-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- design007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssuePower Integrity
Current power demands are increasing, especially with AI, 5G, and EV chips. This month, our experts share “watt’s up” with power integrity, from planning and layout through measurement and manufacturing.
Signal Integrity
If you don’t have signal integrity problems now, you will eventually. This month, our expert contributors share a variety of SI techniques that can help designers avoid ground bounce, crosstalk, parasitic issues, and much more.
Proper Floor Planning
Floor planning decisions can make or break performance, manufacturability, and timelines. This month’s contributors weigh in with their best practices for proper floor planning and specific strategies to get it right.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - design007 Magazine
Unveiling the Future: Insights on Next-Gen Megtron Materials
February 13, 2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

In this interview from DesignCon, Jim Kenny, OEM business development manager at Panasonic, touches on next-generation Megtron materials and delves into the industry's growing demand for high-speed, low-loss laminate systems, particularly in light of the anticipated 224 gigabits per second technology. With a focus on material development and production timelines, Jim highlights the challenges and opportunities in meeting customer needs while also maintaining quality and supply chain stability. As Panasonic prepares for the evolving landscape, they remain committed to innovating in this competitive market.
Marcy LaRont: Jim, how has Design Con been going?
Jim Kenny: It's been really busy, with a lot of foot traffic, new people, new faces that we don't normally see, plus a chance to network with many of the folks at companies we are already working with.
LaRont: What are people coming to Panasonic to talk about?
Kenny: They want to talk with us about 224 gigabits per second systems, what circuit board materials we will have ready for that market, and when will they become available. We're talking about the next generation of Megtron. It's the industry standard for high speed, low loss laminate, along with the corresponding prepregs as well, of course.
Attendees want to know how they can get the performance they need out of the laminate, and how they can use this laminate with their existing equipment and not have to buy additional pieces of equipment that cost money, take up real estate, and use more power.
LaRont: Are you actively working with customers on projects?
Kenny: Of course. we've got several customers that we're working with directly on next-generation materials. We tend to work with selected OEMs and the specific board shops that support those OEMs to develop technology. Once we have process and design rules developed, we go back out to the rest of the industry and release it more broadly.
LaRont: Do you have a specific timeline yet for the release of the next-generation Megtron material?
Kenny: Nothing we can share quite yet. Part of the timing is dependent on our supply chain development. Some of the raw materials going into this next generation laminate aren't fully commercialized themselves. It will take at least a year for them to ramp to full volume. Even if there was demand today, it would take them a year to be ready. We’re working on our production planning in parallel with our customer testing and qualification so that we will be well prepared when the demand tidal wave hits.
LaRont: That sounds daunting, actually.
Kenny: Yes, but we just experienced it with the 112 gig system, so we know what will happen when 224 hits the big time.
LaRont: Panasonic is obviously up to a lot of great things, and material supply is the topic du jour these days.
Kenny: Everyone has been supply constrained recently. We’re bringing on new suppliers and qualifying a lot of new glass so that we can support the low Dk glass and the ultra-low Dk glass requirements that are part of the 112 systems right now.
LaRont: Are you having any issues with accessing copper?
Kenny: Copper has not been an issue for us to date. But you always have to keep an eye open because you never know when it's going to bite you, so we’re securing our future copper supply.
LaRont: Jim, it's been great talking to you. We look forward to hearing more about Panasonic’s next-generation Megatron materials as things develop, and we'll definitely look forward to seeing you at Apex.
Kenny: Thanks. Very nice to meet you.
Sponsored Link:
Panasonic Electronic Materials
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
SEMI Reports Global 300mm Fab Equipment Spending Expected to Total $374 Billion Over Next Three Years
10/09/2025 | SEMIGlobal 300mm fab equipment spending is expected to reach $374 billion from 2026 to 2028, SEMI reported today in its latest 300mm Fab Outlook.
Advanced Rework Technology Inspires Students at National Manufacturing Day 2025
10/08/2025 | A.R.T. Ltd.Advanced Rework Technology Ltd. (A.R.T.), a leading independent IPC-accredited training provider, joined forces with Jaltek, a UK-based electronics manufacturer with over 35 years’ experience in designing and producing high-quality electronic products, to deliver hands-on workshops for students during National Manufacturing Day 2025.
I-Connect007 Releases Episode 5 of Groundbreaking Ultra HDI Podcast Series
10/08/2025 | I-Connect007In Episode 5 “Via Structures,” host Nolan Johnson welcomes back John Johnson, Director of Quality and Advanced Technology at American Standard Circuits. Together, they explore the designer’s perspective on UHDI’s impact on via structures, diving into the metallurgy, chemistry, mechanical considerations, and stackup reduction that provide greater design flexibility and fewer constraints than ever before.
Datest Marches Into SMTA International with Backup Plans, Big Partnerships, and Bigger X-rays
10/06/2025 | DatestDatest, the industry’s favorite second set of eyes (and hands, and solder joints), is heading to SMTA International 2025 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Find us at Booth #2627, where high-reliability, high-complexity builds meet their match.
Imec’s New GeSi Modulator Hits 400Gb/s, Paving the Way for Next-Gen Optical Interconnects
10/02/2025 | ImecImec – a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies – today announced the successful demonstration of a beyond-110GHz C-band GeSi electro-absorption modulator, fabricated on its 300mm silicon photonics platform.