate bus bars for high-current applications, ensuring efficient power distribution and minimal voltage drop. They’re used in heavy-duty power supplies, electric vehicles, and industrial machinery. Bus bar PCBs provide robust and reliable connections for high-power systems.

Heavy Copper PCBs

With thicker copper layers, typically 3 ounces per square foot or more, these PCBs can handle higher currents and enhance thermal management. They’re used in power distribution, automotive, and industrial applications where durability and performance are critical. Heavy copper PCBs ensure reliable operation under high-stress conditions.

HDI (High-Density Interconnect) PCBs

These feature finer lines and spaces, smaller vias, and higher connection pad density. They’re used in advanced electronics like smartphones, tablets, and medical devices where space and performance are paramount. HDI PCBs enable miniaturization and improved electrical performance.

Extra Thin PCBs

Designed with minimal thickness, these PCBs are perfect for fitting into compact and lightweight devices. You’ll find them in flexible displays, wearables, and miniaturized electronic gadgets. Extra thin PCBs allow for innovative design solutions and space-saving configurations.

RF (Radio Frequency) PCBs

Optimized for high-frequency signals, these are used in communication devices, antennas, and microwave applications. They’re designed to minimize signal loss and interference, ensuring optimal performance in wireless communication systems.

High Tg PCBs

These have a high glass transition temperature, making them suitable for high-temperature environments. Used in automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications, high Tg PCBs maintain structural integrity and performance at elevated temperatures.

Impedance Control PCBs

These are designed to maintain consistent impedance for high-speed signal transmission. They’re used in communication devices, high-speed digital circuits, and advanced computing systems. Impedance control PCBs ensure signal integrity and reduce signal loss and reflection.

Why Are PCB Boards So Expensive?

Material Quality

High-grade materials like FR4 (fiberglass), ceramics, and high-quality copper foil are used to ensure durability and performance. These materials are essential for withstanding environmental stress and ensuring reliable operation, but they are expensive. For example, ceramic substrates can cost up to 10 times more than standard FR4 materials due to their superior thermal conductivity and electrical properties.

Complexity of Design

Multi-layer PCBs and advanced designs such as HDI (High-Density Interconnect) boards require complex manufacturing processes. The process involves precise alignment of layers and sophisticated techniques like laser drilling for micro-vias. The added complexity increases the production costs significantly. For instance, a standard 4-layer PCB might cost $50 per square meter, while a 12-layer HDI PCB could cost over $200 per square meter.

Precision and Technology

Manufacturing high-precision PCBs involves advanced machinery for etching, drilling, and plating. This machinery requires significant investment, and the skilled labor needed to operate it adds to the cost. The precision required in the production process ensures that the PCBs meet exacting standards, crucial for high-performance applications. A single advanced PCB drilling machine can cost upwards of $500,000.

Volume of Production

Smaller production runs generally have higher costs per unit because the setup and tooling expenses are spread over fewer units. For example, a low-volume production run of 10 PCBs might cost $100 per board, whereas a high-volume run of 10,000 boards might reduce the cost to $10 per board due to economies of scale.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Rigorous testing, including electrical, thermal, and functional tests, ensures that the PCBs meet strict performance standards. This testing process is vital to ensure reliability, especially in critical applications like medical devices and aerospace. Quality assurance processes can add 20-30% to the overall production cost, but they are essential for maintaining high standards.

What is the Difference Between PCBA and PCB Board?

The terms PCB and PCBA are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different stages of the board’s life cycle. The PCB is the bare board itself, with no electronic components attached. It consists of a non-conductive substrate, copper traces, solder mask, and silkscreen. A PCB serves as the foundation for assembling electronic components.

On the other hand, a PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) is a PCB that has undergone the assembly process, where all necessary electronic components like resistors, capacitors, diodes, and integrated circuits are soldered onto the board. Essentially, a PCBA is a functional circuit board ready for use in electronic devices. The transition from a PCB to a PCBA involves component placement, soldering, and quality testing, transforming the bare board into an operational assembly. Below is a typical PCBA product for your reference.

What is PCB Board Common Use?

PCB boards are existing in everywhere what we live, for example, the global smartphone market, which relies heavily on PCBs, was valued at approximately $520 billion in 2020. Here are some common applications that PCB used in:

Automotive Industry

In the automotive sector, PCBs are used in engine control units, infotainment systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These applications enhance vehicle performance, safety, and connectivity.

Medical Devices

PCBs are integral to medical devices such as diagnostic equipment, patient monitoring systems, and implantable devices. They ensure precise and reliable operation, which is critical for patient safety and effective treatment.

Industrial Applications

PCBs are used in control systems, machinery, and power distribution units in industrial settings. They provide robust and durable solutions capable of withstanding harsh conditions and continuous operation.

