Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1437606
44 PCB007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2021 peel strength. e question becomes, if the right measure is not peel strength, how do you assess the reliability? While the focus is cer- tainly on the electrical performance, it creates other concerns. With these very smooth cop- per foils, the risk of delamination in assem- bly thermal cycles can increase, and we have also seen cases where CAF growth occurs at the bond line between etched laminate surface and the prepreg bonded to it. So, we work very closely with our suppliers to make sure that the copper profiles and treatments match well with our dielectric material, and we follow a strict test protocol to make sure we are getting reliable adhesion and excellent CAF resistance even though it is the electrical performance that is driving the industry requirement. Matties: And for the automotive market? E. Kelley: As far as product development, we are very focused on higher performance materi- als for electric and hybrid electric vehicles with high-power, high-voltage, and harsh thermal environments. A few years ago, we went from testing CAF at 100 to 350 to 500 V. Now we're testing at 1,000 and 1,500 V; if you think about it, we understand why people are trying to do this. If you want to charge your electric vehicle, you don't want it to take any longer than filling up a gas-powered car. Certainly, we've learned some things about CAF resistance at those higher voltages, and there are some key differences at those high voltages compared to the lower. High voltages also generate a lot of heat. e automotive classifications for thermal cycling reliability are going up dramatically, too. ere's a bit of a dynamic with the OEMs trying to figure out what materials are avail- able and how to design a PCB to have a reliable product. In turn, we are working to develop more reliable products to offer greater design flexibility. ere is a lot of testing going on right now. We are also working on products for Automation efficiencies in action as materials move from one process to the next in well-orchestrated choreography, as shown in this short video.