8 Things you Need to Know about Copper

Judy Warner
|  Created: July 20, 2021
8 Things you Need to Know about Copper

Copper roughness has an impact on high-speed digital designs. Choose your copper wisely!

In this episode, circuit materials expert John Coonrod of Rogers Corporation shares his extensive knowledge on copper roughness. Watch this episode or listen on the go; it will help a PCB designer make a sound decision about picking the most suitable copper to use on your next design.

Listen to the Podcast:

Download this episode (right click and save)

Watch the video:

Show Highlights:

  • Introduction, John Coonrod’s  role, expertise, and experience in the Rogers lab
  • How the two basic types of copper are made (Rolled and ED) electric deposit (check out the slide)
    • Copper overview
    • Surface Roughness, the rougher the copper, the more the bond area
    • Copper Treatments
  • What is a reverse treat? The benefits, thermal properties, and adhesion
  • IPC classifications of Low Profile (LP), Very Low Profile (VLP)
  • Surface roughness for different types of copper and different types of surface roughness measurement units (check out the slides)
    • Best practices when selecting a material
  • Normal variations of copper for thickness, roughness, and etching differences
  • Copper roughness impact on high-speed digital designs
  • Copper roughness impact on RF concerns
  • Future MMW 9 micron copper
     

Links and Resources:

Rogers Advanced Connectivity Solutions Website
Rogers (Free) Technology Support Hub
DesignCon 2021 August 17-19, San Jose, CA
PCB West 2021 October 5-8, Santa Clara, CA
Copper Foils for High-Frequency Circuit Materials
Different Copper Foils for Different Reasons
Choosing Copper Foils for High-Frequency PCBs
Materials for High Speed Interconnects: Physics & Chemistry of Copper Clad Laminates
How Copper Properties Impact PCB RF and High-Speed Digital Performance


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About Author

About Author

Judy Warner has held a unique variety of roles in the electronics industry for over 25 years. She has a background in PCB Manufacturing, RF and Microwave PCBs and Contract Manufacturing, focusing on Mil/Aero applications. 

She has also been a writer, blogger, and journalist for several industry publications such as Microwave Journal, PCB007 Magazine, PCB Design007, PCD&F, and IEEE Microwave Magazine, and an active board member for PCEA (Printed Circuit Engineering Association). In 2017, Warner joined Altium as the Director of Community Engagement. In addition to hosting the OnTrack Podcast and creating the OnTrack Newsletter, she launched Altium's annual user conference, AltiumLive. Warner's passion is to provide resources, support, and advocate for PCB Design Engineers worldwide.

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