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PCBMay Meets Your Range of Aluminium Nitride Substrate Needs

Multilayer boards, such as the Aluminium Nitride Substrate PCB, have long been recognized as necessary in electrical devices. This is especially true in situations involving thermal conductivity and high-power requirements. Our circuit boards come with a satisfaction guarantee.

• Optimize your device connectivity power
• We only use high-quality materials.
• Products come with an IPC categorization of class 2 or 3
• The color of the Soldermask can be chosen
• Place logo pattern unique to your business

As Quality Control is extremely important to us as a responsible PCB maker. To assure product quality, we use tests like the Flying-probe and In-circuit. It will not be delivered to your door if it does not meet our high standards.

We can provide PCB services in addition to our premium PCB items. Prototype PCB, Box Assembly, and Backdrilling are all requests from some customers. We are capable of doing all of these tasks. As you can see, we not only provide you with a Aluminium Nitride Substrate PCB, but we also configure it to your preferences.

In terms of PCB design, a digital file is all that is required to get the PCB assembly process started. If you require more PCB design services, we can provide you with authentic, up-to-date PCB design software. We want to ensure that your Aluminium Nitride Substrate PCB is a well-calculated product that will provide you with years of service.

Please contact us if you have any concerns concerning our PCB fabrication process. We are here to support you.

PCBMay strives to provide you with the finest possible solution for your company’s needs.

Call immediately now to get your Aluminium Nitride Substrate PCB!

Aluminum Nitride Substrates| The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Are you looking for a dependable substrate to upgrade your device’s durability and functionality?

Aluminum Nitride substrates are the best choice to fulfill your demands. These PCB substrates ensure top-notch thermal conductivity and moisture-resistant operations in various electronic applications.

PCBMay is a trustworthy PCB manufacturer in China that delivers high-class AlN substrates and fabrication services at affordable costs.

If you don’t have adequate knowledge of AlN PCB substrates and their pros and cons, this FAQ guide will be a great source of information for you. We hope you will get answers to all of your queries in a  simplified manner. Let’s start.

What Are Aluminum Nitride Substrates?

Aluminum Nitride substrates are highly insulating materials. These substrates have refractory properties. Usually, the AlN substrate is a semiconductor that has a wide bandgap. Its typical band gap is almost 6.3 eV.

Usually, you can find different types of Aluminum Nitrides in terms of their thermal conductivity. Such as Aluminum Nitride-170, AN-200, AN-230, etc. Here, these numbers indicate the thermal conductivity of AlN substrates.

Aluminum Nitride Substrates

The general dimensions of AlN substrates include-

AlN shows outstanding thermal conductivity in power electronics. Besides, it is high;y resistive to corrosion and abrasion which promotes its usability to the next level.

These materials give you an opportunity to improve your power modules like MOSFET, BJT, IGBT, etc. Usually, you need to maintain strict regulations while handling power components. But AlN substrates make you relieve this headache.

Except for these, you can depend on AlN substrate for circuit board protection, packages, etc. As they are supremely durable, they offer improved durability in outdoor applications.

Watch this video about the formation of AlN:

What Are The Specifications Of Aluminum Nitride Substrates?

Aluminum Nitride substrates provide amazing specifications which indicate their top-class performance in power circuits. You can find some slight differences in the case of AlN-170, AlN-200, and AlN-230 substrates.

But some core properties like thermal conductivity, rigidity, refractivity, etc are highly effective in different electronic sectors. Here, take a look at the electrical, thermal, and mechanical specifications of AlN substrates. This will give you a better understanding of this issue.

Mechanical Specifications

Electrical Specifications

Thermal Specifications

General Specifications

Specifications Of Aluminum Nitride Substrates

What Are Different Types Of Aluminum Nitride Substrates?

Aluminum Nitride Substrates have multiple categories which are highly compatible with advanced circuit board designs. In terms of applications and specifications, AlN substrates offer a wide variety.

That’s why manufacturers prefer these materials over other traditional ceramic substrates for their PCB applications. The most notable AlN substrate types for PCB applications are-

High Power AlN Substrate

AlN PCB substrates used in high-power electronics support various PCB materials as Ceramic PCBs. They have made the best utilization of thermally conductive materials in high-power PCB applications.

Besides, these substrates help integrated circuits and LED-based devices function properly.

LED AlN Substrate

Are you struggling with your LED regulation in electronic appliances?

LED AlN substrates are the most effective solution to solve this type of difficulty in power electronics.

Moreover, LED-based Aluminum Nitride substrates provide heat conductivity features to sensitive devices. That’s why the designer can improvise the PCB schematic according to the requirements of applications.

