Heavy Copper PCB applications
Applications that require heavy power have built-in components of copper. Heavy copper PCB(printed circuit boards) ensure efficient and reliable power distribution. Most electronic materials are embracing this technology of printed circuit boards. There is heavy copper and extreme copper printed circuit. The most common commercial PCB is manufactured for low voltage powered applications. Heavy copper circuits are made up of copper with weights ranging from 4 0z/ft2 and 40 Oz/ft2. Above there, weights are extreme copper PCB while below this is copper PCB.
Heavy copper pcb Applications
Heavy copper PCBs are used in the following areas but not limited to:
Equipment welding industries.
Manufacturers of solar panels
Power supplies
Converters of power
Vehicle and automotive industry
Electrical and power distribution industry.
- Electric vehicles
Energy storage and power grids
Hydroelectric plants
Heavy copper pcb Benefits
The following are the main benefits of heavy copper used in devices and equipment:
Thermal endurance gains more endurance
- The current and power carrying capacity increases
- Mechanical strengths are increased in the area of connections and PTC holes.
Decreases chances of circuit failure thus devices can be used to their full potential e.g. when there is high temperatures.
When multiple heavy copper PCB is used in the same layer it reduces the end product size.
With increased current supply there is increased heat, it helps transfer heat throughout the layer to an external source like a heat sink.
Construction
Heavy copper PCB is either multi-layered or double-sided. They are manufactured using a number of sheets of copper foils. They are approximately 0.5 oz/ft2 to 2 oz/ft2. The etching is then done to get rid of the unwanted copper parts. Plated is then done to planes, sides, and traces. The plating is done through holes. The circuit is then laminated into an end product.
Current and temperature capacity
Temperature is the main determinant of how much current a device can carry. If a device can withstand higher temperatures then it has the capability to carry more current. With the formula I2R, there is power loss when current passes through the traces thus generating heat in the heavy copper PCB. The copper trace cools the temperatures by supplying the heat to the neighboring materials with the process of conduction. The heat is then transmitted by the process of convection to the environment. Heavy copper PCBs are made to ensure the heat gain is equal to the cooling.
Conclusion
Heavy copper PCB has had the evolutionary experience. The manufacturing and assembly are to ensure high-performance devices that are reliable to increase productivity. The demand increases with time as they increase performance and reduce costs. The only disadvantage know of this technology is that it costs more than TPC (traditional printed circuits).
