What is Ceramic PCB

Hello Readers, What is ceramic PCBSFX PCB works with ceramic PCB and varieties of PCB products. So, we have decided to share the definition and its uses with our readers. Ceramic PCB is a circuit board made with a ceramic base material. PCB is a short form of the printed circuit board.

It is made of electronic ceramics that can be changed into many different shapes and sizes. For having high-temperature resistance and high electrical insulation performance, it is used vastly in various fields that need better circuit boards. Some extra feature of it can be:

  • High thermal conductivity
  • Low dielectric constant and dielectric loss
  • Good chemical stability
  • The good thermal expansion coefficient of the component

Before knowing what ceramic, PCB is, you need to have a good understanding of PCB.

Table of Contents

Our Recommended Ceramic PCB

Ceramic-PCB- 1

FX PCB can provide the ALN(Aluminum oxide) and AIO203(Aluminum Nitride) Ceramic PCB, we can make ENEPIG, ENIG, Immerison silver surface,you can check the material datesheet and our capability from the below tables.

Ceramic PCB is actually made of electronic ceramic materials and can be made into various shapes.

The ceramic circuit board has the following characteristics: high-temperature resistance, high electrical insulation, low dielectric constant, low dielectric loss, high thermal conductivity, good chemical stability, and the thermal expansion is almost can be coefficients of components.

What is Ceramic PCB? – Differences Between PCB & Ceramic PCB

PCB or printed circuit boards are made by printing conductive pathways into a board that connects transistors, resistors, and integrated circuits.

In the case of Ceramic printed circuit boards, the conductive pathways are printed in ceramic baseboards. This essentially improves the performance quality of such circuit boards.

The ceramic used in this case is not the typical ones that are utilized in floors; instead, it is a special kind of material called ‘fine ceramic.’ It is engineered with different chemical substances for specific uses.

A ceramic printed circuit board is made of metal cores. Aluminum nitride boards are suitable for high thermal conductivity. The main drawback of it is the cost. Aluminum nitride boards cost a lot. For less cost, many use aluminum oxide boards, which provide less thermal conductivity comparing to the previous one.

In this case, one can increase the conductivity by using silver traces covered with glass. The glass is primarily used for protection. For using in delicate devices, silver corrosion can become a problem, and for this issue, some use gold plating.

Ceramic PCB is comparatively more pricey than other PCB. But if we think deeply, it is actually a cheaper option because it requires less maintenance for being a high-quality product. This is why many tech industries are switching to Ceramic to provide their customers with better and safer products. SFX PCB Supplies good quality PCB products.

Uses of Ceramic PCB

The ceramic PCB made on ceramic is considered a type of metal core PCB. While other circuit boards such as FR4 or Aluminum can be used for electrical equipment, Ceramic circuit boards provide extra safety. The PCB also keeps the devices risk-free. Typically, Ceramic board is used in the followings:

  • Spotlights and high-current LEDs
  • Exchange converters
  • Power controllers
  • Variable optical systems
  • Power regulators for cars
  • Industrial power equipment
  • Semiconductor refrigeration devices
  • IC arrays
  • Printers
  • Audio amplifiers
  • Solar cell substrates
  • High power transistors and transistor arrays
  • Power applications
what is pcb and uses of pcb

The benefit of Ceramic PCBs

Ceramic board’s high electrical insulation and high-temperature resistance performance refrain electrical devices from having any kind of damages. The rapid increase of Ceramic usage in lessening the complexity of circuit boards and increasing the performance. Consider using Ceramic if you need to use your devices in:

