A range of different materials can be used when manufacturing circuit boards. However, they are not all the same. Each material brings something different to the table in terms of performance, tolerances, durability, and more. An informed decision here will maximize performance and durability, reduce weight, and ensure that your design performs to expectations.

Board Types

Circuit boards come in a wide range of types and are classified by component location, stack-up, design, bendability, strength, and electrical functionality. Before choosing a material, make sure you know which classification your design falls into, as this will affect material choices and other decisions.

FR-4

FR-4 is a commonly used material in the design of circuit boards. It is actually made of fiberglass (technically a glass-reinforced epoxy laminate), which means it is relatively lightweight and affordable. For this reason, it is often used in lower-end consumer electronics. The letters FR indicate that this material is also flame retardant, which can be important in applications where heat dispersal is a consideration. It is also known for its high mechanical values, as well as its ability to insulate and perform well even in more humid conditions. However, it may not have the thickness, durability, or capacity for higher-end or higher-performance applications.

When to use it: use FR-4 material in products where cost is a consideration, but you want effective performance across a wide range of applications. Typically, you’ll find FR-4 used in substrate/laminate boards. We recommend it for standard circuit boards.

Rogers Material

The Rogers company also manufactures material for circuit boards. The company offers several options, but one they are best known for is PTFE (Teflon). Teflon costs more than FR-4, but it provides better performance for RF circuit boards because it has a lower signal loss rate. Other advantages include a wide range of dielectric constant values, improved management of heat, and better control over impedance. The trade-off is the higher cost, coupled with slightly more weight.

When to use it: use this material in applications where power management is important, as well as where RF, microwave, or high-performance functionality are necessary. Note that this is a good material for mobile use, too. Typically used in laminate boards, we recommend this option for high frequency, microwave, and high-power situations.

Metal

Metal is an option for the base of circuit boards. So-called “metal core” boards offer greater heft, but also provide better durability and strength. Most are made from aluminum, but alloys exist that can be used instead. Typically, these boards feature the metal base layer, a second layer of conductive dielectric material, and then the final layer of copper on the top. Metal core circuit boards are widely used in solid-state applications, and in use cases where ceramic substrates cannot be used.

When to use it: metal core circuit boards are well-suited for LED applications, but can also be used for other lighting applications, and they also play a role in automotive electronic design.

HDI

HDI, or high-density interconnector, is yet another option for circuit board design. The name says it all – this material offers a high line distribution density and is often used in situations where designers need to reduce weight and size without sacrificing electronic performance. HDI can make use of blind and buried vias, as well as microvias, vias in pad, and through vias from surface to surface.

When to use it: use HDI where density is a consideration, as well as when size and weight are serious concerns. Note that HDI also offers reduced heat transfer included stress.

High Tg

As the temperature of the circuit board and surrounding environment rises, the material of the board’s base layer actually shifts states. The higher the temperature at which the material can remain rigid, the better performing the material will be for board design. Of course, in low-temperature environments, this is not much of a concern. However, with high-temperature environments, the glass-transition temperature (Tg) is important. High Tg materials offer the temperature resistance required for these applications, and they are beginning to be more commonly used across industries.

When to use it: high Tg materials are all about heat control, so this material is well-suited for designs where stability at high temperatures is critically important. We recommend this material for high density needs.

A Note on Solder and Toxicity

Soldering circuit boards can expose you to lead-carrying fumes (lead is sometimes contained within solder). Since any circuit board will require soldering, always solder boards in a well-ventilated area, while wearing appropriate protective gear.

A Full Range of Capabilities for Circuit Boards

At Advanced Circuits, we offer an end-to-end service for your needs in designing and manufacturing circuit boards. From choosing the right material to determining the right number of layers to full PCB assembly, we offer fast turnarounds and affordable pricing. No order is too large or too small. All circuit boards are manufactured within one of our US-based locations, which allows us to manufacture circuit boards for virtually alllayout projects, including DOD contracts.

Layout and Design Help for Circuit Boards

We believe in giving our customers every advantage possible. We understand that designing circuit boards can be incredibly complex, time-consuming, and frustrating. To help ease that burden, we offer free access to PCB Artist — our intuitive, unrestricted PCB design software — to walk you through the entire design process. Create designs of up to 28 layers, import from Eagle, and access a library of over half a million parts all in one place.

