Isola IS415 PCB Material is a cutting-edge substrate that offers exceptional performance in high-speed electronic applications. With its advanced thermal properties, excellent signal integrity, and dimensional stability, it has become a preferred choice for demanding designs. This article delves into the key features and benefits of Isola IS415, highlighting its potential to unlock new levels of performance in the world of high-speed PCBs.
Introduction of Isola IS415 PCB Material
The Isola IS415 PCB Material sets an exceptional industry standard for epoxy materials, boasting outstanding thermal performance and signal integrity for demanding design requirements. Engineered to meet the rigorous demands of lead-free multiplayer PCB assembly, this material prioritizes CAF resistance, resulting in robust IST performance while maintaining compatibility with fr-4 processing.
The Isola IS415 PCB Material excels in providing superior thermal and chemical performance, as well as delivering excellent electrical performance and consistent product quality. With its high-density interconnect, remarkable thermal reliability, and support for high-speed digital applications, this material meets the stringent requirementsof professional PCB engineering.
The Isola IS415 PCB Material has been carefully developed to meet the exacting needs of the industry, ensuring that it surpasses expectations in terms of thermal performance and signal integrity. It is specifically designed to cater to the demands of lead-free multiplayer PCB assembly, delivering exceptional CAF resistance and demonstrating strong IST results. Moreover, it remains compatible with the widely used fr-4 processing technique.
One of the key advantages of the Isola IS415 PCB Material lies in its superior thermal and chemical performance, making it highly reliable in challenging conditions. Additionally, it exhibits excellent electrical performance and maintains a consistent level of quality throughout its production. With its high-density interconnect capabilities, this material enables efficient and reliable circuitry. Furthermore, its remarkable thermal reliability ensures the stable operation of sensitive components, even under demanding thermal conditions. Lastly, the Isola IS415 PCB Material is well-suited for high-speed digital applications, meeting the requirements of advanced computing and peripherals.
Properties of the Isola IS415 PCB Material
1. Low Temperature for Glass Transition (Tg):
The Isola IS415 PCB Material has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 200 degrees Celsius. Tg indicates the temperature at which the material changes from a solid to a rubber-like state, contributing to the board’s thermal performance.
2. High Decomposition Temperature (Td):
The Isola IS415 PCB Material has a decomposition temperature (Td) of 370 degrees Celsius, measured at a weight loss of 5%. Td indicates the temperature at which the material chemically decomposes. A decomposition temperature above 320 degrees Celsius is ideal for a printed circuit board material.
3. Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE):
The Isola IS415 PCB Material exhibits a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 45 ppm/°C before Tg, and 240 ppm/°C after Tg. CTE measures the contraction or expansion of the material when heated or cooled. During the total expansion range of 50-260 degrees Celsius, the typical CTE value is 2.8%. The CTE at the X and Y axes before Tg is 13 ppm/°C.
4. Thermal Conductivity:
The thermal conductivity of the Isola IS415 PCB Material is 0.4 W/m·K. Thermal conductivity refers to the rate at which heat is transferred from a source to a cooler region within the material.
5. Dielectric Constant (Dk):
The dielectric constant of the Isola IS415 PCB Material varies at different frequencies. At 1 GHz, 5 GHz, and 10 GHz, the dielectric constant is 3.71. At 2 GHz, the Dk is 3.72, and at 100 MHz, it is 3.75. The average dielectric constant of the material is 3.72. The dielectric constant indicates the material’s ability to store charges.
6. Dissipation Factor (Df):
The dissipation factor of the Isola IS415 PCB Material also varies with frequency. At 100 MHz, the Df is 0.0107, while at 1 GHz, it is 0.0131. At 2 GHz, the Df is 0.0120, at 5 GHz it is 0.0127, and at 10 GHz it is 0.0125. The average dissipation factor of the material is 0.0120. A low dissipation factor indicates an efficient insulating system.
Overall, the Isola IS415 PCB Material possesses desirable properties such as a high Tg, high decomposition temperature, controlled CTE, moderate thermal conductivity, and consistent dielectric constant and dissipation factor. These properties contribute to its suitability for various applications in the field of PCB engineering.
