Rigid PCB vs Ceramic PCB

Rigid PCB vs Ceramic PCB, have you any idea which one is for you? Do not worry, we – SFX PCB will discuss this topic today.

One of the biggest dilemma consumers often faces while purchasing PCBs is choosing between a Rigid PCB and a Ceramic PCB. The main question which arises is which one is better? In order to come to the conclusion regarding the smart choice between the two, we need to compare both of them with similar parameters

Rigid PCB

A Rigid PCB is an inflexible and a solid circuit board. In simpler words, a rigid PCB cannot be bent or disfigured. A Rigid PCB can be of three types – Single-Sided, Double-Sided or a Multilayer. After it has been made, a Rigid PCB cannot be folded into any other shape or size. The main components used in the manufacturing of a Rigid PCB is a solid substrate with copper tracks. The technology used for manufacturing is Wave Soldering, SMT (Surface Mountain Technology) and Hand Soldering.

Uses

Used in Desktops and Laptops.
Used in Satellites
The Aerospace Industry is the most used sector of Rigid PCB
Telecommunication Equipment

Advantages

One of the main factors which add to the popularity of the Rigid PCB is that more durable than Flexible Circuit Boards or FCB.
Rigid PCBs are of high quality and density, which contributes to its demand.
These are also widely used in a variety of electronic devices.

Disadvantages

One of the major disadvantages is that a Rigid PCB is extremely difficult to make an adjustment to after it is installed. In addition to the wastage of time, it also creates the risk of redoing the entire design just to make a small adjustment.
Rigid PCBs are comparatively more expensive than the other types of PCBs, thus making it a less viable option if the budget is strict.
Another problem that comes with a Rigid PCB is its reduced weight. If there is a barrier regarding weight, it is suggested to look for another option.

Ceramic PCB

A Ceramic PCB has a base of Ceramic. It is usually used in areas subjected to high temperature and pressure. Ceramic PCBs provide suitable substrates for electronic circuits having a thermal conductivity which is fairly high and a low CTE (Low Expansion Coefficient). It can replace a traditional PCB with attractive improvements such as less complex design and better performance. It is used in a variety of industries such as Automotive Industries, Aerospace Industries, etc.

Uses

Used in the manufacture of proximity sensors
To make high-powered circuits
For making Semiconductor coolers
Used in making high insulation and high-pressure device

Advantages

The thermal conductivity outperforms the other PCBs by a tremendous margin
Innovativeness is boosted because of the fact that the ceramic boards are quite compact.
Ease of multi-layering for having high mechanical strength is also a plus point.
The risk of inducing damage is fairly reduced because Ceramic PCBs have a lower dielectric constant.

Disadvantages

The materials used are quite expensive which in turn increases the cost of these PCBs which makes it a deal-breaker for most people.
The scarcity of materials also leads to less production which in turn lays way to less availability.
Ceramic PCBs are quite fragile and if not handled with care, they are bound to be deemed useless after falling and breaking.

Comparison: Rigid PCB vs Ceramic PCB

After comparing the characteristics of both the printed circuit boards, the only suitable conclusion that can be drawn is that Ceramic PCBs are better as compared to Rigid PCBs. This conclusion was made after carefully comparing each and every aspect. Firstly, thermal conductivity has been proven to be the best in Ceramic PCBs. The higher thermal conductivity facilitates in controlling the temperature which in turn helps in avoiding damage caused by temperature.

Secondly, It provides better performance as compared to Rigid PCB because of the fact that multi-layering is easily allowed. It also has high-quality insulation, allowing it to insulate electrical resistance properly. Ceramic boards also do not allow high thermal expansion and thus help in avoiding great damage. Another feather in the cap of Ceramic PCBs is that they have high resistance to the harmful cosmic rays.

With respect to all the proven points stated above, it is safe to say that the conclusion that Ceramic PCB is better than Rigid PCB is totally accurate and fairly sensible.

Peter Gong

I am Peter Gong. I have been working in PCB and PCBA industry for 15+ years now. I have been a part of the PCB revolution with my dedication to circuit board technologies and creative ideas. I write in FX PCB to impart my knowledge on PCB and PCBA for all circuit board lovers, manufacturers, and users.