Heavy Copper PCB
Heavy copper pcb is in high demand from various industries like automobile, military and industrial control. These PCBs are designed to provide superior current capacity and thermal management capability.
However, fabricating a reliable heavy copper circuit board requires a close working relationship between designer and fabricator. Design considerations must be carefully evaluated to ensure that the resulting boards will meet their performance requirements.
High Conductivity
The high conductivity of heavy copper pcb allows it to transfer currents quickly and effectively. This is particularly useful for devices that require high amounts of current, such as military equipment and larger home appliances. It can also resist more heat, cold, and corrosion than standard PCBs.
A heavy copper PCB is designed with thicker copper plating than standard PCBs. This increases the current-carrying capacity of the circuit board by providing more cross-sectional areas for electricity flow. The higher current capacity allows the circuit board to handle more power and reduce thermal strain, which increases the longevity of the circuit board.
To calculate the amount of current that a heavy copper PCB can carry, designers use a trace width calculator. The calculator can determine the maximum current, temperature rise, and copper thickness required. This information is critical to creating a successful PCB design.
To ensure that the PCB can withstand high currents, it is important to select the proper substrate material. The substrate should have a high glass transition temperature (Tg) and be compatible with the copper plating and etching processes. This will prevent layer separation and cracking during fabrication. It is also important to consider the copper’s resistance and its thermal expansion when designing a PCB with heavy copper. In addition, it is advisable to consult with the fabricator early in the process to discuss manufacturing tolerances and capabilities.
High Temperature Resistance
Using heavy copper PCBs allows designers to use thicker trace widths, which increases current carrying capacity and improves signal integrity. They can also dissipate heat effectively, preventing electrical systems from overheating and helping them to function better in high-temperature environments.
This type of PCB is used in applications such as EV-chargers, rail traction systems and solar power converters, where high current loads are required to ensure stable operation. Heavy heavy copper pcb copper PCBs are also useful for military and aerospace applications because they offer higher conductivity at elevated temperatures, which can help reduce the risk of circuit failure.
The high-temperature resistance of heavy copper PCBs is achieved through advanced plating and etching techniques. These processes increase the thickness of the copper sidewalls and plated-through holes, which makes them more durable. Additionally, they eliminate problems like uneven etch margins and edges, which can cause tracing to degrade and shorten the life of a copper PCB.
The high-temperature resistance of a copper PCB depends on its temperature transition, or Tg, which determines the amount of thermal stress that can be tolerated by the board. The Tg of the substrate and copper must match to prevent excessive thermal expansion, which Heavy Copper PCB Supplier could lead to cracking and layer separation. Typically, heavy copper PCBs are manufactured using FR-4 material with a Tg of 130 deg C or more.
High Current Capacity
PCBs are a vital component in electronic devices, and they play an important role in making them function. However, some products require a high current flow that standard PCBs cannot accommodate. This is where heavy copper comes in. This type of PCB has a higher current carrying capacity and is suitable for use in rugged applications.
Heavy copper PCBs are more durable than standard FR-4 boards, and they can support higher currents without overheating. This is because they have thicker copper traces, which can carry more current than thinner ones. In addition, they can withstand higher temperatures and recurrent thermal cycles, which would destroy a standard PCB in seconds.
The maximum current a heavy copper PCB can withstand depends on the track width and the temperature rise it can tolerate. Designers gauge this by using a tool that calculates the three parameters—trace width, current capacity, and temperature rise—based on the application requirements.
Another factor that influences the current carrying capacity of heavy copper PCBs is their substrate material. The substrate must be able to handle the higher operating temperatures of heavy copper, and it should also have a low glass transition temperature. It is also necessary to ensure that the copper and substrate can withstand the same thermal expansion. This can help reduce failures due to stress and cracking.
High Stability
The PCB made from heavy copper has the advantages of high current capacity, high-temperature resistance and strong anti-interference. These features allow it to meet the stringent requirements of various electronic products, such as cell phones, microwaves, aerospace, satellite communications and network base stations. In addition, the heavy-copper PCB can also meet the extremely high-reliability requirements of some electronic products.
The heavy-copper PCB has excellent heat dissipation. This allows the devices to run stably and protects them from sudden shutdowns. Additionally, it can be used in extreme environments, such as in high humidity and cold conditions.
Generally, the maximum current a trace can tolerate is based on the amount of heat it can tolerate. This is because current flows along the track, which causes localized heating, and then transites through convection and conduction into the environment to gain energy. Therefore, the amount of heat a trace can tolerate is determined by calculating the current flow before its temperature rises to about 30 degrees Celsius.
In the circuit board manufacturing process, heavy copper PCBs have a higher copper thickness than standard PCBs. Its thicker conductive foil helps to reduce the pressure on the resin filling during pressing. This is important because it will help the manufacturer to avoid air bubbles in the resin. It also helps to reduce the size of the vias. This will make it easier for the etching process to be done.