Nelco N4000-7 EF is a highly versatile and advanced material widely used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs). With its exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, it has become a preferred choice for various applications in the electronics industry. This article delves into the key features and benefits of Nelco N4000-7 EF, highlighting its significance and impact on PCB manufacturing.
Features of the Nelco N4000-7 EF
The Nelco N4000-7 EF offers a range of exceptional features that make it a highly desirable choice for various applications.
1. Outstanding Thermal Stability and Moisture Resistance:
The Nelco N4000-7 EF exhibits remarkable thermal stability and moisture resistance. These properties ensure reliable performance during solder reflow processes and repair procedures while maintaining its structural integrity.
2. Lead-Free Assembly Compatibility:
Designed for high-layer-count applications, the Nelco N4000-7 EF is compatible with lead-free assembly processes. This makes it suitable for environmentally conscious designs that require high reliability.
3. Uncompromised Electrical Performance:
The epoxy formulation of Nelco N4000-7 EF delivers exceptional electrical performance without compromising on quality. By eliminating bromine, it offers improved efficiency compared to other bromine-containing components. Moreover, it outperforms standard FR-4 epoxy systems, providing superior electrical characteristics.
4. Halogen-Free Composition:
The Nelco N4000-7 EF presents a halogen-free and lead-free solution, making it an eco-friendly choice that complies with environmental regulations.
5. CAF Resistance:
With its impressive CAF (Conductive Anodic Filament) resistance and low Z-CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion), the Nelco N4000-7 EF ensures prolonged reliability even in complex designs with increased circuit densities and lower feature pitches. It can be processed using standard high Tg FR-4 methodologies.
6. High Tg FR-4 Processing:
The Nelco N4000-7 EF undergoes a 90-minute press at approximately 193°C and 275 to 350 psi, adhering to high Tg FR-4 processing requirements.
7. Additional Features:
●Vacuum Lamination: The Nelco N4000-7 EF is vacuum laminated, ensuring consistent and reliable bonding.
●Versatile Options: It is available in various constructions, offering flexibility in glass styles and copper weights to meet specific design requirements.
●Compliance: The Nelco N4000-7 EF meets IPC-4101/94 and UL 94V-0 specifications, ensuring adherence to industry standards.
●RoHS Compliance: It is also compliant with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, further demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Nelco N4000-7 EF combines its exceptional thermal stability, moisture resistance, uncompromised electrical performance, halogen-free composition, CAF resistance, and compliance with industry standards, making it a highly reliable and environmentally friendly choice for a wide range of applications.
Electrical Performance of Nelco N4000-7 EF
The Nelco N4000-7 EF is known for its excellent electrical performance, particularly in high-frequency applications. Here are some key aspects of its electrical performance:
1. Dielectric Constant (Dk):
Nelco N4000-7 EF exhibits a low and stable dielectric constant, typically in the range of 3.55 to 3.70. The low Dk value ensures minimal signal loss and signal distortion, making it suitable for high-speed digital and RF/microwave circuits.
2. Dissipation Factor (Df):
The material has a low dissipation factor, often below 0.009, which indicates minimal energy loss in high-frequency circuits. The low Df value helps maintain signal integrity and reduces losses associated with signal transmission.
3. High-Frequency Performance:
Nelco N4000-7 EF is designed to excel in high-frequency applications. It offers low insertion loss, excellent signal quality, and minimal dispersion at high frequencies. These characteristics are crucial for maintaining the integrity and quality of high-frequency signals.
4. Impedance Control:
The material provides good impedance control, allowing for precise matching of transmission line characteristics. This capability is essential for maintaining signal integrity and minimizing reflections in high-speed digital and RF/microwave circuits.
5. Signal Integrity:
Nelco N4000-7 EF helps preserve signal integrity by minimizing skew, crosstalk, and noise interference in high-speed digital designs. Its electrical properties contribute to maintaining signal integrity, reducing data errors, and ensuring reliable circuit performance.
6. High-Frequency PCB Design:
Due to its excellent electrical performance, Nelco N4000-7 EF is commonly used in high-frequency PCB designs, such as telecommunications, wireless communication systems, radar systems, and high-speed digital applications where signal quality and transmission reliability are critical.
Thermal Performance of Nelco N4000-7 EF
The Nelco N4000-7 EF demonstrates specific thermal properties that are essential in determining its behavior and performance in various temperature conditions. Here are the thermal properties of Nelco N4000-7 EF:
CTE and Linear:
The Nelco N4000-7 EF exhibits a linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) within specific temperature ranges:
●In the temperature range of -40°C to 125°C, the CTE linear values for the X and Y axes range from 12.0 to 17.0 µm/m-°C.
●In the temperature range of 50°C to 165°C, the CTE linear value is approximately 65.0 µm/m-°C.
●For the Z-axis (through-thickness direction), the CTE linear value is 250 µm/m-°C within the temperature range of 165°C to 260°C (alpha).
Specific Heat Capacity:
The specific heat capacity of Nelco N4000-7 EF epoxies is approximately 0.962 J/g-°C. This property represents the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of the material per unit mass.
Thermal Conductivity:
Nelco N4000-7 EF epoxy has a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.470 W/m-K. This value indicates the material’s ability to conduct heat and is important for efficient heat dissipation.
