Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1202019
20 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2020 Metal-core Printed Boards IPC started to develop a standard 4–5 years ago, but the work to develop this standard was stopped halfway. The result is that it's a jungle out there, especially the specification and stan- dardization of aluminum used as a base material and heat distributor. The situation today is that the major players in the market develop their own materials without a material standard. That does not mean the materials are of low quality. The challenge comes when you try to compare materials from two competitive vendors. You can sort on thermal conductivity and other parameters for the insulation material, but if you try to specify the aluminum carrier, you soon get stuck. If you ask the big vendors, you surely get figures, but how to compare if you don't have a standard for reference? A good example is to know how to select the cor- rect material if you have a long, slim printed board and want to avoid bow and twist. High-voltage Printed Boards Along with the metal-core printed boards comes the requirements for high voltage for LED headlights and taillights. We see voltage of 1000 volts or more with all the requirements that follow this level. For printed boards used in such applications, test and qualification will be discussed along with material and electrical requirements. Traceability IPC-1782A is currently in the ballot stage, and we have finally managed to include traceabil- ity for printed boards in addition to the elec- tronic production. Traceability is a critical tool to limit the cost when a problem occurs, and with the volumes of automotive applications, it is vital to keep the cost down. The new re- vision of Automotive Applications Addendum to IPC-6012 will be linked to IPC-1782A with a requirement to traceability levels related to reliability requirements. Press-fit Technology IPC-6012DA WAM1 already has requirements related to press-fit, but with the new cold-join- ing press-fit standard IPC-9797, we will have a much better tool to set requirements using a well-defined standard. These are some of the issues that will be discussed when we start de- veloping the new revision of the Automotive Applications Addendum to IPC-6012. Again, some of the issues have up to now not been sufficiently discussed. I think we are overdue but, hopefully, not too late. Join the Group and Raise Your Voice The first open discussion will be at IPC APEX EXPO on February 4. The task group is open for new members, and with this agenda, I expect an increased interest in this standard. We need members from the whole supply chain to join the discussion, from automotive application de- signers to all parts of electronics production and carmakers. Printed boards for electric vehicles will also be a part of the whole discussion. Be a Cheerleader Since six PCB manufacturers came together to create the Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC) in the fall of 1957, hundreds of standards have been developed, obstacles removed, and the advancement of the PCB industry has been cheered forward. I am looking forward and hoping to see lots of cheering and enthusiasm at this year's grand event in San Diego as well. We all need the standards and to be involved in making them function optimally. PCB007 Jan Pedersen is a senior technical advisor at Elmatica. To read past columns or contact The PCB Norsemen, click here. The situation today is that the major players in the market develop their own materials without a material standard.