How Alumina PCBs Are Used in Power Electronics
How Alumina PCBs Are Used
Alumina substrate PCBs are becoming increasingly popular across industries like aerospace and defense, LED lighting, power electronics and other high-grade devices. Their superior thermal conductivity, mechanical strength and electrical insulation properties make them an excellent choice for demanding applications.
Unlike other common alumina pcb materials such as FR-4 and Aluminum Nitride, alumina circuit boards don’t require an insulating layer between copper layers to achieve good electrical isolation. Moreover, the material is hard and strong enough to support high voltages without delamination. In addition, alumina substrates have low CTE and can withstand temperature extremes of up to 1000°C.
The manufacturing process of alumina pcb is complex and requires precise adherence to design specifications. Alumina ceramic substrates are fabricated using high-purity aluminum oxide powder that is then sintered at extremely high temperatures to create a dense, ceramic base. Vias (conductive pathways through the board) are drilled into the base and later filled with conductive metals. Conductor traces are patterned on the surface of the substrate and then exposed through photolithography and etching.
How Alumina PCBs Are Used in Power Electronics
To ensure the proper performance of alumina circuit boards, it’s important to consult with experienced manufacturers. They will be able to advise you on the best materials for your particular needs and recommend appropriate fabrication processes.
Once the alumina base is shaped and finished, it’s ready to be used as a foundation for the rest of the circuit board. Conductor traces are deposited on the surface with metallization techniques like sputtering and vapor deposition. The conductive layers are then etched and cleaned to expose the copper, which is then plated with metals like tungsten and molybednum-manganese (CuW). These metals bond strongly with alumina. They also offer excellent adhesion and resistivity, which helps to minimize latent shorts and opens.
The alumina circuit board undergoes rigorous testing and quality control before shipping out to customers. This includes dimensional and material tolerances to eliminate flaws that can lead to poor performance or even failure. Properly fabricated alumina circuit boards can deliver working lifespans of up to 50 years with minimal problems, making them a great option for applications that need reliable and long-term operation.
Alumina circuit boards can be hermetically sealed to protect the sensitive components against environmental ingress. They can also withstand high-amplitude vibrations and shocks with relative ease. This durability suits environments with corrosive chemicals and gases.
When properly fabricated, alumina circuit boards can be hermetically sealed and used as a platform for implantable medical devices that need to come into close contact with the human body. Moreover, they can be fabricated with high purity levels mandated during production to help them integrate safely into the body. These strict requirements help to avoid exposing the user to any risks of adverse health impacts.