Metal Backed PCB's for High Power LED Applications
Due to recent developments in LED technology a range of High intensity Surface Mount LED's have enabled designers from Many industries such as traffic Signals, Concealed Lighting, Decorative Work and many others, to use LED's where once they may have used conventional bulbs or lamps. While the technology continues to expand in its usage, a problem exists with the heat generated by the new components in normal running, especially when grouped closely together, this can cause burning of standard FR4 Laminate and thus failure of the circuit.
One solution to this problem is to use Metal Backed Circuits. This product is, in essence, a thin PCB bonded to an Aluminium backplate, of varying thicknesses. The result is a PCB where any excess heat being generated can easily pass through the FR4 of the PCB and then dissipate quickly into the Aluminium, thus allowing the PCB to have its own large 'Heatsink permanently attached. Another facility commonly offered in conjunction with the Aluminium backing is the use of Black Solder Resist to allow the heat to be removed by radiation. The use of Metal Backed PCB's is, of course, not limited to PCB's using high power LED's and can be of use to any product where heat dissipation is important.
The simplest type, and hence most cost effective, Metal Backed PCB's available are Single Sided Surface Mount PCB's
For more complicated circuits both Double sided PTH and Multi Layer PCB's can also be manufactured using this technique. These products are however more complicated in the manufacturing process due to the need to Machine the Aluminium and also the use of Standard Multi Layer registration techniques.
Final profiling of Metal Backed PCB's is generally achieved by Routing, though on some simpler PCB's Guillotining may be acceptable and more cost effective.
What can be achieved using metal backed PCB's
Metal Substrate Technology utilises the printed circuit board as a key constituent in heat removal from component devices.
The thermal efficiency gained by using a metal backed board allows downsizing of designs and hardware removal.
Electrical insulation between the copper and base metal is achieved using dielectric layers with high thermal conductivity.
The advantages of using metal backed circuitry:
Power densities can be increased whilst component are kept cool, increasing life and durability.
Surface Mount Technology can remove manual assembly from the traditional heat sink, clip, sil-pad arrangement.
Dielectrics can be tailored to suit your thermal or insulation level requirements.
The circuits can be shaped drilled and formed, an advantage when compared to ceramic based product.
Cooling properties allow devices to be driven harder or de-rated to a lower cost components.
If you need any further information on this developing product range please do not hesitate to contact our sales team or use the normal enquiry page.
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