Material Choices for High-Speed Flexible Circuits
April 27, 2017 | G. Sidney Cox, COX CONSULTINGEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Abstract
High-speed rigid boards have existed for many years, with fluoropolymers being the most common dielectric used. More recently, flexible circuit materials have been developed, and these new products use a variety of polymer (including fluoropolymers) and composite film approaches to allow high-speed flex circuits. This article will provide guidelines on how to compare the different options. The electrical benefits of the different polymers and constructions will be reviewed as well as the physical and flexible properties of different constructions. As with any new materials, the ease of processing is an important consideration, especially since some of these new products use thermoplastic adhesives or require high-temperature lamination of bondplies and coverlays.
Introduction
High-speed rigid boards have existed for many years and continue to improve. Initially, most high-speed rigid boards used fluoropolymer dielectrics (fluorine-containing polymers like Teflon®). Now many new dielectrics have been developed for high-speed rigid boards, which has broadened both the material supplier base and the number of fabricators that can make high-speed rigid boards.
Materials for high-speed flexible circuits are a much more recent development. This article will review the key material choices for making high-speed flexible circuits while also explaining why older flex materials were not a good choice for today’s high-speed circuits.
When talking about high-speed circuits, we are really talking about controlled impedance applications. This could be either microstrip or stripline designs. This paper will discuss flexible clads, as well as bondplies and coverlays. For controlled impedance circuits, the electrical properties of the clad and bondplies are critical for striplines. The electrical properties of the clad and coverlay are critical for microstrips.
To read the full version of this article which appeared in the April 2017 issue of The PCB Magazine, click here.
Suggested Items
SMC Korea 2024 to Highlight Semiconductor Materials Trends and Innovations on Industry’s Path to $1 Trillion
04/24/2024 | SEMIWith Korea a major consumer of semiconductor materials and advanced materials a key driver of innovation on the industry’s path to $1 trillion, industry leaders and experts will gather at SMC (Strategic Materials Conference) Korea 2024 on May 29 at the Suwon Convention Center in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea to provide insights into the latest materials developments and trends. Registration is open.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks the Beginning of a New Era for Newccess Industrial; The Construction of the MINGXIN Building
04/12/2024 | Newccess IndustrialOn a clear and sunny day in March, the groundbreaking ceremony for the MINGXIN Building took place in Shenzhen, China. This moment marked the official commencement of construction for a project that will reshape the semiconductor materials industry.
The Need for a Holistic Global Sustainability Standard
04/10/2024 | Michael Ford, Aegis SoftwareNo one can deny that the resources of our fragile planet are finite. The environment seems like a third party, subject to constant degradation. We’re acutely aware of the effects of pollution on our climate, and despite our “throw-away” culture, recycling and recovery of materials has remained relatively expensive, even as we use more energy just to survive.
iNEMI Publishes Four Roadmap Topics
04/04/2024 | iNEMIThe International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) announces the availability of the first roadmap topics in the new iNEMI Roadmap format. Printed circuit boards, sustainable electronics, smart manufacturing, and mmWave materials and test are now available online.
Insulectro’s 'Storekeepers' Extend Their Welcome to Technology Village at IPC APEX EXPO
04/03/2024 | InsulectroInsulectro, the largest distributor of materials for use in the manufacture of PCBs and printed electronics, welcomes attendees to its TECHNOLOGY VILLAGE during this year’s IPC APEX EXPO at the Anaheim Convention Center, April 9-11, 2024.