Laser AlN Substrate

This type of AlN substrate brings out newer opportunities in PCB-based projects. Laser Aluminum Nitride supports the use of laser scribing during PCB manufacturing. It helps the designer to ensure optimal precision in PCB designing and fabrication.

High Current AlN Substrate

The main benefit of high-current AlN PCB substrates is their thermal conductivity. Usually, their thermal conductivity varies from 170-320 W/mK which is impressive compared to other substrates.

In Particular, they outperform Alumina PCBs in most PCB appliances where high-current management is a crying need. Again, AlN substrates offer versatility in terms of use because of their compatibility with high-current loads.

Rigid AlN Substrate

In most cases, commercial electronic products suffer from durability and are prone to wear and tear. But rigid AlN substrates improve the robustness of commercial items and make them tolerant to external hazards.

Rigid Aluminum Nitrides are worthwhile for aerospace equipment and communication devices with complicated features.

Multilayer AlN Substrate

AlN substrates enable PCB designers to take care of 12-32 layers. These substrates are highly applicable for multilayer designs. Multilayer AlN substrates improve the functionality of high TG PCBs to a large extent.

Most noteworthy, multilayer AlN substrates support the use of PCB vias and heat sinks. These elements are effective to ensure stable heat dissipation in high-speed PCB applications.

High-Current AlN Substrates

Why Are Aluminum Nitride Substrates Important In Electronic Applications?

Aluminum Nitride substrates have significant importance in the upgradation of electronic applications. Their amazing features and functional properties make them compatible with numerous PCB-driven appliances which require high thermal precision.

Here, we have listed some noteworthy points for how AlN substrates become irreplaceable in heat-sensitive electronic projects.

• The most significant property of AlN substrates is their high thermal conductivity (170-230 W/m.k). This is almost multiple times of other contemporary PCB substrates like Alumina.
• AlN substrate ensures high thermal reliability in semiconductor chips because of its similar CTE value to Silicon.
• Its thermal heat cycling is impressive.
• Low DK value for different AlN substrates provides worthwhile dielectric properties.
• AlN offers reliable resistance against corrosion caused by molten metals.
• Almost 100% pure. That’s why manufacturers prefer this substrate to improve the purity of the circuit boards.
• High mechanical strength is important to be stable in extreme vibration or other external forces.

Effective AlN Substrate For Thermally Sensitive Devices

What Are The Applications Of Aluminum Nitride Substrates?

Aluminum Nitride substrates have numerous applications in different  sectors. These PCB substrates offer excellent thermal conduction along with high-class durability. That’s why they are mostly used in power modules and mechanically vulnerable devices.

The major applications of AlN substrates are-

• Heat dissipation substrate
• Military equipment
• LED package
• Home appliances
• Power module
• Water bonding
• Power resistors
• high power LED lighting
• High-reliability applications
• Power electronics
• Communication devices
• Photovoltaic Technology
• Quantum computing
• Defense industry
• Space and aerospace

It is necessary to collect AlN substrates from a reliable fabricator so that you can achieve the optimum output from your circuit. We deliver top-notch manufacturing services with a 100% electrical testing facility. Inquire about us immediately to experience the excellence of PCB substrates with Aluminum Nitrides.

Widely Used AlN Substrates

How Does CTE Affect Aluminum Nitride Substrates Performance?

CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) refers to the rate at which PCB substrates expand concerning the temperature change. Its lower values are preferable for high-volume PCB productions.

CTE is a performance-defining factor for Aluminum Nitride substrates. Its value is around 5.2 in AlN substrates with different conductivities. These CTE values are supportive of low dielectric constant and high glass transition temperature.

AlN Substrates With Low CTE

Besides, their CTE ranges are almost similar to Silicon. So, manufacturers use AlN substrates instead of Silicon in semiconductor, MOSFETs, etc. As AlN is more conductive than Silicon, the entire performance of the device is promoted to the next level.

Check this video on CTE to get a better understanding:

What Are The Major Benefits Of Using Aluminum Nitride Substrates In PCB?

Aluminum Nitride substrates offer high-quality performance in various electronic applications. Manufacturers incorporate these elements during PCB assembly because of their immense advantage.

The most notable benefits of AlN substrates include-

High Thermal Conductivity

AlN substrates are reputable for their high thermal conductivity. That’s why manufacturers choose these substrates over Alumina substrates for high-power PCB applications. Normally, AlN-230 substrates provide almost 9.5 times more thermal conduction than Alumina. That’s a huge advantage for advanced circuit boards where thermal management is a great challenge.