Fortunately, there are good options for free PCB design software you can start using. At Advanced Circuits, we provide what we believe to be one of the very best options, and it will not cost you a thing. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of using the right software.

PCB Artist Design Software – Free and Fully Functional

Today, creating and designing printed circuit boards is easier than it has been at any time in the past. One of the big game changers in this area was the creation of design software geared toward printed circuit boards. Quality software can make the process faster because it is possible to look for and find potential mistakes before making a prototype or going into production. It can save time and money.

However, if the software being used is not high quality, it could end up causing problems. Poor software is one of the reasons that some PCB designers still struggle at the design stage. Some of the free PCB design software options that are available are woefully lacking in terms of features and capabilities. Other types of software are very expensive, and not everyone is capable of paying for a pricey piece of software that they might not use very often.

It does not have to be that way. We have an option called PCB Artist. This free PCB design software is a fully-featured option that is sure to please even the most critical designer. The design software has features that are not found even in expensive options on the market today. It is considered professional-grade software and offers free, live technical support. The software includes many features that help to make the design of the PCBs faster and simpler.

Some of the Features of the Free PCB Design Software

The robust library is one of the draws of the software. The library for PCB Artist has more than half a million parts. In addition, you can create up to 28 layers. The software features Gerber format files, and there is a design rule check and report. You can spot errors and correct them before you try to make a prototype of your PCB, which means you will not be wasting your time and money with designs that are not going to work.

The software has a controlled autorouter, component autoplace, individual colored nets options, ratsnest connections optimization, multipage schematics, and a host of other features that help to make it a standout option among the software choices that are available today. When you take the time to compare this software with both free and paid CAD software options on the market, you will see that PCB Artist is head and shoulders above the competition.

One of the best things about this free PCB design software is the fact that it is intuitive and easy to use. While those who have experience in designing printed circuit boards and using other software will not have any trouble, neither will someone who is still learning. It has an easy-to-understand interface. You should be up and running with the system quickly.

In addition, there is a user’s guide that is available for download, tips and tools, and video tutorials. These help to answer questions that people might have about the software and get everyone up to speed. The live tech support is available by email or phone.

You will not need to have a powerful PC to run the software. As long as you have a Pentium processor that is faster than 1.8Ghz and 512MB of RAM, you should be fine. Keep in mind that you will need to have at least 1.26GB of space on your hard drive for the install, but this should not be an issue with most. However, you will want to keep in mind that Linux and MAC OS are not supported at this time.

Creating the PCBs After Designing Them

After you have gone through the process of designing the PCBs and running them through virtual tests to ensure they work, you will want to create a prototype or a production run. Getting a prototype is often a good idea, as it will allow you to see how the PCB works in practice, and you can make any needed changes before going into production.

Once you are certain it is ready, it is time to place your order. Advanced Circuits has decades of experience in this field and is one of the largest manufacturers of PCBs in the United States. The materials used in the construction of the PCBs are always of the highest quality, and you can expect the same quality in the construction of the boards. All of the files for PCBs we make will receive a free engineering file review. This provides you with an additional check to ensure that your circuit boards are ready.

Save Time and Money with Free PCB Design Software

When you choose the software from Advanced Circuits, you will find that you are saving not only on the cost of the software but also saving on wasted time. For those who are using low-quality pieces of software or who do not have software that allows for comprehensive testing, it means mistakes are likely. Those mistakes will cost time and money that most people do not have today. Instead, start using our free PCB design software to get your printed circuit boards ready, so you can have them manufactured.

