PCB Blog - What is an aluminum pcb?

Aluminum pcb is a metal based copper clad plate with good heat dissipation function. Generally, a single panel consists of a three-layer structure, namely a circuit layer (copper foil), an insulation layer, and a metal substrate. Some designs for high-end use are also double-sided boards, with a structure of circuit layer, insulation layer, aluminum base, insulation layer, and circuit layer. Very few applications are multilayer boards, which can be made by bonding ordinary multilayer boards with insulation layers and aluminum pcb.

aluminum pcb

Structure of aluminum pcb

Aluminum based copper clad plate is a metal circuit board material composed of copper foil, thermal insulation layer, and metal substrate.

1: Copper foil is equivalent to a copper clad board of a regular PCB, with a thickness of loz to 10oz for circuit copper foil. The circuit layer (i.e. copper foil) is etched to form a printed circuit, connecting the various components of the component to each other. Generally, it is required to have a large current carrying capacity, so thicker copper foil is used, with a thickness of generally 35 μ m~280 μ m.

2: Thermal insulation layer: The insulation layer is a low thermal resistance thermal insulation material. The thermal insulation layer is the core of the aluminum substrate, which is generally composed of special polymers filled with special ceramics, with low thermal resistance, excellent viscoelastic performance, and the ability to resist thermal aging, and can withstand mechanical and thermal stress.

3: Metal substrate: generally aluminum based copper clad plate and traditional epoxy glass cloth laminated plate. The metal substrate is a supporting component of the aluminum pcb, which has high thermal conductivity. It is generally aluminum plate, and copper plate can also be used, suitable for conventional mechanical processing such as drilling, punching, and cutting.

Characteristics of aluminum pcb

The aluminum pcb is a low alloyed Al Mg Si series high plasticity alloy plate, which has good thermal conductivity, electrical insulation performance, and mechanical processing performance. Compared with the traditional FR-4, the aluminum substrate uses the same thickness and line width, and can withstand higher currents. The aluminum pcb can withstand up to 4500V and has a thermal conductivity coefficient greater than 2.0.

1: More suitable for surface mount technology (SMT).

2: Effective treatment of thermal diffusion in circuit design schemes can reduce product operating temperature, extend service life, and improve product power density and reliability.

3: Reduce the assembly of heat sinks and other hardware (including thermal interface materials), reduce product volume, and reduce hardware and assembly costs; Optimize the combination of power circuit and control circuit.

4: Replace fragile ceramic substrates for better mechanical durability.

The use of aluminum pcb

In the field of electronics, aluminum pcb are widely used in the manufacturing of LED lights, power supplies, automotive electronics, communication equipment, and other products. Its thermal conductivity can effectively dissipate heat and ensure the stable operation of the equipment. In the field of machinery, aluminum substrates are mainly used for manufacturing components of products such as automobiles, ships, and airplanes, as they have good strength and wear resistance. In addition, in the field of architecture, aluminum pcb are mainly used for manufacturing products such as curtain walls, ceilings, and wall decorations, as they can effectively prevent corrosion and ensure the aesthetics and durability of buildings.

1: Audio devices

Input and output amplifiers, balanced amplifiers, audio amplifiers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, etc

2: Power supply equipment

Switch regulators, DC/AC converters, SW regulators, etc.

3: Communication electronic equipment

High frequency amplifier, filtering device, and transmitting circuit.

4: Office automation equipment

Motor drivers, etc

5: Automobile

Electronic regulators, igniters, power controllers, etc.

6: Computers

CPU board, floppy drive, power supply device, etc.

7: Power module

Inverter, solid-state relay, rectifier bridge, etc.

8: Lighting fixtures and decorations

With the promotion of energy-saving lights, various energy-saving and colorful LED lights have become popular in the market, and aluminum pcb used for LED lights have also begun to be widely used.

Aluminum pcb plays an important role in modern industrial production, and its widespread application has brought convenience and benefits to people's production and life.