Isola ASTRA MT77 is a high-performance PCB material that has gained recognition for its exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Its widespread adoption across diverse industries reflects its ability to meet the demanding requirements of modern electronic applications. This article explores the superior performance and versatile applications of ASTRA MT77, highlighting its pivotal role in enabling innovative technological advancements.
Definition of Isola ASTRA MT77
Astra MT77 laminate materials exhibit outstanding electrical properties, demonstrating remarkable stability across a wide frequency and temperature range. These characteristics make Astra MT77 highly suitable for various RF/microwave printed circuit designs commonly used in today’s commercial applications. It maintains a consistent dielectric constant (Dk) between -40°C and +140°C, even at W-band frequencies. Additionally, Astra MT77 boasts an exceptionally low dissipation factor (Df) of 0.0017, providing a cost-effective alternative to PTFE and other microwave laminate materials available in the market.
This exceptional material is ideal for key applications in the development of long antennas and radar systems for automotive purposes, including adaptive cruise control, pre-crash functionalities, blind spot detection, lane departure warning systems, and stop-and-go systems. By leveraging the unique properties of Astra MT77, PCB engineers can achieve reliable and high-performance designs for these critical automotive applications.
Features of Isola ASTRA MT77 PCB Materials
Isola ASTRA MT77 PCB Materials offer various features and benefits that make them a preferred choice in the industry.
Industry Recognition of Isola ASTRA MT77
Isola ASTRA MT77 has garnered industry recognition and meets the following standards:
●UL File Number: E41625: This UL file number indicates that ASTRA MT77 has undergone testing and evaluation by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent safety certification organization. The UL certification ensures that the material meets specific safety and performance requirements, providing confidence in its reliability and quality.
●RoHS Compliant: ASTRA MT77 is compliant with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. This directive restricts the use of certain hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and others, in electrical and electronic equipment. By adhering to RoHS compliance, ASTRA MT77 demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability and the reduction of harmful substances in electronic products.
Performance Attributes
●Lead-free assembly compatible:ASTRA MT77 exhibits a noteworthy performance attribute of being lead-free assembly compatible. This means that it can be effectively used in manufacturing processes that adhere to lead-free assembly requirements. With this compatibility, ASTRA MT77 enables the production of electronic assemblies that meet environmental regulations and industry standards, while also ensuring the reliability and functionality of the final product. By being lead-free assembly compatible, ASTRA MT77 supports the transition toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.
Processing Advantages of Isola ASTRA MT77
Isola ASTRA MT77 offers several processing advantages that contribute to efficient and reliable production processes:
●FR-4 process compatible: ASTRA MT77 is compatible with the FR-4 (Flame Retardant 4) process, which is a widely used standard in the PCB manufacturing industry. This compatibility ensures seamless integration of ASTRA MT77 into existing production workflows.
●Short lamination cycle: ASTRA MT77 features a short lamination cycle, meaning it requires less time for the lamination process during PCB manufacturing. This can lead to increased production efficiency and reduced manufacturing costs.
●Reduced drill wear: ASTRA MT77 exhibits properties that contribute to reduced drill wear during the drilling process in PCB manufacturing. This helps to prolong the life of drilling equipment, reduce maintenance needs, and improve overall productivity.
●No plasma desmear required: ASTRA MT77 eliminates the need for plasma desmear, a process used to remove resin smear and improve the adhesion of copper surfaces. By not requiring this additional step, ASTRA MT77 streamlines the manufacturing process and reduces production time.
●Good flow and fill: ASTRA MT77 demonstrates excellent flow and fill characteristics during the lamination process. This ensures that the material evenly fills all spaces and gaps, leading to improved signal integrity and overall performance of the PCB.
●Dimensional stability: ASTRA MT77 maintains dimensional stability even under varying temperature and humidity conditions. This stability is essential for maintaining accurate alignment and registration during manufacturing processes, resulting in precise and reliable PCBs.
●Multiple lamination cycles: ASTRA MT77 can withstand multiple lamination cycles without compromising its electrical or mechanical properties. This feature allows for flexibility in PCB manufacturing and enables the production of complex multilayer PCBs.
●Any layer technology compatible: ASTRA MT77 is compatible with any layer technology, allowing for the creation of PCBs with various layer configurations. This flexibility supports the design and manufacturing of PCBs that meet specific requirements and performance objectives.
●VIPPO design compatible: ASTRA MT77 is compatible with VIPPO (Vertical Interconnect Pillar with Package on Package) design, which enables high-density packaging and interconnection of components. This compatibility enhances the versatility and design possibilities for advanced electronic devices.
By offering these processing advantages, ASTRA MT77 empowers PCB manufacturers to streamline their processes, improve efficiency, and achieve high-quality results in a variety of applications and design configurations.
Disadvantage of Isola ASTRA MT77
While Isola ASTRA MT77 offers many advantageous features and properties for PCB applications, it’s important to consider a potential disadvantage:
Limited Availability of Thickness Options: One potential disadvantage of Isola ASTRA MT77 is its limited availability of thickness options. While it provides a range of thicknesses, the available options may not cover the full spectrum of requirements for all PCB designs. In some cases, designers may require a specific thickness that falls outside the standard offerings of ASTRA MT77. This limitation may necessitate alternative material choices or additional processes to achieve the desired thickness, potentially adding complexity and cost to the manufacturing process.
