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What is a Copper Coin PCB
Introduction
A Printed Circuit board with a Copper Coin is called a Copper Coin PCB.
In this article, we explain to you clearly what this item is.
We also describe why it is essential as a part of a well-designed circuit board.
Some applications are suitable for it, while some are not—we differentiate this.
Similarly, we describe the various varieties of this item so that you understand how and where to use them appropriately.
After reading this post, we hope that we can assist you with your PCB design decisions.
You’ll appreciate it considerably for its usefulness.
What is a Copper Coin PCB?
A Copper Coin PCB is a printed circuit board with a copper coin.
Copper Coin PCBs can be found in all sorts of circuit boards.
But they are mostly found in PCBs that need thermal management.
Copper coins are inserted in the three main types of PCBs:
- 5G PCB – These are represented in computer-related items, such as routers, motherboards, modules, and wireless apparatus.
- Automotive PCB – for LIDAR and engine control
- High-power, high-voltage, and/or high-current circuit boards
As you can see, this type of PCB heat management using coins is regularly deployed.
How are Copper Coins Used in Circuit Boards?
The ways these are used depend somewhat on the type of copper coin installed on the board.
Another factor is PCB’s surface area measurements.
The quantity and type of placed components on the PCB are yet another consideration.
Once the type of coins plus the two other factors are considered, the next steps are:
- PCB Routing
- PCB metallization
- PCB lamination
If these three steps are not followed, the copper coin will not be a cohesive part of the PCB sheet.
This will result in a bad outcome, where satisfactory heat dissipation levels aren’t reached.
Benefits of Copper Coin PCB
Benefits of Copper Coin PCB
One way to control the heat in a circuit board is by using a copper coin. The board will overheat if the heat is not controlled, this is why the use of this item is justified. Overheating is undesirable since it will harm the board’s attached components. The device will malfunction if the parts get too hot. Before using the device again, the circuit board needs to be replaced.
Copper Coin Insertion is Cheap and Reliable
The copper coin PCB is a cost-effective method for controlling heat. In addition, it performs reliably. It functions well with modern PCBs that contain ICs of the BGA, QFN, and other microcontrollers. It is easy to use with PCB manufacturing processes, especially resin removal and reflow soldering. Planar surface or flatness is preferred in PCBs. In this sense, copper coin usage is also acceptable because there are no issues with the board’s planarity after the insertion of copper coins (that is, if done properly and professionally).
Its Usage is Compatible With Common PCB Substrates
There are many choices among PCB substrates that are good to use with the coins. The main reason is that copper can be used with a wide variety of PCB substrates. In contrast, other heat dissipation techniques, particularly the thermal via need special substrates. Specifically, Insulated metal substrate (IMS) and AlN substrate are required for thermal vias.
Lead-Free PCB Allowed
Coins made of copper are allowed to adhere to the lead-free PCB usage regulations set forth by the European Union’s RoHS, California’s RoHS rules, and restrictions on the use of lead-free solder paste. RoHS regulations, which restrict the use of hazardous substances, will become the standard in the future, ensuring the continued usage of coins on PCB.
Applications of Copper Coin PCB
Applications of Copper Coin PCB
Multilayer PCBs, starting from 2 layers to 40 layers can use the copper coin technology. To be more comprehensive about it, here is a list.
Mid-Tg Boards (150 °C)
The biggest risk of using PCBs with normal glass transition temperatures is that they degrade under continuous use, for example, boards that are used 24/7, non-stop. This is why there is a need for Mid-Tg and High-Tg PCBs. Heat dissipation is crucial at 150 degrees, and this is where the copper coin excels.
To understand what glass transition is, please watch this video.
Note that Tg applies broadly to other materials, not just circuit boards.
High-Tg Boards (170 to 180 °C)
A lot of boards are classified as high-Tg boards. For instance:
- Polyimide PCB – rigid-flex or flex PCBs
- Teflon PCB – for antennas and striplines
- Ceramic PCB – for aerospace applications
- Metal Core PCB – used commonly for lighting
- Thick Copper PCB – HDI and high-frequency boards
- 3 oz PCB – same as thick copper PCB
To manage the heat (so there won’t be overheating), you can add the copper coin to all these.
PCBs for Consumer Goods
The applications involving consumer goods listed below are suitable for PCBs with copper coins from a usage standpoint.
- Smart Home or IoT devices
- Computers and laptops
- All types of equipment that require sensors
- RF applications (transceivers and receivers)
Typically, copper coin PCBs are used successfully with PCBs using surface mount components (SMD technology). Consumer electronics frequently employ the SMD technique.
Types of Copper Coin PCB
When choosing what type of copper coin to install, PCB design, PCB layer count, and PCB functions need to be considered . Here are the specific types of copper coins for your reference:
- Embedded type – the copper coin is inserted in a dedicated PCB sot
- Buried type – the copper coin is inserted in the PCB before milling; the grooves are where the coins are “buried”
- I-coin – it has a straight and narrow shape. This is an embedded type.
- T-coin – it is shaped like a “T”; this optimizes the contact points between the coin and the board. This is also an embedded type like the I-coin.
- C-coin – it is applied to areas with c-shaped spots so that it perfectly fits the cavity. This is another embedded type similar to the I-coin & T-coin.
More or less, all copper coins regardless of shape must achieve the same purpose: They must reach higher thermal conductivity, exceeding 12 W/mK.
Manufacturing a Copper Coin PCB
Manufacturing a Copper Coin PCB
Common principles in PCB manufacturing are applied in making printed circuit boards with PCBs. However, there are specific steps that need to be done with this particular kind of board:
- Step 1: ensure that the PCB substrate has epoxy resin, this is a sure match if FR4 laminates are used. Mid-Tg or High-Tg prepregs are normally used.
- Step 2: in terms of PCB routing, accommodate the size of the coin (normal measurement is between 0.1mm-0.2mm)
- Step 3: for embedded PCBs, (I-Coin, T-Coin, and C-Coin), drilling is done to fit the coins in
- Step 4: PCB lamination using the matching laminate for the prepreg (see step 1)
- Step 5: after the lamination, the process is essentially done. But the finished piece should be subjected to inspection. Manual or AOI inspection can be completed to check for faults
- Step 6: soldermask application to prevent oxidation.
Steps 1-6 will result in a fully functioning circuit board with copper coins. You can DIY this project or you can entrust it to a professional PCB manufacturer.
Choosing a Reputable Copper Coin PCB Manufacturer
Locate a reputable full-service PCB manufacturer with experience producing this kind of PCB.
Look for a manufacturer who can provide reliable, high-quality circuits all the way through.
Generally, copper Coin PCBs are frequently used in automobile electronics, consumer electronics, power electronics, and many other applications. This is because of their superior conductivity requirements.
You cannot choose a subpar PCB maker with no experience handling PCBs used in medium and high-heat situations.
You need a supplier with enough raw materials on hand for everything from copper-clad FR4 substrate material to soldermask.
Reach out to PCBTok right away, we fulfill all of these requirements 100%.
Choosing a Reputable Copper Coin PCB Manufacturer
Conclusion
Heat dissipation is a priority in advanced circuit boards, this is the main reason why Copper Coin PCBs are utilized. Whenever you need a PCB made to accommodate this need, you can either make it yourself or you can have it done quickly and thoroughly. Sometimes, you need to experiment first to know which option would suit you best.
If you choose to have it done, pick a manufacturer who can make as many pieces as you require. Specifically, the manufacturer should also offer after-sales support in case you need to ask questions about your PCB. You can contact our friendly sales personnel 24/7 if you want a Copper Coin PCB. Any related questions, the PCBTok team will promptly answer them!