In today’s age of technology, the demand for lights and lighting systems is on the rise. Moreover, there are many LED products that are becoming increasingly common in the lighting industry. And over the past decade, the Metal Core Printed Circuit Board has become an indivisible part of the led industry. And that is not a coincidence as the MCPCB is a unique combination of metal plate, an insulating layer with added copper foil. Also, the MCPCB has a broad spectrum of benefits including strong magnetic conductivity and great heat dissipation among many. However, it is also important to analyze the MCPCB boards through the prism of the led industry. Therefore, in this article, we will take a closer look at the role and the use of the MCPCB fabrication in the LED industry.
Why use MCPCB in led industry
There are several reasons why custom MCPBC is ideal for led industry. The first and foremost is that PCPCB specifications include an ability to integrate dielectric polymer layer. Moreover, this provides significantly higher thermal conductivity. And the domino effect is a lower thermal resistance. Also, LED metal core PCB can generate heat at least 8 times faster than the FR4 PCB’s. Additionally, the metal core printed circuit board can have a galvanizing effect in the LED industry as it can laminate dissipate heat. And that can actually maintain the heat-generating components significantly cooler. This feature can have an optimizing effect as keeping the LED products and devices is imperative to prevent a safety hazard. Furthermore, the prospect of efficient and fast cooling is crucial to ensure a constant light output.
Therefore, the ultimate result is an increased life and performance of the LED product.
Heat dissipating of Metal core PCB
The Aluminum PCB has good thermal conductivity. At the same time, the MCPCB prototype (metal core PCB prototype) offers great processing properties and electrical insulation. However, the increased demand for LED products also resulted in an increased level of concern about the prospect of heat dissipation. Moreover, the heat dissipation will diminish the overall performance of the devices. Especially those that require high power in order to function.
That is why a proper installation of MCPCB construction is the key element that can neutralize this problem.
There are many LED’s that have tended to dissipate between 2 to 5W of hear. And often failures occur as a result of not properly removing the heat. To be more specific, the LED output is significantly decreased while the level of heat remains high in the LED product. And that is where the metal core PCB comes into the frame. Then, the MCPCB specification can efficiently neutralize the heat from all LED. And this process occurs as the aluminum PCB base combined with the dielectric layer connects the heat sink and IC’s. Also, the inclusion of one single heat sink is set up to the main aluminum base. Therefore, this eliminates the prospect of needing an additional number of heat sinks added on top of the surface added elements. On top of that, it is a cheap and simple cooling solution.
Design rules of MCPCB LED Board
As we have stated, the MCPCB is an indivisible part of the LED technologies. Moreover, the design reasoning behind this is that the metal core PCB can also reduce the number of LEDs that are needed to generate illumination. Therefore, the MCPCB is ideal for street lights, automotive LED Applications, and Backlighting unit applications among others.
However, it is important for every MCPCB manufacturer (metal core PCB manufacturer) to be aware of certain MCPCB specifications and design rules. On that note, it is important to emphasize that the MCPCB design rules are similar to conventional PCBs. Yet, there are various standardized MCPCB design models that are widely used. And, most of these MCPCB construction blueprints are based on specific design considerations. The first is to have an extra tool border around the MCPCB board. Moreover, this represents a universal design pattern for every MCPCB specification.
Also, the recommendation is to add extra tool holes. And the most common design integrates 3mm. Also, the tool borders and the tool holes are one of the key elements of MCPCB led design. Combined with these two components, the third element is the integration of fiducials to the MCPCB.
MCPCB specification in LED technology
There a handful of different MCPCB in led technology. Moreover, the construction may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Therefore, it is safe to say that there there are different versions. And most of these models have can have different modifications. Also, some MCPCB supplier tends to modify and adapt the construction to a specific configuration. However, there are general specifications that every professional developer needs to follow. And the general specification for Metal core PCB/Aluminium PCB includes these universal segments.
To be more specific, the layer count should be 1-2 layers. Also, it should be combined with a board thickness of 05. Mm, up to 3.0mm. As for the thermal conductivity, the general specification is 1.0-4W/m.K. Also, the specification schematics include copper thickness from 1 to 3oz.
Additionally, there are other elements that need to be considered:
1: Breakdown voltage: 2-8KV
2: Raw material: Chaoshun, Polytronics, Bergquist, etc.
3: Surface treatment: HAL(Lead.free), Immersion gold/Tin, OSP, Gold plating
The LED lighting industry has adopted the Aluminum PCB single-sided and double-sided boards.
The Bottom Line
All in all, the Metal Core Printed Circuit Board is a significant technological innovation. Also, it is an integral specification of the LED manufacturing process. And, this revolutionary innovation is one of the key components behind the great performances of LED products. After all, Using MCPCB led board in these LED products and applications can greatly decrease the overall heat generated. Therefore, it is safe to say that the MCPCB is one of the innovations for the future.
