2W/mK Double-Sided Aluminum Core PCB with ENIG Finish for High-Power Thermal Management
1. What is a Metal Core PCB?
A Metal Core PCB (MCPCB) is a type of printed circuit board that incorporates a metal base material—typically aluminum, copper, or steel—as its core for enhanced thermal management. Unlike traditional FR-4 PCBs that rely on limited thermal conductivity through thin copper traces and vias, metal core PCBs utilize the metal base as a heat spreader to efficiently conduct heat away from heat-generating components.
The basic structure consists of:
Copper circuit layer for electrical connections
Thin dielectric insulating layer with high thermal conductivity
Metal base layer (typically aluminum) for heat dissipation
Metal core PCBs are essential in applications where component cooling is critical, as they can reduce operating temperatures by 20-40% compared to standard FR-4 constructions, significantly improving reliability and lifespan.
2. Double-Sided Sandwich Aluminum Core PCB vs. Double-Sided Single-Side Aluminum Core PCB
2.1 Double-Sided Sandwich Aluminum Core PCB
Structure Characteristics:
Aluminum core positioned in the middle
Dielectric layers (PP/PI, etc.) on both sides of the aluminum core
Copper foil laminated on each dielectric layer, creating two circuit layers (top and bottom)
Simple Analogy: Like a "sandwich cookie" where aluminum is the creamy filling and two copper layers are the cookies on both sides.
Key Features:
Both sides can effectively dissipate heat through the central aluminum core
Symmetrical structure provides better mechanical stability
Ideal for applications requiring circuits on both sides with equal thermal performance
2.2 Double-Sided Single-Side Aluminum Core PCB
Structure Characteristics:
Aluminum core present only on one side as a heat dissipation layer
Other side uses standard FR-4 or other insulating material
Two copper layers exist but only one side has direct thermal path to aluminum
Simple Analogy: Like a "single-sided aluminum double-layer board" where heat dissipation is only effective on one side.
Key Features:
Asymmetrical construction may cause warpage during thermal cycling
Only one side benefits from aluminum core cooling
More cost-effective but with compromised thermal performance on one side
3. PCB Construction Details
| Item |
Specification |
| Product Type | Double-Sided Sandwich Aluminum Core PCB |
| Core Material | Aluminum (Alloy unspecified) |
| Thermal Conductivity | >2 W/mK |
| Dielectric Layer | Prepreg, 2W/mK thermal conductivity |
| Dielectric Thickness | 0.075mm each side |
| Copper Thickness | 1oz (approx. 35μm) both layers |
| Solder Mask | Green (both sides) |
| Surface Finish | ENIG, Gold Thickness 2μ″ |
| Finished Thickness | 1.65mm ±10% |
| Dimensions | 68mm x 54mm = 1 PC |
4. PCB Stackup (2-Layer Rigid Structure)
Top Solder Mask: Green, 0.015mm
Top Copper Layer (L1): 1oz (0.035mm)
Top Dielectric Layer: 2W/mK Prepreg, 0.075mm
Aluminum Core: 1.4mm
Bottom Dielectric Layer: 2W/mK Prepreg, 0.075mm
Bottom Copper Layer (L2): 1oz (0.035mm)
Bottom Solder Mask: Green, 0.015mm
5. Primary Application Areas
High-Power LED Lighting: Street lights, industrial lighting, automotive headlamps
Power Electronics: DC-DC converters, motor controllers, power supplies
Automotive: ECU modules, LED drivers, battery management systems
Industrial: Motor drives, welding equipment, high-current controllers
Telecommunications: Base station power amplifiers, rectifiers
Consumer Electronics: High-power audio amplifiers, fast charging modules
6. Quality Assurance
Artwork supplied: Gerber RS-274-X
Accepted standard: IPC-Class-2
Availability: Worldwide
|
.png)