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg):
The standard Nelco N4000-7 EF epoxies have different Tg values depending on the measurement technique:
●TMA (Thermomechanical Analysis): Tg of 155°C
●DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry): Tg of 165°C
●DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis): Tg of 190°C
The Tg represents the temperature at which the material transitions from a rigid to a more flexible state.
Decomposition Temperature:
The Nelco N4000-7 EF epoxy has a decomposition temperature of approximately 425°C, where a weight loss of 5% occurs. This indicates the temperature at which the material begins to degrade.
Flammability and UL94:
Nelco N4000-7 EF epoxies have a flammability rating of V-0 according to the UL94 standard. This rating signifies that the material has passed the stringent flammability tests and exhibits excellent fire resistance.
Physical Properties of the Nelco N4000-7 EF
The Nelco N4000-7 EF possesses specific physical properties that contribute to its overall characteristics and performance. Here are the physical properties of Nelco N4000-7 EF:
1. Density:
The density of the Nelco N4000-7 EF is approximately 1.92 g/cc. This value is determined at a resin content of 50%. Density represents the mass per unit volume of the material and is important for calculating component weights and determining the overall weight and thickness of the laminate.
2. Water Absorption:
The water absorption rate of the Nelco N4000-7 EF epoxy is approximately 0.10%. This value indicates the extent to which the material can absorb water when exposed to a humid environment or immersed in water. A low water absorption rate is desirable as it helps maintain the dimensional stability and electrical performance of the laminate over time.
Mechanical Properties of Nelco N4000-7 EF
The Nelco N4000-7 EF exhibits notable mechanical properties, including peel strength, which is an important characteristic for ensuring the integrity and reliability of a laminate. Here are the peel strength values for the Nelco N4000-7 EF:
Peel Strength after Process Solution Exposure:
Following exposure to process solutions, the peel strength of the Nelco N4000-7 EF is measured at 0.982 kN/m. This indicates the material’s ability to maintain strong adhesion between layers, even after being subjected to various process solutions during PCB fabrication.
Peel Strength at High Temperatures:
At elevated temperatures, the peel strength of the Nelco N4000-7 EF increases to approximately 0.999 kN/m. This demonstrates the material’s ability to withstand thermal stress and maintain the bonding between layers, ensuring the structural stability of the laminate in high-temperature environments.
Peel Strength after the Solder Float Process:
Following the solder float process, the peel strength of the Nelco N4000-7 EF significantly increases to reach 1.17 kN/m. This indicates the material’s strong adhesion and resistance to delamination, even under the thermal and mechanical stresses associated with the solder float process.
These peel strength values reflect the Nelco N4000-7 EF’s ability to maintain robust interlayer adhesion, which is crucial for preventing separation or delamination of the laminate during the PCB manufacturing and assembly processes. The material’s consistent peel strength across different stages of processing ensures the reliability and long-term performance of electronic circuits.
Application of Nelco N4000-7 EF in PCB manufacturing
Nelco N4000-7 EF is commonly used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs) due to its excellent electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Here are some applications of Nelco N4000-7 EF in PCB manufacturing:
High-Speed and High-Frequency PCBs:
Nelco N4000-7 EF is often utilized in high-speed and high-frequency PCB designs where signal integrity and low loss are critical. Its low dielectric loss and stable electrical properties make it suitable for applications involving high-speed data transmission, such as telecommunications, networking equipment, and high-performance computing.
RF and Microwave PCBs:
Due to its low loss tangent and stable dielectric constant, Nelco N4000-7 EF is commonly employed in RF (Radio Frequency) and microwave PCBs. These types of PCBs are utilized in wireless communication systems, radar systems, satellite communication, and other high-frequency applications.
Automotive Electronics:
Nelco N4000-7 EF finds application in automotive electronics, where reliability and performance in demanding environments are crucial. It is used in the manufacturing of PCBs for engine control units (ECUs), advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment systems, and other automotive electronic components.
Aerospace and Defense Systems:
The excellent thermal and mechanical properties of Nelco N4000-7 EF make it suitable for aerospace and defense applications. It is utilized in PCBs for avionics, satellite systems, radar systems, and other electronic components that require high reliability, thermal stability, and resistance to vibration and mechanical stress.
Industrial Electronics:
Nelco N4000-7 EF is employed in various industrial electronic applications, including power supplies, motor drives, industrial control systems, and instrumentation. Its properties enable it to withstand harsh operating conditions, maintain signal integrity, and ensure reliable performance.
High-Temperature Applications:
With its high glass transition temperature (Tg) and good dimensional stability, Nelco N4000-7 EF is suitable for PCBs operating in high-temperature environments. It can withstand elevated temperatures during assembly processes, as well as in applications where heat dissipation or exposure to high ambient temperatures is a concern.
In Conclusion
Nelco N4000-7 EF is a highly reliable and versatile material that plays a vital role in PCB manufacturing. Its exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties make it a preferred choice for various applications in the electronics industry. With its ability to ensure signal integrity, high-frequency performance, and reliability, Nelco N4000-7 EF contributes significantly to the advancement of PCB technology. As the electronics industry continues to evolve, the demand for reliable and high-performance PCBs will further drive the utilization of Nelco N4000-7 EF in innovative and advanced electronic systems.