Telecommunications

In telecommunications, PCBs are essential in routers, switches, and communication devices, ensuring efficient and reliable data transmission. As the demand for faster and more reliable communication networks grows, so does the need for high-quality PCBs.

Why Are Circuit Boards Green?

The characteristic green color of most PCBs comes from the solder mask, a protective layer applied over the copper traces to prevent oxidation, short-circuiting, and to protect the board during soldering.

The green color is traditional, largely due to historical reasons and practical benefits. Green solder mask provides a good contrast against the white silkscreen and the shiny copper traces, making it easier for technicians to inspect and identify components during assembly and troubleshooting. Additionally, green solder mask was one of the first colors to be developed and standardized in the industry, leading to its widespread adoption. However, PCBs are not limited to green; they can also be found in other colors such as red, blue, black, and white, depending on the specific requirements and aesthetic preferences of the project. The choice of solder mask color does not affect the performance of the PCB, but green remains popular due to its well-established manufacturing process and visual advantages.

How to Get Started with Best Technology?

Here at Best Technology, we are experienced in designing all types of PCBs, including standard rigid PCBs, special PCBs, and irregular PCBs. We can design and develop PCBs according to customer specification and offer suggestions on the right materials for your project.

We provide the full series of PCB manufacturing, from the initial PCB design, PCB layout, to custom PCB fabricate, PCB assembly, box building and so forth. By the way, we have our own factory in Vietnam, that means we can ship out the PCBs directly from Vietnam.

Welcome to contact us when you want to get a quote!

What Is A Bus Bar PCB?

At the beginning, we should know what a bus bar PCB is. The Bus bar PCB is a special and newest design that integrates the FR4 material and metal alloy into a whole product, which allows the current transfer path into the circuit board. Due to the current carry capacity and special shape, it also called busbar PCB, embedded bus bar PCB, extruded copper PCB, copper inlay PCB, copper extrusion PCB.

Bus bar circuit board provide a more compact and efficient means of current distribution than traditional wires and cables. This design improves the overall performance of the electronic system by reducing inductance, increasing current carrying capacity, and optimizing heat dissipation.

What Are the Advantages of Bus Bar PCB?

Bus bar PCB offers numerous benefits when be using the power supply applications, its main functions are:

1. Reduce the inductance

Bus bar PCBs reduce inductance by allowing current to flow between tightly spaced conductors. This layout reduces the loop area and thus the inductance value. This is particularly important for high-frequency and highspeed applications, as it reduces voltage spikes and noise, improving system stability and performance.

2. Enhanced current carrying capacity

Due to its large cross-sectional area and high-quality conductive materials, Bus bar PCB can efficiently carry large currents. This is particularly useful in applications that require a large amount of power distribution, such as power supplies, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems. Bus bar PCBs support higher current density compared to conventional PCB wiring, which improves thermal management and reliability.

3. Improve thermal management

The Bus bar PCB effectively dissipates heat generated by key components. In high power applications, the buildup of heat can affect performance and life. The Bus bar PCB helps maintain optimal operating temperatures through efficient heat distribution, reducing the need for additional cooling mechanisms.

4. Save space and weight

The compact design of the Bus bar PCB reduces the overall size and weight of the electronic components. Its simple construction and elimination of multiple wire connectors contribute to space savings. This is particularly beneficial for applications where size and weight are critical, such as the aerospace and automotive industries.

5. Improved reliability and durability

Bus bar PCBS have superior mechanical strength and durability compared to traditional wiring systems. Its robust construction and secure connections reduce the risk of loose connections, failure due to vibration, and mechanical wear. This improves system reliability and service life for harsh environments and demanding applications.

6. Simplify assembly and maintenance

Using a Bus bar PCB simplifies the assembly process because it reduces the number of individual wires and connectors. This not only speeds up installation, but also reduces assembly errors. In addition, the Bus bar PCB provides a more orderly and accessible layout for easy troubleshooting and repair.

7. Cost effective

Although there may be a high initial cost, Bus bar PCBs can provide cost savings in the long term. Its advantages in reduced inductance, improved thermal management and enhanced reliability reduce operating and maintenance costs. In addition, Bus bar PCB reduces the need for addons, such as heat sinks or complex wiring bundles, thereby increasing overall cost effectiveness.

What Applications of Bus Bar PCB?

Due the high current carry capacity of the bus bar PCB, makes it very suitable for power supply or power management devices. Bus bar PCB can perform well in such fields. Here are some common application examples that bus bar PCB can be used for. If you are seeking for a PCB to integrate into your power supply project, then bus bar PCB is the go-to-choice.

1. Power Electronics

In power converters, inverters and high-current power supplies, Bus bar PCBS are widely used because of their ability to efficiently handle high currents and excellent thermal performance.