  • High pressure: Ceramic PCBs are pretty adaptive. Hence, you will see it working successfully even in the highest pressure point at ease. Its high-pressure resistance makes it an ideal circuit board for heavy-duty uses.
  • High insulation: Ceramic also has extreme insulation. So, heat is less likely to pass through the substrate. It prevents the circuit board components from easy damage.
  • High frequency: The ceramic has a high frequency too. So, it is used in sectors where you will need the high-frequency transmission of data and electrical signals. That’s why ceramic PCBs are seen in the aerospace and medical industries.
  • High temperature: Ceramic remains workable even in extreme weather and temperature. Thus, it offers enhanced durability and reliability in various sectors.
  • Reliability and Durability: ceramic PCBs have exceptional reliability and durability With high mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to moisture, chemicals, and environmental factors, they can withstand demanding conditions and provide long-term performance in critical applications. Although ceramic PCBs may have higher manufacturing costs compared to traditional PCBs, their unique benefits justify the investment for applications that require superior thermal management, high temperature resistance, high voltage capabilities, miniaturization, signal integrity, and long-term reliability.

  • High Voltage Applications & Signal Integrity: Ceramic PCBs have excellent electrical insulation properties, enabling them to handle high voltages without breakdown or leakage. This makes them suitable for power electronics, electric vehicles, and other applications that require high voltage capabilities. Ceramic materials have low dielectric loss and excellent signal propagation characteristics, which helps to maintain signal integrity and reduce signal distortion. This is particularly important for high-frequency and high-speed applications, such as RF communication systems and high-speed data transmission.

Since ceramic printed circuit boards come with such immense benefits, it’s no wonder different industries will use them vigorously.

Ceramic circuit boards serve the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries as they require high-quality materials for using in their devices. Industries that need higher heat-resistance should switch to ceramic PCB even though it’s a costly solution. We think what is ceramic PCB is clear to you all. If you have any confusion please let us know.

How to choose the right ceramic PCB Production Company :

When selecting a ceramic PCB production company, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you choose the right one for your specific needs. Here are some key considerations:

Expertise and Experience: 

Look for a company with a proven track record and extensive experience in manufacturing ceramic PCBs. Assess their expertise in ceramic materials, PCB design, and manufacturing processes. A company with deep knowledge and a solid reputation in producing high-quality ceramic PCBs is more likely to deliver satisfactory results.

Quality Assurance: 

Evaluate the company’s quality control measures and certifications. Ensure they adhere to industry standards and have robust quality assurance processes in place. Look for certifications such as ISO 9001 to ensure their commitment to quality. Additionally, inquire about their testing procedures and inspection protocols to ensure the reliability and durability of the ceramic PCBs they produce.

Manufacturing Capabilities: 

Assess the company’s manufacturing capabilities and production capacity. Consider factors such as their ability to handle your desired PCB size, complexity, and volume requirements. Look for companies that employ advanced equipment and technologies to ensure precise manufacturing and consistent quality.

Design Support: 

Check if the company offers design support services. This includes assistance with PCB layout, material selection, and optimization for thermal management and signal integrity. A company that provides comprehensive design support can help optimize your ceramic PCBs for better performance and functionality.

Material Options: 

Inquire about the range of ceramic materials the company offers. Different ceramic materials have specific properties, such as thermal conductivity and dielectric constant, which can impact the performance of your PCB. Ensure the company can provide the ceramic material that best suits your application requirements.

Customer Support and Communication: 

Evaluate the company’s responsiveness and willingness to address your inquiries and concerns. Effective communication and excellent customer support are crucial for a successful partnership. Choose a company that values clear and timely communication and provides ongoing support throughout the manufacturing process.

Cost and Timelines: 

Consider the pricing structure and manufacturing lead times offered by the company. While cost is an important factor, it should be balanced with the company’s reputation, quality, and capabilities. Ensure the company can meet your production timelines and deliver the ceramic PCBs within your desired timeframe.

References and Reviews: 

Seek references or read reviews from other customers who have worked with the company. Their feedback can provide insights into the company’s performance, customer satisfaction, and adherence to deadlines.

FX PCB chooses automated processing of ceramic manufacturing. It allows us to control the oxidation and eliminate it. So, you are ensured with some high-quality ceramic PCBs from us.

Final Words

So, here we end our discussion on what is ceramic PCB. It is one of the widespread and newest PCB types in the industry. Its thermal conductivity and various properties have made it a premium substrate material in the communication, defense, medical, and electronic industry.

Peter Gong
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.