Available Laminate Materials for Multilayer PCB Designs

We offer many laminate material options for your multilayer PCB requirements including the following:

FR4 for Multilayer PCB

• Standard FR-4: Up to 40 Layers
• Isola FR406: Up to 40 Layers

Halogen Free Laminates for Multilayer PCB Designs

• Ventec VT-441, VT-447: Up to 40 Layers
  Isola Terragreen: Up to 40 Layers

RoHS Compliant Materials for Multilayer PCB

•  ITEQ IT-180A: Up to 30 Layers
•  ISOLA 185HR: Up to 30 Layers
•  ISOLA 370HR: Up to 40 Layers
• FR408HR: Up to 40 Layers
• ISOLA I-Terra MT (RF/MW): Up to 40 Layers
•  Nelco BT-N5000: Up to 30 Layers
•  Nelco 4000-29: Up to 40 Layers
•  Nelco 4000-13 & 13SI: Up to 40 Layers
•  Nelco 4000-13EP & EPSI: Up to 40 Layers
•  Polyimide: Up to 40 Layers
•  Cyanate Ester: Up to 20 Layers

RF Materials for Multilayer PCB Designs

• Rogers 3000 Series (FR4 w/ RO3000 Caps): Up to 20 Layers
• Rogers 4003C & 4350B: Up to 20 Layers
• Rogers 5870/5880: Up to 8 Layers
• Isola IS680: Up to 40 Layers
• I-Terra RF MT: Up to 40 Layers
• Isola Astra MT77: Up to 40 Layers
• Rogers 6000 Series: Up to 4 Layers
• Rogers Diclad 880: Up to 20 Layers
• Rogers AD300A: Up to 20 Layers
• Rogers CuClad 280: Up to 20 Layers
• Rogers CTLE: Up to 20 Layers
• Isola I-Speed: Up to 40 Layers
• Arlon Genclad 280: Up to 10 Layers
• Arlon LX250: Up to 10 Layers
• Arlon GYN 2.17 DK: Up to 10 Layers

Advanced HDI & Signal Integrity Laminates

• Rohacell: Up to 12 Layers
• Isola Tachyon 100G: Up to 40 Layers
• Isola I-Terra MT 40: Up to 40 Layers

For more information about our multilayer PCB capabilities and available materials, please click here to contact your regional sales representative.

When it comes to different materials available to engineers in the electronics industry, silicon has emerged as a clear leader. However, as products get smaller and more powerful, each printed circuit board is being asked to do the same while packing in more value for the cost. An issue arises due to the fact that transistors reach a point where they cannot get smaller to meet design needs due to limitations created by both power consumption and heat dissipation. Researchers at Harvard are tackling these problems by using a quantum material called a correlated oxide, which compares to the best silicon switches available and is able to withstand higher temperatures. As such, this material can be integrated into existing electronic devices and PCB fabrication methods to increase the productivity of high-energy applications.

Getting the Most Value from a Printed Circuit Board

There is a lot that goes into the design of a printed circuit board so that engineers know it will be able to meet the demands of the application once fabrication and assembly are complete. In order to make sure that your PCBs are going to give you the most value, you should connect with an expert at Advanced Circuits about the following:

• Desired Result
• Materials Needed
• PCB Design Software
• Required Components/Industry Standards or Regulations
• Turnaround Time/PCB Fabrication and Assembly

This way, your representative will be able to give you tips on new PCB materials, components and other processes that can benefit you when you are ready to order your next batch of circuit boards. Get started with free PCB Artist™ software, submit your design files for a free file check with our FreeDFM™, and place your order today.

Source: http://www.seas.harvard.edu/news/2014/09/for-electronics-beyond-silicon-new-contender-emerges

When you are designing printed circuit boards for your application, it is important to use materials that are going to give you the performance you need to make it a success. If you need something specifically for a high frequency, microwave or RF application, you will need to work with a manufacturer to get the laminates that will keep everything on track. These laminates often require different types of b-stage/prepreg or bonding sheets to laminate them for multilayer PCB designs. The most commonly used is the Rogers RO4000 series. Talk with an expert at Advanced Circuits to learn about the materials that are best for your PCBs.

Find out more about how to select the right PCB materials for high frequency applications by reading EDN Network’s article, Selecting PCB materials for high-frequency applications. It discusses price and performance trade-offs and other factors that need consideration, depending on your application.

Advanced Circuits Makes it Easy to Design PCBs

PCB Artist software, available for free from Advanced Circuits, now has the industry’s largest component library. This will help you design your PCBs with as much detail as you need in order to get the result that will be perfect. For more information on the free software, as well as information on how to submit your design to be manufactured, contact a representative at Advanced Circuits today.