An aluminum PCB is a metal-based board and its structure is divided into three layers: Aluminum printed circuit boards are also known as metal base PCBs, and are comprised of metal-based laminates covered by copper foil circuit layers.
Aluminum Printed Circuit Boards Contain a Thin Layer of Thermally Conductive Dielectric Material that Transfers Heat
There are many names for these products; Aluminum clad, aluminum base, Metal clad printed Circuit Board (MCPCB), Insulated Metal Substrate(IMS or IMPCB), Thermally conductive PCBs, etc… but they all mean the same thing and perform the same way.
HOW ARE ALUMINUM PCBS MADE?
A thin layer of thermally conductive but electrically insulating dielectric is laminated between a metal base and a copper foil. The copper foil is etched into the desired circuit pattern and the metal base draws heat away from this circuit through the thin dielectric.
BENEFITS OF ALUMINUM PCBS
Heat dissipation is dramatically superior to standard FR-4 constructions.
The dielectrics used are typically 5 to 10 times as thermally conductive as conventional epoxy-glass and a tenth of the thickness
Thermal transfer exponentially more efficient than a conventional rigid PCB.
Lower copper weights than suggested by the IPC heat-rise charts can be used.
APPLICATIONS OF ALUMINUM PCBS
Although Power Converters and LEDs are the largest users of these products, Automotive and RF companies are also looking to take advantage of the benefits of these constructions. While a single layer construction is the simplest, other configuration options are available at Amitron, including:
FLEXIBLE ALUMINUM PCBS
One of the newest developments in IMS materials is flexible dielectrics. These materials feature a polyimide resin system with ceramic fillers which provides excellent electrical insulation, flexibility and of course thermal conductivity. When applied to a flexible aluminum material like 5754 or similar, the product can be formed to achieve a variety of shapes and angles which can eliminate costly fixtures, cables and connectors. Although these materials are flexible, they are intended to be bent into place and remain in place. They are not suited for applications that are intended to be flexed regularly.
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