Aln PCB or aluminum nitride PCBs are PCBs containing conductive materials. This ceramic PCB has high thermal conductivity standing at around 170w/MK. This combines with its low thermal expansion coefficient as well as its strong dielectric.All these properties make the Aln PCB or Aluminum nitride PCB have high performing solutions for circuits delivered for the high temperature and high current coefficient. Furthermore, aluminum nitride (Aln) can be seen in different colors, thicknesses, shapes, and sizes. These are very important in several applications. You can find this in automotive companies and radio frequency companies, power companies, LED converters, etc.
What are the Properties of Aluminum Nitride PCB (Aln PCB)?
Aln PCB has properties that make it a reliable choice for several applications. You can group them as physical, chemical, as well as environmental properties. Some factors can be considered. These factors are thermal expansion, density, dielectric constant, comprehensive strength, melting point, tensile strength, bulk modulus, breakdown potential, and minimum as well as maximum service temperature.
Thermal Expansion
Aln PCB has a thermal expansion with its maximum and minimum value standing at around 5.61 and 4.3 SI units respectively.
Melting Point
Aln PCB has a melting point of more than 2000 degrees Celsius
Thermal Conductivity
Aln PCB is well-known due to its great thermal conductivity having a value of 170w/Mk. With this value, it makes it a very good option for several applications.
Electrical Insulation
Aln PCB provides a reliable electrical resistance. Due to this, it is a reliable electrical insulator.
Density
Aln PCB comes with an average value of density of about 3.6g for every centimeter cube. Furthermore, in different environmental properties, the focus has to be on aluminum nitride’s response to moisture, temperature, corrosion, UV radiation, etc.
UV Radiation
Aln PCB helps in resisting UV radiation due to its oxide layer formation
It resists corrosion
Protective surface finishes and coating which are applied onto it protects and surrounds the Aln PCB. This helps to protect it from corrosive effects, which appears from its environment.
It resists extreme temperatures
Aln PCB offers strong resistance to extreme temperatures which could reach 1370 degrees Celsius. Temperatures that are higher can result in a material passing through bulk oxidation. Furthermore, Aluminum nitride (Aln) is usually stable in carbondioxide and hydrogen atmospheres.
Why Should You Choose Aluminum Nitride PCB (Aln PCB)
If thermal conductivity is the driver, then the best option to use is Aluminum. It includes a value of 170w/mK for the thermal conductivity. With this value, systems that are very demanding will find this PCB useful.
In addition, it includes properties such as small package sizes, strong dielectric, and high temperatures for operation. This occurs due to the hermetic packages, integration, low thermal expansion coefficient, etc.
Having these properties in place, it allows the use of Aln PCB in several fields and applications. These include high-current switches, high-power LEDs, lasers, etc. Moreover, Aln PCB manufacturing is achieved using high-grade materials which are both tough and resilient. This ensures that the product is very durable. This durability will help you to save any costs related to repair and maintenance.
Manufacturing the Aln PCB (Aluminum Nitride PCB)
Note that Aln (Aluminum nitride) is known as the synthetic or inorganic ceramic component which is manufactured majorly from aluminum and nitrogen steel. The manufacturing process of aluminum nitride involves two major processes.
- Carbothermal reduction and nitridation
- Direct nitridation
When manufacturing the Aln PCB (aluminum nitride PCB) the most preferred method is direct nitridation. Explaining further, Carbothermal nitridation as well as reduction serves as an alternative for direct nitridation. Moreover, for most cases, this is useful for alumina nitride production.
This method offers a great benefit because it is environmentally friendly. Therefore, it won’t produce harmful by-products, as well as greenhouse gasses. It is also energy efficient. However, the process of manufacturing has its own disadvantages. The process of milling might bring in some impurities. Furthermore, breaking the aluminum nitride formed. Here is why multiple steps may be needed for reduction in size so as to attain the particle’s desired size.
Aluminum Nitride PCB (Aln PCB) Cost
The prices for the aluminum nitride boards can vary. This is dependent on several factors such as color, board size, later, thickness, and surface finish, etc. Also, there are some cases where the quantity can determine the Aln PCB cost. For cases like this, manufacturers and suppliers might give people some discount, especially those making a bulk purchase.
