Isola PCB Laminates Balancing Thermal Reliability and Signal Requirements
Isola’s different material series are designed to meet various thermal, electrical, and processing requirements. From general-purpose rigid boards to high-speed interconnects, first identify your design constraints, then select the specific model and laminate.
Isola: Materials and Product Selection
This information is based on the manufacturer’s current documentation and the versions confirmed by both parties. The model descriptions do not constitute a commitment regarding real-time inventory or direct substitution; thickness, copper foil, and supply specifications are subject to project confirmation.
370HR
This is a suitable candidate for high-temperature, high-reliability FR-4; however, the specifications for this model cannot be applied to all Isola materials.
FR408HR
Selection of rigid boards for applications requiring attention to electrical performance. This must be evaluated in conjunction with trace length, stack-up, and loss budget.
I-Tera MT40
Candidate low-loss materials. The structures and parameters of high-speed digital and RF/MW materials must be cross-checked.
IS550H
The manufacturer classifies this material as halogen-free and high-reliability. The halogen-free declaration and the project’s thermal and electrical specifications must be verified separately.
When selecting a model, be sure to focus on these three points
Comparison Series by Application
Separately analyze the heat resistance requirements and signal loss requirements, and then identify candidate grades.
Core Board and Pre-preg
Specify the fiberglass structure, resin content, post-press thickness, and copper foil to create a manufacturable laminate.
Use the complete data as an alternative basis
The alternative evaluation includes assessments of electrical properties, thermal expansion, processing, and material declarations; it is not based solely on Tg.
From Candidate Materials to Production Materials
01 · Lock Data Version
Record the complete part number, suffix, original factory data sheet, and design objectives, and list any uncertain parameters as items to be confirmed.
02 · Review of Stacking and Processes
Based on the core board, bonding material, copper foil, circuit patterns, and via structures, confirm the available specifications and manufacturing conditions.
03 · Replace after confirmation
Any changes to materials must be compared against electrical, thermal, mechanical, and documentation requirements; once confirmed by the design team, they must be incorporated into the production documentation.
Submit this information to minimize back-and-forth during the selection process.
- Design Documents
- Gerber or ODB++, drill holes, board dimensions, number of layers, board thickness, and copper thickness.
- Material Specifications
- Complete part numbers and suffixes, manufacturer specifications, lamination, copper foil, and permitted substitution ranges.
- Conditions of Use
- Operating frequency bands or signal requirements, thermal processes, environmental and structural constraints.
- Delivery Requirements
- Quantity, target delivery date, inspection requirements, and required material certificates.
Common Selection Issues
Are all Isola materials low-loss?
No. Different product lines have different positioning, so they should be evaluated based on the data sheets and design objectives for each specific grade.
How do I choose between the FR408HR and the 370HR?
First, clarify the thermal reliability and electrical loss targets, then compare the data obtained from the actual structure with the machining conditions; decisions should not be based solely on steel grade or price.
Can it be replaced with other materials that have the same Tg?
The fact that the Tg values are the same does not mean that other performance characteristics are the same. Substitutions must be approved only after verifying the complete performance specifications, structure, and customer requirements.
Review the materials, then proceed with prototyping and production
Shenzhen Jingpeng Electronics | Submit Isola material requirements, design documents, and quantities; review supply specifications and manufacturing plans.