2. The Automobile industry

Another popular field that bus bar PCB used in is automotives, especially in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). In the electric cars, it can be used for battery connectivity and power distribution, contributing to weight reduction and performance improvements.

3. Renewable energy

Bus bar PCB is an environment friendly material, it is often used in solar systems, wind turbines and energy storage solutions to manage high currents and enhance reliability.

4. Industrial equipment

In industrial machinery and equipment, Busbar PCB provides powerful and efficient power distribution for motors, drives and control systems.

5. Aerospace

Bus bar PCBS are used in aerospace applications, such as avionics and power distribution systems, where size, weight and reliability are key factors.

Final Words

All in all, bus bar PCB offers significant advantages in handling high currents, improving thermal management, and providing reliable power distribution across various applications. By integrating bus bar PCBs, industries can achieve better power management, reduced system size and weight, and improved overall reliability.

Best Technology is a one-stop PCB solution provider in Asia, we offer various kinds of PCBs not only include bus bar PCB, but also Extra thin PCB, RF PCB, HDI PCB, Heavy copper PCB, Ceramic PCB, Metal Core PCB, Flex PCB and rigid flex PCB, PCBA and so more. We have more than 17 years-experience in PCB design and manufacturing, and served more than 1200 customers. Choosing Best Technology as your supplier ensures you get high quality PCBs, helping to improve the performance and competitiveness of your products. Contact us right now to customize your own PCB!

What is FR4 Material and Why is it Used in PCBs?

FR4 is a type of fiberglass-reinforced epoxy laminate. The term “FR4” comes from its flame-retardant properties, meeting the UL94V-0 standard. It is made from woven fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin, which together provide great strength and durability.

Electrical engineers and designers prefer FR4 because of its many benefits, such as:

Low cost
High dielectric strength
Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
Moisture resistance
Temperature endurance
Good electric loss characteristics
Flame retardance and self-extinguishing capabilities
Mechanical robustness
Insulating properties

FR4 is also suitable for marine PCBs because it absorbs very little water. In a standard FR4 PCB, a layer of FR4 is placed between two thin layers of laminated copper.

What are the Key Performances of FR4 Material?

FR4 material, also recognized as flame retardant 4, is a composite of glass fabric and epoxy resin, predominantly utilized as a foundational material for printed circuit boards. Familiarity with the specifications of FR4 is crucial for selecting the appropriate substrate for PCB manufacturing. Key specifications include:

1. The thickness of FR4 sheet is usually 0.2 mm to 3.2 mm, and other special thickness also available.

2. The specific gravity of FR4 material is about 1.85g/cm³, which means that it is heavier than water.

3. Coefficient of thermal expansion of FR4 is about 1.0×10^-5cm/cm/℃, which means that its length or width will expand slightly when the temperature changes.

4. The thermal decomposition temperature of FR4 materials is usually between 280C and 320C, which makes it able to withstand high temperature applications.

5. FR4 material has a dielectric constant around 4.0-4.8, which makes it an ideal material for circuit board manufacturing.

6. FR4 has good arc resistance, which means that in the case of high voltage, it can effectively prevent arc discharge.

7. FR4 material good hydrolysis resistance and can maintain good performance even in a humid environment.

What are the Types of PCB Materials in the Industry?

PCB materials can be broadly categorized based on their composition and intended application. Nowadays, the commonly used are including FR4, polyimide (PI), Metal material (copper or aluminum), ceramic substrate like Al2O3, AlN, Si3N4, and so on. Different materials have its unique functions and well-suited in specific environment. Here we introduce their properties and suited applications simply.

FR4 (Fiberglass Epoxy Laminate)

At present, almost of PCB you seen in the market or electronics used the FR4 material. It widely used because of its superb equilibrium of mechanical strength, electrical insulation, and cost-efficiency. Actually, according to the different reinforcement materials, the circuit board is mainly classified into the following types:

1) FR-4

2) FR-1, FR-2, etc.

3) CEM series: Composite substrate

FR-4 used frequently because of its high fire resistance rating.

High Tg FR4

Though normal FR4 material has good electrical insulation, it is not an ideal option for high frequency circuit board. And then, high Tg FR4 stands out by using an advanced technology. “Tg” refers to glass transition temperature, the juncture at which the material transitions from a rigid, glassy state to a pliable, rubbery state. High Tg FR4 boasts a Tg of 170°C or higher.

Polyimide (PI)

Polyimide materials are renowned for their excellent flexibility, superior thermal stability and chemical resistance. It is always used as raw material of flex circuits, rigid flex circuit boards or membrane switches. Due to the good chemistry properties, they can endure temperatures up to 260°C and are highly flexible, making them ideal for those small and limited PCB designs.