Design Guidelines for Isola IS415
When designing with Isola IS415 PCB Material, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Consider the following design guidelines:
1. Stackup Design:
Design the PCB stackup carefully, considering factors such as signal integrity, power distribution, and thermal management. The layer arrangement should be optimized to minimize signal interference and provide adequate power and ground planes for effective power distribution and signal return paths.
2. Trace Routing:
Pay attention to trace routing techniques to maintain signal integrity. Use proper trace widths and spacing, especially for high-speed signals, to mitigate impedance mismatches and crosstalk. Follow recommended design rules for differential pairs and controlled impedance routing.
3. Thermal Management:
Take into account the high thermal performance of Isola IS415 PCB Material. Ensure proper heat dissipation by incorporating thermal vias, copper pours, and thermal relief patterns to efficiently transfer heat away from critical components. Consider the placement of heat sinks or other cooling mechanisms as necessary.
4. Component Placement:
Optimize component placement for signal integrity and thermal considerations. Place high-speed and sensitive components close to each other while minimizing trace lengths. Group components with similar thermal profiles to facilitate effective heat dissipation.
5. Power and Ground Planes:
Incorporate dedicated power and ground planes in the PCB stackup to provide low impedance paths for power distribution and noise isolation. Properly distribute power and ground planes to minimize voltage drops and ensure stable operation of components.
6. Design for Manufacturability:
Follow standard design for manufacturability (DFM) guidelines to ensure the manufacturability and reliability of the PCB. Consider aspects such as minimum trace widths and spacing, proper solder mask openings, and appropriate pad sizes for component soldering.
7. Signal Integrity Analysis:
Perform signal integrity analysis using appropriate tools to validate the design and identify potential signal integrity issues such as reflections, impedance mismatches, or excessive signal degradation. Adjust the design parameters if necessary to mitigate these issues.
8. Design Rule Check (DRC):
Run a comprehensive design rule check (DRC) to ensure compliance with manufacturing and assembly guidelines. This includes checking for proper clearances, trace widths, and other design parameters specified by the PCB manufacturer.
9. Design for EMI/EMC:
Consider electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements during the design process. Employ techniques such as proper grounding, signal shielding, and decoupling capacitors to minimize EMI/EMC issues.
10. Consult Manufacturer Guidelines:
Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and datasheets for specific design recommendations, material limitations, and processing considerations for Isola IS415 PCB Material.
By adhering to these design guidelines, you can maximize the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of PCB designs using Isola IS415 PCB Material.
Comparison with Standard FR-4 Materials
Isola IS415 PCB Material is a high-performance material that offers several advantages compared to standard FR-4 materials. Here is a comparison between Isola IS415 and standard FR-4 materials:
1. Thermal Performance:
Isola IS415 has superior thermal performance compared to standard FR-4 materials. It has a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) of 200 degrees Celsius, allowing it to withstand higher operating temperatures without significant degradation. This makes it suitable for applications that require increased thermal stability.
2. High-Frequency Performance:
Isola IS415 exhibits excellent high-frequency performance compared to standard FR-4 materials. It has a lower dielectric constant (Dk) and lower dissipation factor (Df), which means it provides better signal integrity and lower loss at high frequencies. This makes it ideal for high-speed and high-frequency applications, such as telecommunications, networking, and RF/microwave systems.
3. Dimensional Stability:
Isola IS415 offers improved dimensional stability compared to standard FR-4 materials. It has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), which means it experiences minimal dimensional changes with temperature variations. This ensures better reliability and helps to maintain tight dimensional tolerances in PCB designs.
4. Electrical Performance:
Isola IS415 provides enhanced electrical performance compared to standard FR-4 materials. It has lower loss tangent and improved insulation properties, resulting in reduced signal distortion and better electrical isolation. This is beneficial for applications that require high signal integrity and lower electrical losses.
5. Material Properties:
Isola IS415 has a higher decomposition temperature (Td) of 370 degrees Celsius, indicating improved thermal stability compared to standard FR-4 materials. It also possesses better moisture resistance and flame retardancy properties, meeting stringent industry standards.
