2018 The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Ceramic PCB
For Ceramic PCB, metal core PCB, flexible circuit boards or other PCB products, Hitech Circuits Co., Limited is the company to contact. We offer ceramic PCB for your printed circuit boards needs. Our commitment to quality assurance and customer service are unparalleled, and we have the facilities and experience to be your only printed circuit board supplier. We offer no minimum orders and prompt delivery. As a Ceramic PCB expert, Hitech today would like to share the most frequently asked questions about Ceramic PCB:
1.
Why do you claim ceramic PCB in AluminaOxide (Al2O3) has a good thermal conductivity compared metal core PCB (IMS) when you know Al (160 W/mK) and Cu (>200 W/mK) have a much higher thermal conductivity compared to Al2O3 (22 W/mK)?
Al & Cu have indeed high thermal performances but the dielectric layer which separates the metal core from the conductive traces will increase the thermal resistance significantly. Both the dielectric by itself (usually <3 W/mK thermal conductivity) as the interface resistance will reduce the total thermal performance. Depending on the thickness of this layer (<10 W/mK) the thermal conductivity of the board can be reduced by 70-90%!
Alumina 96% (Al2O3), on the other hand, is a dielectric material and thus traces can be placed directly onto the board eliminating any loss in conductivity. Additionally, DK Thermal is using Copper (Cu–396 W/mK) as well as Silver (Ag–400 W/mK) metallization allowing the heat to spread even better over a large ceramic surface away from the sensitive component.
2.
Are ceramic PCBs expensive?
While ceramic boards are usually more expensive then FR4 & CEM3 boards, the cost of thick film Al2O3 is in line with Al metal core PCBs and even below Cu metal core PCBs.
3.
Can ceramic PCBs pass reflow and be used in SMT & pick-and-place machines?
Yes, both are possible.
4.
Can ceramic PCB be multi-layer?
Yes and we have experience in making ceramic circuits up to 10 layers
5.
How big can ceramic PCB be?
Our maximum standard size is 125mmx125mm or 5″x 5″panels. Upon request, we can accommodate boards up to 180mm x 180mm (7″x 7″) or even larger.
6.
Is there also a solder mask layer, surface finish and silkscreen possible?
Yes. The possibilities depend on the manufacturing process. Solder mask similar to other PCB can be applied in most cases, however, we do also offer a glass for high-temperature solutions which can be transparent or black.
Surface finish has a similar reasoning, however, for high-temperature applications, we offer only silver and gold plating.
Last but not least, applying silkscreen is no issue.
7.
What is the difference between Thick film ceramics and LTCC?
Thick film ceramic boards are post fired which means vias, traces, stacking, etc…are only done after the board has been ‘baked’ already and is in its sturdy and hard form. On the other hand, LTCC or Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics are still in a relatively soft state when cavities, vias & holes are punched and traces are printed. This way, it is still possible to smooth & round inclinations so multi-shape and angled designs are possible. Only after this process, the board will be co-fired at a temperature of 900°C.
If there is any question about Ceramic PCB you want to know which is not showed on this articles, please feel free to contact us at info@hitechpcb.com.