It’s important to carefully evaluate the specific requirements of your PCB design and consider whether the available thickness options of Isola ASTRA MT77 align with your project’s needs. If the required thickness is not readily available, it may be necessary to explore alternative laminate materials or work with the manufacturer to find suitable solutions.
Availability of Isola ASTRA MT77
Isola ASTRA MT77 is available in the following standard material offerings for both laminate and prepreg:
Standard Material Offering: Laminate:
●Thickness options: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 30, 60 mil (0.0635, 0.127, 0.1905, 0.254, 0.3175, 0.381, 0.510, 0.760, 1.50 mm)
●Laminate material is provided in these thicknesses, allowing for flexibility in choosing the appropriate thickness for specific applications.
Copper Foil Type:
●HVLP (VLP2): Copper foil type with a maximum roughness (Rz) of ≤2.5 microns according to JIS standards. This type of copper foil is commonly used and provides good electrical performance.
●Copper weight: Copper foil options range from ½ to 2 oz (18 to 70 µm). The standard copper weight is 1 oz and below, but thinner copper foil options are also available for specific requirements.
Standard Material Offering: Prepreg
●Form options: Prepreg is available in roll or panel form. This allows for flexibility in choosing the most suitable form for the manufacturing process and specific project requirements.
●Tooling of prepreg panels: Prepreg panels can be easily tooled and processed to meet the desired specifications and design needs.
By providing various thickness options, copper foil types, and form choices for both laminate and prepreg materials, Isola ensures that ASTRA MT77 can be readily available and tailored to meet the specific requirements of different PCB designs and manufacturing processes.
Which Industries Need Isola ASTRA MT77 PCB Materials?
Isola ASTRA MT77 PCB materials are primarily used in industries that require high-frequency applications and demand low-loss, low-dielectric-constant materials. Some industries that may benefit from using Isola ASTRA MT77 include:
Telecommunications:
ASTRA MT77 is suitable for telecommunications applications such as network equipment, routers, switches, and communication infrastructure. The material’s excellent signal integrity, dimensional stability, and compatibility with advanced technologies make it ideal for high-speed data transmission and networking systems.
Industrial and Test Equipment:
Industries that require high-frequency testing and measurement equipment, such as semiconductor testing, network analyzers, and RF/microwave instrumentation, can utilize ASTRA MT77 for its low-loss properties.
Medical Devices:
Medical equipment and devices demand PCB materials that offer high reliability, signal integrity, and the ability to withstand sterilization processes. ASTRA MT77 materials are suitable for applications such as medical imaging systems, patient monitoring devices, and diagnostic equipment.
Aerospace and Defense:
The aerospace and defense sectors require PCB materials that can withstand extreme conditions, maintain signal integrity, and ensure long-term reliability. ASTRA MT77’s dimensional stability, compatibility with any layer technology, and VIPPO design compatibility make it suitable for applications such as avionics, satellites, radar systems, and military-grade electronics.
These industries benefit from the exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of ASTRA MT77 PCB materials, making them a preferred choice for high-frequency, high-speed, and high-reliability electronic applications.
How to Store and Handle For ASTRA MT77 PCB Substrates?
JarnisTech as a leading PCB manufacturer, we understand the importance of proper storage and handling procedures to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of ASTRA MT77 PCB substrates. To maintain the quality and reliability of our substrates, we recommend the following guidelines:
1. Storage Conditions:
●Store ASTRA MT77 substrates in a controlled environment with a stable temperature and humidity. The recommended temperature range is between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
●Maintain a relative humidity (RH) level between 40% and 60% to prevent moisture absorption or excessive drying of the material.
●Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity fluctuations, as they can affect the material’s properties.
2. Packaging:
●Store ASTRA MT77 substrates in their original packaging or in antistatic bags to protect them from moisture, dust, and electrostatic discharge (ESD).
●Ensure that the packaging is sealed properly to maintain the material’s integrity.
3. Handling:
●Prior to handling ASTRA MT77 substrates, ensure that you are working in an ESD-safe environment by using appropriate grounding measures and wearing ESD protective equipment.
●Handle the substrates with clean, dry hands or wear lint-free gloves to prevent contamination.
●Avoid applying excessive pressure or bending the material, as it may result in mechanical damage or delamination.
4. Avoidance of Chemical Exposure:
●Keep ASTRA MT77 substrates away from chemicals, solvents, and corrosive substances that can cause damage or degradation.
●If cleaning is necessary, use mild cleaning agents recommended by the manufacturer and follow the specified cleaning guidelines.
5. Shelf Life and Usage:
●Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended shelf life for ASTRA MT77 substrates. Ensure that the material is used within its specified shelf life to maintain its optimal performance.
●Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for fabrication, lamination, and other processing steps to ensure proper handling and usage of ASTRA MT77 substrates.
By following these storage and handling practices, you can preserve the quality and reliability of ASTRA MT77 PCB substrates, mitigating the risk of damage or performance degradation during storage and fabrication processes.
Conclusion
As the demand for high-speed, high-frequency, and high-reliability electronic systems continues to grow, Isola ASTRA MT77 stands out as a reliable solution that empowers engineers and designers to achieve superior performance and functionality. With its proven track record and unmatched capabilities, ASTRA MT77 serves as a cornerstone for driving the next generation of cutting-edge electronic devices across various industries.
