Flexible Thinking: Rules of Thumb: A Word to the Wise
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
Connect the Dots: Five Best Practices for Designing Flex and Rigid-flex PCBs
Laser Patterning & Metallization to Reduce Process Steps for PCB Manufacturing
August 29, 2017 | Joel Schrauben, Cameron Tribe, Christopher Ryder and Jan Kleinert, ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIESEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Abstract
Glass offers a number of advantages as a dielectric material, such as a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), high dimensional stability, high thermal conductivity and suitable dielectric constant. These properties make glass an ideal candidate for, among other things, package substrate and high-frequency PCB applications. We report here a novel process for the production of printed circuit boards and integrated circuit packaging using glass as both a dielectric medium and a platform for wiring simultaneously.
An ultrafast laser is used to etch away the desired pattern (pads, wires and vias) in the glass, and copper plating is “seeded” through the laser-based deposition of copper droplets. The seeded area is then plated using electroless plating followed by electroplating. Demonstrations of fine pitch wires, variable diameter through holes and blind vias, and a multilayer stack are shown. The deposits have a resistivity less than a factor of 1.5x that of bulk copper for 5-10 mm wires. Plated lines in borosilicate glass of 7-10 μm width and 5-20 μm depth and line spacing down to ~10 μm are demonstrated, as well as vias with a top diameter approaching 100 μm for 150 μm glass and 40 μm for 50 μm glass.
The process presents the potential for significant material savings in terms of base materials, process chemicals, and waste disposal/recycling costs (glass is on the order of 100-fold less expensive than some current high-frequency dielectrics, and wet processes account for a large part of standard PCB/substrate manufacturing). Additionally, the processes are amenable toward other dielectric materials such as FR-4, polyimide and PTFE-based materials.
Introduction
Increased demand for high data transmission rates is driving the development of smaller PCB features. Electrical circuits are reaching the physical limitations of traditional PCB dielectric materials under which electromagnetic compatibility can be controlled.
To read the full version of this article which appeared in the August 2017 issue of The PCB Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Unlocking Advanced Circuitry Through Liquid Metal Ink
10/31/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamPCB UHDI technologist John Johnson of American Standard Circuits discusses the evolving landscape of electronics manufacturing and the critical role of innovation, specifically liquid metal ink technology, as an alternate process to traditional metallization in PCB fabrication to achieve ever finer features and tighter tolerances. The discussion highlights the benefits of reliability, efficiency, and yields as a tradeoff to any increased cost to run the process. As this technology becomes better understood and accepted, even sought out by customers and designers, John says there is a move toward mainstream incorporation.
Fresh PCB Concepts: The Critical Nature of Copper Thickness on PCBs
10/31/2024 | Team NCAB -- Column: Fresh PCB ConceptsPCBs are the backbone of modern electronics and the copper layers within these boards serve as the primary pathways for electrical signals. When designing and manufacturing PCBs, copper thickness is one of the most critical factors and significantly affects the board’s performance and durability. The IPC-6012F specification, the industry standard for the performance and qualification of rigid PCBs, sets clear guidelines on copper thickness to ensure reliability in different environments and applications.
Book Excerpt: The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to... DFM Essentials, Ch. 1
10/25/2024 | I-Connect007The guidelines offered in this book are based on both ASC recommendations and IPC standards with the understanding that some may require adjustment based on the material set, fabricator processes, and other design constraints. This chapter details high-frequency materials, copper foil types, metal core PCBs, and the benefits of embedded capacitance and resistor materials in multilayer PCBs.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Direct Metallization
10/21/2024 | Carmichael Gugliotti, MacDermid AlphaCarmichael Gugliotti of MacDermid Alpha discusses the innovative realm of direct metallization technology, its numerous applications, and significant advantages over traditional processes. Carmichael offers an in-depth look at how direct metallization, through developments such as Blackhole and Shadow, is revolutionizing PCB manufacturing by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. From its origins in the 1980s to its application in cutting-edge, high-density interconnects and its pivotal role in sustainability, this discussion sheds light on how direct metallization shapes the future of PCB manufacturing across various industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, and beyond.
Connect the Dots: Designing for Reality—Pattern Plating
10/16/2024 | Matt Stevenson -- Column: Connect the DotsIn the previous episode of I-Connect007’s On the Line with… podcast, we painted the picture of the outer layer imaging process. Now we are ready for pattern plating, where fabrication can get tricky. The board is now ready to receive the copper traces, pads, and other elements specified in the original CAD design. This article will lay out the pattern plating process and discuss constraints in the chemistries that must be properly managed to meet the customer's exacting manufacturing tolerances.