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What is Heavy Copper PCB? Benefits & Applications

Views: 537 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2023-05-23 Origin: Site

Introduction

One of the main functions of modern electronic devices is fully customization of advanced printing boards (PCB). In this article, we address the implications of heavy copper PCBs in several ways. It is also very useful for the economic and versatile industry by evaluating the role of each person connected to the PCB.

With the emergence of next-generation power devices, the power electronics field is becoming increasingly high-frequency, and the effects of parasitic components such as inductance, capacitance, and resistance on circuits, which were previously ignored, will become apparent.

For this reason, it has become necessary to design products in consideration of these factors, and the pattern design and board specifications of printed circuit boards have also become important.

What is heavy copper PCB?

A heavy copper PCB has a much thicker copper layer than a standard PCB. These PCBs have copper thicknesses that exceed conventional limits, ranging from 3 ounces per square foot to 20 ounces. Heavy copper PCBs are indispensable for demanding applications due to their greater copper thickness, which gives them extraordinary electrical and thermal conductivity properties.

Copper Clad Laminate, also known as CCL (Copper Clad Laminate), is a base material for manufacturing printed circuit boards. Copper-clad laminates are made by impregnating glass cloth (glass cloth) woven with highly insulating glass fiber with resin. After that, a plate-shaped resin sheet is made by heat processing and copper foil is placed on the top and bottom of it, and it is completed by heating and pressing with a press machine.

The stretchability, strength, heat resistance, and low dielectric constant of the glass cloth vary depending on the composition and weave of the glass, and the composition and amount of the impregnated resin. Therefore, it can be said that this copper-clad laminate is the most important for the characteristics of printed circuit boards.

Inexpensive copper-clad laminates generally use highly versatile glass cloth and resin. It is necessary to choose cloth and resin.

Copper Clad Laminates

Copper-clad laminates are not manufactured by substrate manufacturers but are purchased from chemical material manufacturers that specialize in manufacturing copper-clad laminates.

Since resin and metal are stuck together, it is a place to worry about whether it is firmly attached. General standards prescribe the test method for the peeling strength of the bonding strength between resin and copper foil. It states that the test should be conducted under the conditions of room temperature, after soldering, and during heating. 

 Recently, there are cases in which foreign-made base materials are used, but in some cases, the adhesion strength between the copper and the base material and various other properties are inferior to domestic ones. The material is indeed cheap, but if you use it, please pays attention to the characteristics and reliability data of the substrate. It may be listed in the material catalog, so it is a good idea to check it.

The thickness of Copper Foil PCB

The thickness of the copper foil is mainly 18um, 35um, and 70um. 18um is often used for double-sided boards that are plated with copper in the process of manufacturing raw boards, the surface layer of multilayer boards, etc., and 35um is used for single-sided boards that are not plated, the inner layers of multilayer boards, and patterns with high current values. 70um seems to be used a lot.

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 In addition, there are thin ones such as 12um (9um) used for ultra-high density patterns such as build-up boards, and thick ones such as 105um used for high current patterns. It seems that thicker copper foil is also used for boards that carry large currents. 1 ft2 of 35um thick copper foil weighs 1 ounce (305g), so we call 35um copper foil 1-ounce copper. 18umμ is 1/2 ounce, 70umμ is 2 ounces. 

Recently, the price of copper has soared, and it seems that the price of the substrate is also rebounding. In the past, 70um materials were often used for the power supply and GND (inner layers) of multi-layer boards, but recently 35um materials have come to be used quite frequently.

Cost reduction tip

I mentioned the reliability evaluation data of the "substrate" in another column the other day, but what about the reliability of the "base material"? As I mentioned in the previous section, even if the manufacturing method of the base material is the same, the performance differs depending on the manufacturing company. 

For example, with the expansion of needs for high-heat-resistant substrates, FR-4 materials, which are cheaper than conventional BT resin substrates and have a high Tg (glass transition temperature), have been developed, and base material companies are working to differentiate themselves increase.

