Standard of Excellence: Speed vs. Quality in Customer Service
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Revamp Your Components with BGA Reballing
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Balancing Speed and Flexibility Without Sacrificing Control
Advancing Electrolytic Copper Plating for AI-driven Package Substrates
August 5, 2025 | Dirk Ruess and Mustafa Oezkoek, MKS’ AtotechEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Editor’s note: The following technical paper, originally titled “Cutting-Edge Pulse Plating Solutions for Uniform Deposition of Copper with Enhanced Reliability in State-of-the-Art Server Technology,” was first presented at IPC APEX EXPO 2025’s Technical Conference, with original work published within the conference proceedings.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications has become a pivotal force driving growth in the server industry. Its challenging requirements for high-frequency and high-density computing are leading to an increasing demand for development of advanced manufacturing methods of package substrates with finer features, higher hole densities, and denser interconnects. These requirements are essential for modern multilayer board (MLB) designs, which play a critical role in AI hardware. However, these intricate designs introduce considerable manufacturing complexities.
The Critical Role of Electrolytic Copper Plating
Electrolytic copper plating is a key process in package substrate manufacturing, significantly impacting subsequent stages such as etching. A major challenge in electrolytic plating is ensuring uniform copper distribution across the entire panel, whether in areas with a high density of holes or more isolated sections. Such high hole-density regions are integral to modern multilayer board (MLB) designs, despite introducing several manufacturing complexities. Traditional plating methods often result in inconsistent copper thickness across regions with varying hole densities, leading to discrepancies known as the “surface thickness gap.” This can lead to inconsistencies in etching and overall circuit performance. Moreover, achieving high throwing power is crucial to ensure sufficient copper is deposited within through-holes without excessive surface copper.
To continue reading this article, which originally appeared in the July 2025 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Your magazines are a great platform for people to exchange knowledge. Thank you for the work that you do."
Simon Khesin - Schmoll MaschinenSuggested Items
WestDev Announces Advanced Thermal Analysis Integration for Pulsonix PCB Design Suite
10/29/2025 | WestDev Ltd.Pulsonix, the industry-leading PCB design software from WestDev Ltd., announced a major enhancement to its design ecosystem: a direct interface between Pulsonix and ADAM Research's TRM (Thermal Risk Management) analysis software.
Designers Notebook: Power and Ground Distribution Basics
10/29/2025 | Vern Solberg -- Column: Designer's NotebookThe principal objectives to be established during the planning stage are to define the interrelationship between all component elements and confirm that there is sufficient surface area for placement, the space needed to ensure efficient circuit interconnect, and to accommodate adequate power and ground distribution.
Episode 6 of Ultra HDI Podcast Series Explores Copper-filled Microvias in Advanced PCB Design and Fabrication
10/15/2025 | I-Connect007I-Connect007 has released Episode 6 of its acclaimed On the Line with... American Standard Circuits: Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDI) podcast series. In this episode, “Copper Filling of Vias,” host Nolan Johnson once again welcomes John Johnson, Director of Quality and Advanced Technology at American Standard Circuits, for a deep dive into the pros and cons of copper plating microvias—from both the fabricator’s and designer’s perspectives.
Nolan’s Notes: Tariffs, Technologies, and Optimization
10/01/2025 | Nolan Johnson -- Column: Nolan's NotesLast month, SMT007 Magazine spotlighted India, and boy, did we pick a good time to do so. Tariff and trade news involving India was breaking like a storm surge. The U.S. tariffs shifted India from one of the most favorable trade agreements to the least favorable. Electronics continue to be exempt for the time being, but lest you think that we’re free and clear because we manufacture electronics, steel and aluminum are specifically called out at the 50% tariff levels.
MacDermid Alpha & Graphic PLC Lead UK’s First Horizontal Electroless Copper Installation
09/30/2025 | MacDermid Alpha & Graphic PLCMacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, a leading supplier of integrated materials and chemistries to the electronics industry, is proud to support Graphic PLC, a Somacis company, with the installation of the first horizontal electroless copper metallization process in the UK.