Zero Toxicity

AlN offers toxic-free features in power components. You don’t get a significant presence of any toxic element during the fabrication of AlN substrates.

Low Coefficient of Thermal expansion

This is another notable advantage of using Aluminum Nitride substrates in PCB-driven devices. Low CTE ensures a smooth thermal cycle and transition in high-density PCBs.

Effective Operating Temperature

AlN substrates operate at very high and low thermal states. That means they cover a wide range of operating temperatures during their operations.

Low Dielectric Loss

These PCB substrates offer low DK values that impact the dielectric properties to a large extent. A low dielectric constant leads to a low dissipation factor. So, AlN substrates reduce the dielectric losses through their effective performance.

Impressive Chemical Resistance

You can improve the chemical resistance of electronic devices through AlN substrates. As they are free from harmful chemical contaminants, you can be tension-free about the purity issue of your substrates.

Thermal resistance

Another vital advantage of using Aluminum Nitrides in PCB substrates is worthwhile thermal resistivity.  This facility leads to impressive volume resistivity that indicates the high-level electrical performance of circuit boards.

Commendable Mechanical Strength

AlN offers superior mechanical strength in extreme conditions. This substrate ensures improved durability to handle excessive mechanical forces. That’s why electronic products made of AlN substrates last for a long period.

Low Moisture Absorption

Electronic devices often suffer from moisture and dust. But Aluminum Nitrides have around 0.01% moisture absorption rate, which is almost negligible. So, you can place home appliances or commercial equipment in humid conditions easily.

Thermally Conductive Aluminum Nitride Substrates

What Are The Dielectric Properties of Aluminum Nitride Substrates?

Aluminum Nitride substrates deliver various dielectric properties in electronic appliances. These properties play a vital role in outperforming other ceramic substrates from the competition. The following properties are the most noteworthy dielectric features of AlN substrates-

Dielectric Strength

It refers to the electric potential at which insulation properties of PCB substrates break. That means higher dielectric strength indicates a controlled current carrying capacity without causing overcurrents or short circuits.

The average dielectric strength of AlN substrates is more than 15 KV.mm. It indicates that Aluminum Nitrides have excellent insulation for high-current PCBs.

Volume Resistivity

This is another dielectric feature of AlN substrates. It indicates the resistivity due to volume change. Its higher value is good for high-density PCB applications.

Loss Tangent

Loss tangent or dissipation factor helps you to measure the deficiency of PCB substrates during their functioning. It is directly related to the dielectric constant. Low DK values are supportive of a low loss tangent that results in a low dielectric loss.

Impedance Stability

Stable impedance refers to having a moderate impedance range in different portions of circuit boards. This is highly important in multilayer PCBs where maintaining similar impedance is a challenging issue.

AlN substrates With High Dielectric Features

Are Aluminum Nitride Substrates Effective For Controlled Impedance?

Impedance control refers to maintaining a stable impedance in different layers of multilayer circuit boards. It’s an essential property of PCB substrates that define electrical performance.

Aluminum Nitride substrates are supportive of ensuring stable impedance in a multilayer stackup. There are multiple reasons behind it. You have to understand the factors influencing impedance first so that you realize the matter properly.

Impedance on PCB substrates depends on the following factors-

• Dielectric constant
• Dielectric thickness
• Copper thickness
• Trace width

AlN substrates allow circuit board designers to customize these features. That’s why the manufacturers can set DK values or trace dimensions concerning stable impedance values.

Moreover, AlN substrates offer improved current conduction with adequate resistance. They can take care of high current loads and power modules efficiently. So, you don’t need to be worried about unmatched impedance when you are dealing with AlN PCB substrates for your projects.

Are Aluminum Nitride Substrates Toxic?

Aluminum Nitride substrates ensure almost zero toxicity in circuit boards because of their high chemical resistance and low moisture absorption. But Aluminum Nitrides have some adverse impacts on the human body.

If you take AlN into your body through mouth, inhalation, or injection, it can hamper your lungs severely. Besides, AlN promotes bone toxicity to a certain degree.

In the case of continuous exposure to AlN substrates, human eyes and hands can get affected seriously. That’s why you need to maintain protective measures while going to expose AlN substrates. Moreover, it is highly recommended to ensure a toxicity-free environment in the factory so that you can get a pure PCB substrate.

So, choose a reliable PCB manufacturer that can provide a healthy working atmosphere for technicians.

High-Class Aluminum Nitride Substrate

What Are The Tests Of Aluminum Nitride Substrates?