Metal base material

Metal materials always used in metal core PCBs (MCPCB), usually used aluminum core or copper core. The metal base has great thermal conductivity to enhance the thermal management of the device, buy using metal core, the device can dissipate heat away from the critical component such as LED chips, ICs, BGAs, to remain the reliability and performance of the PCB.

Ceramic substrate

Ceramic PCB substrate offers excellent thermal conductivity and stability than that metal core PCBs, making them suitable for high-power and high-frequency applications. But due to the high cost and complex manufacturing, the ceramic PCB is much expensive than metal core PCB, therefore, they are always be used in high-end applications, such as the military, defense, aerospace and some special fields where requires excellent thermal management.

Understanding these materials enable to help engineers and designers in selecting the most appropriate substrate for their projects, ensuring optimal performance and cost-efficiency. Best Technology provides a comprehensive array of PCB materials, guaranteeing high-quality solutions for all your electronic needs.

What are the Applications of FR4 PCB Material in Various Industries?

FR4 material is versatile and finds applications in numerous industries, including:

Consumer Electronics like smartphones, laptops, and other personal electronic devices.
Applied in vehicle electronics for infotainment systems, engine control units, and more.
Industrial Equipment such as control systems, power supplies, and industrial automation.
Essential for telecommunications, network devices, routers, and communication infrastructure.
Medical instrumentation and diagnostic equipment.
Aerospace and defense in avionics, radar systems, and defense electronics.

This is all of this sharing, thanks for your reading. Welcome to contact us if you have other questions about FR4 or other raw materials of PCB. Best Technology engaging in the PCB manufacturing about 18 years, we are one of the leading PCB manufacturers in China. And we have such confidence to provide with you the best PCB and PCBA fast solution for your projects.

About New-Tech:

The New-Tech Exhibition is the largest and major exhibition of the Hi–Tech & Electronics in Israel. More than 150 companies, who lead these fields in Israel and around the world, will take part and exhibit in this trade show.

This exhibition shows a comprehensive array of electronic components, production processes, subcontracting services, clean room equipment, electro-optic devices, test equipment, printed circuit boards, industrial materials, computerization solutions, robotics, power systems, RF/microwave technologies, and more. Attendees can explore cutting-edge innovations in development, design, engineering, and procurement across various industries.

It is important to note:

1. Participation in the exhibition is conditional on prior registration, even for invited customers.

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For more details and registration: https://www.new-techevents.com/exhibition-registration-form/

Welcome to visit us at Booth #66 from May 28, 2024 to May 29, 2024 (Western Time).

Archive for the ‘Rigid Flex Circuit’ Category

What are flexible PCBs made of?

What is the difference between FR4 and flex PCB?

What is the difference between a rigid PCB and a flexible PCB?

What is the advantage of flex PCB?

What are the disadvantages of flexible PCB?

How thick is a flex PCB board?

Where are flexible PCBs used?

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What is the maximum temperature for a flex PCB?

What temperature should flexible PCB soldering be?

What is high Tg PCB?

What are the disadvantages of flexible PCB?

How thick is the copper in a flex PCB?

Why are Flex PCBs so expensive?

What is rigid-flex PCB vs flex PCB?

What is the difference between FR4 and flex PCB?

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What are the holes in a PCB called?

What is a through hole

What is a blind via?

What are buried vias?

What is a microvia?

What are Mounting holes？

What are thermal vias?

FAQ About board electronics with holes

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1. Single-sided board:

2. Double-sided board

3. Multilayer board:

4. Flexible PCB board

5. Rigid PCB Board

6. Rigid-Flex Board

7. High-frequency PCB board

8. Copper substrate

9. Aluminum-based PCB board

10. High Density Interconnect (HDI) PCB

11. Thick Copper PCB

12. High TG PCB

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What is a flex board?

What is a Flexboard made of?

Which flex material is best?

How many types of flex board are there?

What is the thickness of a flex board?

Why are Flex PCBs so expensive?

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What is a PCB Board?

Common PCB Structure

How Many Types of PCB?

Special PCBs

Why Are PCB Boards So Expensive?

What is the Difference Between PCBA and PCB Board?

What is PCB Board Common Use?

Why Are Circuit Boards Green?

How to Get Started with Best Technology?

You may also like

What Is A Bus Bar PCB?

What Are the Advantages of Bus Bar PCB?

1. Reduce the inductance

2. Enhanced current carrying capacity

3. Improve thermal management

4. Save space and weight

5. Improved reliability and durability

6. Simplify assembly and maintenance

7. Cost effective

What Applications of Bus Bar PCB?

Final Words

You may also like

What is FR4 Material and Why is it Used in PCBs?

What are the Key Performances of FR4 Material?

What are the Types of PCB Materials in the Industry?

What are the Applications of FR4 PCB Material in Various Industries?

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About New-Tech:

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