Comparison of PCB Materials for High Speed and HDI PCB Boards

Comparison of PCB Materials for High Speed and HDI PCB Boards (1)

High speed printed circuit boards (PCBs) are used extensively in high-frequency, high-speed applications. These include electronic ballasts for lighting, digital and analog radio transceivers, data communications devices, and automotive electronics. High speed PCBs have also been used in aerospace applications such as satellite communications equipment and military systems such as radar transmitters and receivers.

High speed PCBs are used extensively in the high-frequency, high-speed applications.

High speed PCBs are used extensively in the high-frequency, high-speed applications.

The above definition of a high speed PCB is a bit vague and that is because there are different ways to design these boards. A high speed PCB can be designed in such a way that it can operate at frequencies up to and beyond gigahertz (GHz). The most popular method for designing such boards is by using the HDI technique. This technique helps enhance signal integrity and improve impedance matching between components on a board without compromising on performance or power consumption

What is a High Speed application?

A High Speed application is a design that requires fast switching speeds, high frequency operation or high current, voltage and power. The most common types of High Speed applications are:

  • Power Amplifiers
  • RF Transmitters/Receivers (cellular, WiFi radios)
  • Ethernet switch and router boards
  • Wireless Base Stations

Is this application HDI?

High density interconnect (HDI) PCB boards are used in applications where high speeds and large numbers of connections are necessary. They can be found in high-speed digital devices such as servers, routers, switches and telecommunication equipment. HDI boards use copper traces instead of aluminum for better signal integrity and lower resistance at higher frequencies. The traces on HDI boards are also thicker than those found on traditional structured-backplane PCBs which makes them more robust against crosstalk in dense networks.

HDI boards cost more than conventional single layer PCBs because they require more expensive plating processes that result in increased production costs due to the complexity of manufacturing HDI circuits with multiple layers of copper wires interconnected by vias (through holes).

What materials should I use for high speed PCBs?

When it comes to high speed PCBs, FR-4 is the most popular material by far. FR-4 is a polyimide laminate that has been around since the 1960s, but it still remains popular today because of its excellent thermal and electrical properties. It’s also relatively inexpensive, making it an affordable option for high speed PCB applications.

However, some users may prefer Rogers 4003 or Rogers 4350 as alternatives to FR-4 because they have better mechanical strength (6 times stronger than FR-4) while retaining similar thermal and electrical performance as FR-4.

There are several options depending on what you are making and how fast you need it to be.

There are several options depending on what you are making and how fast you need it to be.

  • For most applications, FR-4 glass epoxy is the best choice. It’s durable, easy to work with, reliable under a wide range of temperatures and can support speeds up to 100 MHz.
  • If your project requires a higher-speed board, we recommend using rigid-flex PCBs made from high performance polymers such as LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) or PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone). These materials can support speeds up to 400 MHz with extremely low signal loss and excellent thermal properties at high frequencies.
  • When it comes down to choosing the right material for your application, you should always consult an engineer or other expert early in the process so they can help guide you through all of your options based on what you are making and how fast you need it to be

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several options for Pcb material for high speed. The key takeaway is that you should consider your application when deciding what material is best for you. For instance, if you need something more durable or cheaper than FR4, then glass-reinforced epoxy (GRP) boards may be the way to go. If you need a board that can handle thermal cycling and shock testing well then fiberglass boards might work better. Finally, if your application requires radiation resistance or other special properties like increased moisture resistance than ceramic boards could be an option as well