6. Material Cost:
Isola IS415 is typically a higher-cost material compared to standard FR-4 materials. Its enhanced performance and specialized properties contribute to the increased cost. However, the specific cost may vary depending on factors such as volume, supplier, and region.
Performance Comparison with Other High-Speed Materials
When comparing the performance of Isola IS415 PCB Material with other high-speed materials, it’s important to consider various factors such as signal integrity, electrical properties, thermal performance, and cost. Here’s a general performance comparison with some commonly used high-speed materials:
1. Isola IS415 vs. FR-4:
Isola IS415 outperforms standard FR-4 materials in terms of thermal performance, high-frequency performance, and dimensional stability. It has a higher Tg, lower Dk, lower Df, and better CTE control. However, Isola IS415 is typically more expensive than FR-4.
2. Isola IS415 vs. Isola FR408:
Isola FR408 is another high-speed material from Isola. It offers similar thermal performance and dimensional stability to Isola IS415 but has a slightly higher Dk and Df. However, Isola FR408 is often preferred for its lower cost compared to Isola IS415.
3. Isola IS415 vs. Rogers 4000 Series:
The Rogers 4000 series, such as Rogers RO4003C, RO4350B, and RO4360G2, are popular high-frequency materials. These materials have lower Dk and Df values than Isola IS415, resulting in better signal integrity and lower losses at high frequencies. They also have excellent thermal performance and dimensional stability. However, Rogers materials tend to be more expensive than Isola IS415.
4. Isola IS415 vs. Nelco N4000-13EP:
Nelco N4000-13EP is another high-speed material known for its excellent electrical properties and low Dk/Df values. It offers similar performance to Isola IS415 in terms of thermal stability and dimensional control. The choice between the two would depend on specific design requirements and cost considerations.
5. Isola IS415 vs. Arlon AD3000:
Arlon AD3000 is a high-frequency material with low Dk and Df values, similar to Isola IS415. It provides good thermal stability and electrical performance. The selection between Isola IS415 and Arlon AD3000 would depend on specific application requirements and cost considerations.
It’s worth noting that the performance and availability of high-speed materials can vary among different manufacturers and product grades within a material family.
Industry Approvals of Isola IS415
The Isola IS415 PCB Material has obtained various industry approvals, demonstrating its compliance with recognized standards. The following industry approvals have been granted to the Isola IS415:
1. IPC-4101D WAM1 /98 /99/ 101 /126 (IPC-4101C /21 /24 /26 /121 /124 /129):
●The Isola IS415 has been tested and approved in accordance with IPC-4101D WAM1, IPC-4101D/98, IPC-4101D/99, IPC-4101D/101, IPC-4101D/126, as well as previous versions such as IPC-4101C/21, IPC-4101C/24, IPC-4101C/26, IPC-4101C/121, IPC-4101C/124, and IPC-4101C/129. These approvals certify that the Isola IS415 meets the stringent requirements outlined by IPC for specific performance characteristics and material properties.
2. UL – File Number E41625:
●The Isola IS415 has undergone testing and evaluation by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and has been assigned the File Number E41625. This UL approval signifies that the Isola IS415 meets the safety and performance standards set by UL. It indicates that the material has been assessed for its electrical, mechanical, and fire-resistant properties to ensure its reliability and compliance with industry regulations.
Additionally, the Isola IS415 has qualified for UL’s MCIL (Material Comparative Tracking Index Listing) Program. This program evaluates the comparative tracking index (CTI) of materials used in electrical insulating systems. By qualifying for this program, the Isola IS415 has demonstrated its ability to withstand electrical stress and resist the formation of conductive paths under specific test conditions.
These industry approvals and qualifications validate the Isola IS415 PCB Material as a reliable and compliant choice for various applications, assuring customers of its quality, performance, and adherence to recognized industry standards.
Conclusion
Isola IS415 PCB Material stands at the forefront of high-speed electronic design, providing engineers with a powerful tool to push the boundaries of performance. Its remarkable thermal stability, outstanding signal integrity, and consistent dimensional control make it an ideal choice for applications demanding speed, reliability, and efficiency. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of Isola IS415, engineers can create innovative solutions that redefine what is possible in the realm of high-speed electronics.