Applications of Heavy Copper Printed Circuit Board

Power Electronics

To ensure efficient power distribution and minimize energy losses, power transmission systems need heavy copper PCBs that can dissipate heat efficiently and handle high currents. Copper PCBs are also used in motor drives and inverters to ensure reliable and efficient performance.

Automotive Industry

Power distribution in electric vehicles is dependent upon heavy copper PCBs, which ensure that power is safely and efficiently distributed throughout the vehicle.

The Heavy Copper PCBs are also integral components of battery management systems (BMS), which ensure the durability and optimal operation of electric vehicles over a long period of time by monitoring and regulating their performance. In order to process signals at high speeds and to ensure reliable performance during critical automotive safety aspects, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) heavily rely on copper PCBs.

Aerospace and Defense

Providing uncompromised performance while enduring extreme conditions is essential in aerospace and defense applications that require a highly robust and reliable electronic system. Heavy copper PCBs are important components of radar and communication systems due to their high conductivity, which allows them to transmit and receive signals efficiently.

Furthermore, copper circuit boards are integral components of avionics and satellite systems, which contribute to the precision of data processing and the reliability of communications in aerospace operations.

Consequently, Heavy Copper PCBs have proven to be highly effective in missile and weapon systems due to their ability to handle high levels of power and maintain signal integrity during operational conditions that are extremely demanding.

Industrial Automation

For the purpose of enabling precise control and efficient operation of machinery and robotic systems, Heavy Copper PCBs are an essential component of industrial automation, which plays a vital role in the industry. In applications requiring high-voltage power supplies, high-voltage power supplies are ideal because of their enhanced power handling capabilities.

Benefits of Heavy Copper PCB

The following are some of the significant advantages heavy copper PCBs have over standard PCBs:

· Heat can be released effectively by press-fitting copper directly under the heat-generating parts.

· Realization of heat exhaust method with extremely good cost performance

· Compared to aluminum heat dissipation substrates, the coefficient of linear expansion of copper is lower, so the reliability of solder joints is improved.

· Compared to aluminum heat dissipation boards, high-level multilayer boards and double-sided mounting boards can be used, improving the degree of freedom in design.

· Increased circuit efficiency by increasing the degree of freedom in component placement

· miniaturization

· By eliminating the need to tighten screws for each heat-generating component, it is possible to improve reliability, reduce costs, reduce assembly man-hours, and satisfy all QCD requirements.

· The same heat dissipation structure can be used for both SMD and lead components

Why heavy copper PCB from Victory PCB?

Victory PCB has earned a reputation for high quality as a leading manufacturer of heavy copper PCBs. As well as offering heavy copper PCBs in a wide variety of configurations, Victory PCB also offers a wide range of customizable options as well as heavy copper PCBs. In addition to heavy copper PCBs, Victory PCB also offers a range of customization options.

The following are some of the benefits of using Victory PCB's heavy copper PCBs:

Victory heavy copper PCBs are manufactured using high-quality materials and processes to ensure that they meet your performance and reliability requirements.

Victory PCB's heavy copper PCBs are an excellent choice for applications requiring a cost-effective PCB solution.

If you are looking for a high-quality, cost-effective, and quick turnaround heavy copper PCB, Victory PCB has a quick turnaround time for heavy copper PCB orders. Victory PCB offers heavy copper PCBs at affordable prices. To obtain a quote and learn more about their heavy copper PCBs, please contact us today.

Summary

Heavy copper PCBs have become indispensable in a wide variety of industries. In recent years, heat generation has tended to increase due to the high performance and functionality of mounted parts, and heat countermeasures have become important from the perspective of maintaining performance and extending the life of electronic equipment.
Furthermore, due to the miniaturization of parts, it is becoming difficult to expect heat dissipation from the body of the part itself. Despite having a higher initial cost than standard PCBs, heavy copper PCBs have long-term advantages and cost-effectiveness that far outweigh their initial investment in the long run.

About The Author

I am the Engineering and Sales supervisor working in Victorypcb from 2015. During the past years, I have been reponsible for all oversea exhibitions like USA(IPC Apex Expo), Europe(Munich Electronica) and Japan(Nepcon) etc. Our factory founded in 2005, now have 1521 clients all over the world and occupied very good reputation among them.

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