How to choose PCB circuit board substrate material

The substrate material of PCB (Printed Circuit Board) plays an important role in the performance, reliability and manufacturing cost of the circuit board. Choosing the right substrate material not only improves the electrical and mechanical properties of the circuit board, but also meets the needs of a specific application.

Basic types of PCB substrate materials
Before choosing a PCB substrate material, it is necessary to understand the common substrate material types. The following are several common PCB substrate materials:
FR-4 (epoxy fiberglass cloth laminate):
Features: The most commonly used substrate material with good electrical insulation, mechanical strength and heat resistance.
Application: Suitable for most conventional electronic equipment, such as computers, communication equipment, etc.
FR-1 and FR-2 (phenolic paper based laminate):
Features: Low cost, but poor heat resistance and mechanical strength.
Application: Suitable for low-cost consumer electronics, such as disposable electronics and low-end home appliances.
CEM-1 and CEM-3 (composite epoxy resin material):
Features: Between FR-4 and FR-2, with relatively good mechanical and electrical properties.
Application: Suitable for electronic products with medium performance requirements.
High frequency materials (such as PTFE, ceramic substrate, etc.):
Features: Excellent high frequency performance and low dielectric loss.
Application: Suitable for high-frequency communication equipment, microwave circuits and high-speed digital circuits.
Metal substrate (such as aluminum substrate, copper substrate):
Features: Good heat dissipation performance and mechanical strength.
Application: Suitable for high-power LED, power electronics and applications with high heat dissipation requirements.

How to choose PCB substrate material

Selecting the appropriate PCB substrate material requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including electrical performance, mechanical properties, thermal performance and cost. The following are the methods and steps for selecting PCB substrate materials:

Determine electrical performance requirements

Select the appropriate substrate material based on the operating frequency and electrical performance requirements of the circuit. For example, high-frequency circuits and high-speed digital circuits require materials with low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss, such as PTFE or ceramic substrates.

Evaluate thermal performance

Select materials with good thermal properties based on the power density and heat dissipation requirements of the circuit. For example, high-power applications require materials with high thermal conductivity and resistance, such as metal substrates or highly thermally conductive composites.

Consider mechanical properties

According to the mechanical strength and dimensional stability requirements of the circuit board, select materials with good mechanical properties. For example, applications requiring higher mechanical strength and dimensional stability may choose FR-4 materials.

Cost factors

Cost is an important factor that must be considered when selecting substrate materials. It is necessary to select the most cost-effective material while meeting performance requirements. For low-cost applications, you can choose FR-2 or CEM-1 materials; for high-performance and high-reliability applications, you can choose FR-4 or high-performance composite materials.

Environmental and reliability requirements

Select appropriate materials based on the environmental conditions and reliability requirements of the circuit board's operation. For example, circuit boards that work in harsh environments need to choose materials that are resistant to high temperatures, moisture, and chemical corrosion.

Determining the substrate material of PCB is a complex and critical process that requires comprehensive consideration of many factors such as electrical performance, thermal performance, mechanical performance, cost and environmental requirements. By rationally selecting substrate materials, the performance and reliability of PCB can be improved to meet the needs of various applications. In the ever-evolving world of electronics, substrate material selection will continue to have a profound impact on circuit design and manufacturing.