Copper base PCBs and aluminum PCBs are both widely used MCPCBs for thermal dissipation devices. Which is the best PCB option for your design? Please check copper MCPCBs and aluminum PCBs.
Copper MCPCBs
Regular copper MCPCBs are single-sided and 1 or 2-layer. Compared with single-sided 1or 2-layer aluminum PCBs, regular copper base PCBs don't have many advantages, and the price is higher.
However, it becomes another story when you design thermoelectric separation copper MCPCBs.
Thermoelectric separation copper MCPCBs can have up to 8 PCB layers. And the thermal conductivity is the same as copper!
Thermoelectric separation means the circuity and thermal conductivity are separated. The copper traces conduct electricity, and the prepreg only isolates adjacent copper layers. Thermal conducts directly through the copper vias under the components to the copper substrate. Around the copper vias, the resin is filled to isolate the copper vias and the circuit layers.
If you can design the thermoelectric separation copper MCPCB, you don't need to worry about thermal management anymore. PCBHERO will fabricate copper MCPCBs using thermoelectric separation technology. If you have problems in designing or don't have a design, PCBHERO can also provide you with PCB design services.
Aluminum PCBs
Aluminum PCBs can be single-sided or double-sided. The PCB layers can be up to 4. The thermal conductivity of aluminum is lower than copper, so compared with single-sided 1 or 2-layer copper base PCBs, single-sided aluminum PCBs conduct thermal a little slower.
But the aluminum PCB price is much lower than copper MCPCBs. From PCBHER, you can order bulky aluminum PCBs for only $30/㎡.
For LED lamps, the aluminum PCB is the most cost-effective PCB option.
Copper MCPCBs vs aluminum PCBs
The thermal conductivity of regular copper MCPCBs is a little better than aluminum PCBs, and the thermal expansion of copper base PCBs is smaller than aluminum PCBs, but the price is higher. And copper MCPCBs are only single-sided, but aluminum PCBs can be single-sided or double-sided.
However, copper MCPCBs can be designed and fabricated to be thermoelectric separated. In such cases, the thermal conductivity of copper MCPCBs can reach 400W/mK.