Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company'
The Chemical Connection: Experience and Wisdom Gained by Doing Business
It's Only Common Sense: Leveraging AI in Your Sales Strategy
Showa Denko’s Materials' PWB Adopted for World's Top Supercomputer
October 13, 2020 | Showa Denkdo Materials Co. Ltd.Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Showa Denko Materials Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that "MCL-LW-900G/910G," a low transmission loss printed wiring board material developed by the company, has been adopted for the printed wiring boards mounted on the central processing units (CPU) of the supercomputer "Fugaku," currently under joint development by the RIKEN and Fujitsu Limited.
The world's No.1 supercomputer known as "Fugaku" aims to deliver up to 100 times the application execution performance of its predecessor, "K computer" that began operating in 2012, while minimizing its power consumption (30-40 MW) roughly three times that of "K computer" (12.7 MW). "Fugaku" is expected to play a major role in various fields, including COVID-19 research, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, and big data analysis.
To combine superlative computing speed and power-saving performance of "Fugaku," higher speed communication, larger data volumes, and higher frequency electric signals are required for printed wiring boards. However, to provide these capabilities, it is essential to reduce transmission signal attenuation (transmission loss) and signal delay within the boards. Halogen-free material is also an important requirement to reduce environmental impact.
Showa Denko Materials developed "MCL-LW-900G/910G" as a halogen-free printed wiring board material capable of reducing transmission loss and signal delay by optimizing resin composition ratio and applying low dielectric*2 glass cloth. This material is excellent for drilling holes and is applicable to laser drilling fine holes. It also effectively reduces the price of high layer count printed wiring boards as the material can be laminated collectively in a hybrid configuration with halogen-free FR4 (a general-purpose glass cloth base material) with different glass transition temperatures (Tg).*3
As a material for the supercomputer "Fugaku," "MCL-LW-900G/910G" has been well-received for its properties such as low dielectric constant*4 (Dk) and dielectric loss tangent*5 (Df) related to transmission loss and signal delay, as well as insulation reliability*6 (CAF resistance) and desmear treatment*7 (desmear solubility) which improve printed wiring board production yields and ensure stable production.
Showa Denko Materials will work to further optimize the resin composition ratios and use lower dielectric glass cloth to launch mass production of printed wiring board materials focused on low transmission loss. with a view to applying these materials to fifth-generation (5G) and sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication systems providing even higher speed, higher capacity, lower latency, and multiple connections.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Fresh PCB Concepts: Designing for Success at the Rigid-flex Transition Area
08/28/2025 | Team NCAB -- Column: Fresh PCB ConceptsRigid-flex PCBs come in all shapes and sizes. Manufacturers typically use fire-retardant, grade 4 (FR-4) materials in the rigid section and flexible polyimide materials in the flex region. Because of the small size, some rigid-flex PCBs, like those for hearing aid devices, are among the most challenging to manufacture. However, regardless of its size, we should not neglect the transition area between the rigid and flexible material.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: How to Evaluate Supplier Capabilities Worldwide
08/20/2025 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightIn global sourcing, the difference between a competitive edge and a catastrophic disruption often comes down to how well you vet your suppliers. Sourcing advanced PCBs, precision components, or materials for complex assemblies demands diligence, skepticism, and more than a little time on airplanes. Here’s how to do your due diligence when evaluating international suppliers and why cutting corners can cost you more than money.
Insulectro and Electroninks Sign North American Distribution Agreement
08/12/2025 | InsulectroElectroninks, a leader in metal organic decomposition (MOD) inks for additive manufacturing and advanced semiconductor packaging, today announced a strategic collaboration and distribution partnership with Insulectro, a premier distributor of materials used in printed electronics and advanced interconnect manufacturing.
Happy’s Tech Talk #41: Sustainability and Circularity for Electronics Manufacturing
08/13/2025 | Happy Holden -- Column: Happy’s Tech TalkI attended INEMI’s June 12 online seminar, “Sustainable Electronics Tech Topic Series: PCBs and Sustainability.” Dr. Maarten Cauwe of imec spoke on “Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Models for Assessing and Improving the Environmental Impact of PCB Assemblies,” and Jack Herring of Jiva Materials Ltd. spoke on “Transforming Electronics with Recyclable PCB Technology.” This column will review information and provide analysis from both presentations.
Dymax Renews Connecticut Headquarters Lease, Reinforces Long-Term Commitment to Local Community
08/08/2025 | DymaxDymax, a global manufacturer of rapid light-curing materials and equipment, is pleased to announce the renewal and extension of its corporate lease at its 318 Industrial Lane, Torrington, headquarters.