PCB is a power supply source to run different electronic devices. In PCB Assembly, Printed circuit boards have different base materials, depending on their application. In general, circuit boards have a fiberglass base, but aluminum-backed PCB is also common it has a metal base but the laminate is covered with copper. Such PCB performs better due to high-end thermal conductivity and electrical insulation.
The aluminum-backed circuit board involves alloy plates which are a blend of three metals, including aluminum, silicon, and magnesium. These PCBs are different from fiberglass. Let’s discuss different layers in an aluminum PCB.
First Layer or Base: It has an aluminum alloy that helps have an effective through-hole PCB.
Thermal Insulation: It consists of ceramic polymer and it is vital for a PCB. The polymer has a high thermal resistance, good viscoelastic properties, and a high resistance to mechanical stresses.
Copper Foil: It is the circuit layer with copper foil, and it may weigh up to one to 10 ounces.
Dielectric Layer: the purpose of the dielectric is to absorb heat when there is current in the circuits. Then it goes to aluminum, dispersing the heat. PCB having a better thermal resistance enhances its life.
The construction of aluminum Printed Circuit Board involves different layers as described here. The base and circuit layers have a thin dielectric layer between them. After that comes the etching of copper foil, or circuit layer to help you have a certain pattern. All these layers eliminate a circuit’s heat.
The aluminum circuit board has three main types, such as through-hole, flexible, and hybrid. Let’s discuss them one by one.
Through-Hole Aluminum Circuit Board: the pre-drilling is involved in a through-hole circuit board. The hole is then filled with the dielectric.
Flexible Aluminum Circuit Board: such a circuit board has a flexible dielectric to provide high flexibility, electrical insulation, and thermal conductivity. Aluminum and dielectric make a product flexible having different shapes. Moreover, it involves low-cost fixtures and connectors.
Hybrid Aluminum Circuit Board: a hybrid aluminum circuit board is common in RF applications. Its thermal performance is very high if you use it in a product with a standard FR4.
You can take benefit from an aluminum PCB in manage ways, such as
Which Conductive Material Will Be The Best For My Application?
Several factors determine the kind of circuit board you require. Generally, aluminum PCB is ideal where high-heat dissipation is required. The properties of aluminum are compatible with high-power and thick designs, which is not the case with standard circuit boards.
However, designers having a low budget can use non-metal substrates, such as flex circuits having polymer. It can tolerate vibrations better than aluminum-flex substrates.
Standard or Traditional Printed Circuit Boards
The dielectric and copper make standard circuit boards having different layers. Most standard PCBs have FR4 substrate, moreover, fiberglass is less costly. The board has many layers of copper and other elements, such as silkscreen and solder masks help in conductivity and component placement.
The layers are either on both sides or one side of the circuit board. Whereas there are also stack-ups with several layers. Standard circuit boards can power both high-end and low-end electronic devices. Single-sided boards are used in less complex products, such as calculators. But, multilayer PCBs are essential for complex devices like supercomputers or space equipment.
Pros and Cons of Standard Circuit Boards
The application and the kind of device determine if you need a standard circuit board or an aluminum board. You can get the design through online sources or can hire an engineering company for this purpose. You can also read our other posts to understand a common PCB.
What is an Aluminum PCB?
The main structure of an aluminum PCB is just like other PCBs having silkscreen, solder mask, and copper. It has an aluminum substrate, but it can also be a mix of aluminum and fiberglass.
Why Should I Have Aluminum PCB?
Aluminum-backed circuit boards are long-term and durable because they can manage high temperatures and reduce failures. They are also mechanically balanced and the thermal expansion level is also lower compared to other materials.
Where Can I Use Aluminum PCB?
You can use it for multiple lights, such as surgical lighting, interior lighting, landscape lighting, tail light tools, operation theater lighting, etc. Moreover, it is compatible with power converters, auto dashboards, powerful scanners signal beacons, and power transmissions.
What Is A Hybrid Aluminum PCB?
A hybrid aluminum circuit board is common in RF applications. Its thermal performance is very high if you use it in a product with a standard FR4.
What Is The Dielectric Layer In PCB?
The purpose of the dielectric is to absorb heat when there is current in the circuits. After that, it goes to aluminum to disperse the heat. PCB having a better thermal resistance enhances its life.
What is Flexible Aluminum PCB?
The flexible aluminum circuit board has a flexible dielectric to provide high flexibility, electrical insulation, and thermal conductivity. Aluminum and dielectric make a product flexible having different shapes. Moreover, it involves low-cost fixtures and connectors.
Aluminum boards are more niche-oriented than other circuit boards. However, their cost is higher than standard PCBs. You can take benefit from aluminum PCB if your application involves high temperatures, or it won’t be a good investment. The aluminum circuit board has three main types, such as through-hole, flexible, and hybrid. Your requirements determine the kind of PCB you should have.
Would like to know more about Aluminum Backed PCB or printed circuit board assembly? Email us at sales@pnconline.com