Testing of Aluminum Nitride substrates is conducted both manually and automatically. But automated processes are more effective for delivering the best report. The most reputable inspections of these PCB substrates include-

Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)

This test checks the electrical and mechanical properties of substrates. During the AOI test, a well-made machine takes photographs of AlN substrates from different sides.

This machine compares 2D and 3D images with an ideal substrate. That’s how the AOI test can identify the defects.

Thermal Inspection

Thermal tests are effective to know about thermal performance like conductivity, tolerance, highest operating temperatures, transition temperature, etc.

Flammability Test

This test tells you about the real-time flammability of AlN substrates. Here, a piece of AlN substrate burns through vertical flames. Then, the inspector checks the required time to burn completely.

Besides, this test identifies whether dripping occurs or not during the burning. Usually. UL94 tests are reliable to get a better understanding of the flammability of AlN substrates.

Automated X-ray Inspection (AXI)

The AXI test is another dependable automated process to identify faults in AlN substrates. It is primarily viable to check dimensional faults like improper substrate size, thicknesses, deficiency in hole tolerances, etc.

Here, the. X-ray penetrates the substrate and a skilled inspector checks the critical portions of this PCB material. This test is also expensive but effective.

Inspection Of PCB Substrates

What Is The Thermal Conductivity Of Aluminum Nitride Substrates?

High thermal conductivity is the USP (Unique Selling Point) of Aluminum Nitride Substrates. There are three common and widely used AlN substrates whose thermal conductivities are different. They are-

• AN-170
• AN-200
• AN-230

Here, these numbers indicate the thermal conductivity of particular AlN substrates. These elements deliver immense positive properties to modern electronic applications because of their high heat conduction capacity.

Highly Conductive AlN Substrates

Are Aluminum Nitride Substrates Moisture Resistant?

Yes. Aluminum Nitride substrates handle moisture and dust with great efficiency. Usually, AlN substrates are compatible with different coatings that are helpful to resist external contaminants. For example, conformal coatings and resin encapsulation are two effective ways to protect dust, water, and moisture to a certain degree. AlN substrates are supportive of both of these methods.

Moisture Resistant AlN Substrates

Moreover, you don’t need to face excessive hassle in pulling out these coatings. That means the integrity of PCB substrates won’t get hampered due to the incorporation of such coatings.

This feature impacts the service life of electronic products containing AlN substrates. That’s why manufacturers prefer these substrates for high-volume and thermally sensitive applications.

How Do Aluminum Nitride Substrates Handle High Power Loads?

Aluminum Nitride Substrates handle high power loads very efficiently. Do you know how it happens?

Power circuits have a serious problem of thermal dissipation for high power loads. But AlN substrates have a reputation for heat dissipation from different power-sensitive components. Besides, they ensure hassle-free thermal drain between different PCB layers due to having high conduction power.

That’s why power components don’t get damaged easily in PCB applications where AlN substrates are present.

What Are The Major Differences Between Aluminum Nitride And Other Ceramic Substrates?

Aluminum Nitride substrates have significant differences from other ceramic substrates in various sectors. Such as-

Thermal Conductivity

AlN provides multiple times higher thermal conductivity  (170) compared to Si3N4(90) or Alumina (24) substrates. That’s why they have better usability in power industries.

Thermal Resistivity

The thermal resistivity of AlN substrates (0.26) is commendable when compared to ZTA (0.21) or Silicon Nitride substrates (0.21).

Binding Energy

Its binding energy (450) is the same as Alumina substrates. That means you can use AlN where using Alumina is not suitable for electrical or thermal features.

High-Class AlN Materials

What Are Reliable Ways Of Protecting Aluminum Nitride Substrates From Corrosion?

Aluminum Nitride substrates have firm durability against corrosion. The most reliable ways of protecting AlN substrates from corrosion are using metallic coatings and conformal coatings.

Usually, metallic surface finishes like ENIG, ENEPIG, HASL, etc are useful for AlN substrates. Conformal coatings are also effective, but they require high-class precision to get the best resistance against surface corrosion.

Corrosion-Resistive Aluminum Nitride Substrates

Conclusion

Aluminum Nitride substrates are a worthwhile solution to take care of PCB complications caused due to thermal deficiency and external contamination. If you can ensure a premium fabrication of these substrates through a reliable fabricator, you can manage to upgrade your circuit’s performance.

PCBMay has been providing quality fabrication service for quite a long period. Besides, we have a firm reputation in PCB manufacturing services. You can contact us to get your quote for any services related to AlN substrate. We ensure cost-efficiency and quality control through our services.

Stay tuned to get more updated guides on different topics in the PCB world.