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by Kerstin
- January 8, 2023
- PCB knowledge
- (0)
- 05 mins
An overview of high Tg PCB
PCBs with a high Tg are printed circuit boards with a higher glass transition temperature than standard PCBs. This means they can withstand much higher temperatures before they deform or break down. In today’s increasingly competitive markets, electronics manufacturers are looking for ways to reduce costs while increasing product performance and reliability.
In this article, we’ll tell you why high Tg PCB is essential and often used in different applications.
What is high Tg PCB?
High Tg PCBs are printed circuit boards that have a higher glass transition temperature than traditional FR4 PCB. The ‘Tg’ refers to the point at which the material changes from being brittle and solid to softer and more malleable. With the ability to function at up to 220 degrees Celsius, they can be used in highly reliable and resilient electronics applications.
High Tg PCBs enable designers to create complex circuits that would otherwise not be possible with traditional materials. This makes a high TG PCB ideal for use in automotive, aerospace, military, and medical devices where reliability is paramount. In addition, their superior thermal properties set them apart from other PCB types and make them suitable for high-speed design applications such as digital signal processing systems.
What is high Tg PCB material?
High Tg PCBs use high-temperature materials such as BT and PTFE. These are usually combined with other materials like FR4, which provides additional mechanical stability.
For example, a PTFE high-Tg layer can be added between two layers of FR-4 to provide the necessary insulation while still having a higher Tg than the FR-4 material. This combination of materials makes for a highly reliable and resilient PCB that can withstand higher temperatures in demanding applications.
A High Tg PCB is made of high-temperature, lead-free layers that are bonded together with specialized resins. These materials allow for better electrical performance, improved thermal stability, and improved reliability.
One of the key materials used in manufacturing high Tg PCBs is a special kind of glass-epoxy composite. This composite material has an excellent thermal resistance and can withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius. It also has excellent electrical properties and is highly resistant to corrosion and other environmental factors.
Features of high Tg PCB
Some key features of a high Tg PCB are as follows:
Heat Resistance
High Tg PCBs can withstand higher temperatures than traditional PCBs and can handle up to 220 degrees Celsius without deforming or breaking down. This makes them perfect for electronics that need to function in extreme temperatures, such as automotive and aerospace applications.
Durability
High Tg PCBs are highly durable and can handle a lot of wear and tear without damage or degradation. This makes them ideal for long-term use in industrial and military applications.
Complex Design
The complex design capabilities of high Tg PCBs allow engineers to create complex circuits that would otherwise be impossible or difficult with traditional materials. This makes them perfect for use in digital signal processing systems and other high-speed design applications.
Ideal for HDI and Multilayer PCBs
High Tg PCBs are ideal for use in HDI and multilayer PCB. They can handle the complex routing of high-density signals with ease, making them perfect for a wide range of applications.
Advantages of high Tg PCB
Here are some of the key benefits of a high Tg PCB:
High Performance
Performance of high Tg PCBs is superior to that of standard FR-4 boards. This means they can handle high speeds and complex routing with ease while providing excellent signal integrity and thermal stability.
Stability
In terms of heat, chemical, and moisture resistance, PCBs with high Tg is more stable. Stability is essential for ensuring reliability in electronics, and high Tg PCBs are up to the task.
Reliability
High Tg PCBs are reliable and can be trusted to perform in the most extreme conditions. This makes them ideal for applications that require maximum reliability, such as medical devices and military systems.
Cost Effectiveness
High Tg PCBs are often cheaper than other high-temperature PCBs, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious manufacturers.
Applications of high Tg PCB
A High Tg PCB is used in a variety of applications, including:
Aerospace
Aviation and aerospace electronics need to be reliable and resistant to extreme temperatures. High-Tg PCBs are ideal for this field due to their superior thermal properties and reliability.
Automotive
The automotive industry is always looking for ways to reduce costs and maintain reliability. High Tg PCBs are perfect for this, as they can withstand high temperatures without breaking down or warping.
Medical
Medical electronics need to be reliable, as failure could have serious consequences. With superior thermal properties and durability, a high Tg PCB can provide the reliability that is necessary for medical applications.
E-mobility
The e-mobility market is growing rapidly and demands reliable electronics. High Tg PCBs are perfect for this application, as they can handle the extreme temperatures generated by electric motors.
Military
Military electronics need to be reliable and able to withstand extreme conditions. Military applications include missiles, satellites, and communication systems. Therefore, High-Tg PCBs are suitable for these types of applications due to their durability and reliability.
Considerations when choosing high Tg PCB
When selecting high-temperature PCB materials, flame and chemical resistance and low smoke and ash production must be considered. One of the most common materials for a high-temperature PCB assembly is glass-epoxy laminate or FR4.
The material can tolerate temperatures of 90 to 110 degrees Celsius. Early determination of the required long-term operation temperature is required to choose an adequate base material if the PCB is subjected to significant thermal loads.
The PCB is likely to melt and break if there is no consideration. In the case of high-temperature applications, choosing a material with a glass transition temperature (Tg) above the expected temperature is highly recommended. It is also important to select a material with good dielectric properties to ensure high-frequency performance.
High Tg PCBs are printed circuit boards that have a higher glass transition temperature than traditional FR-4 PCBs. The ‘Tg’ refers to the point at which the material changes from being brittle and solid to softer and more malleable.
- Heat Resistance
- Durability
- Complex Design
- Ideal for HDI and Multilayer PCBs
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Medical
- E-mobility
- Military
Conclusion
High-Tg PCBs are printed circuit boards with a higher glass transition temperature than standard PCBs. This means they can withstand much higher temperatures before they deform or break down. A High Tg PCB uses high-temperature materials such as BT and PTFE, which are usually combined with other materials like FR-4. With the advanced features and superior performance, these boards are widely used in automotive, aerospace, military and medical applications.
For more information about High Tg PCB, you can visit IBE’s website. We have offered you more detailed information here.