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HSMtec® printed circuit boards

With HSMtec® PCBs, high-current paths and fine conductor layout can be combined in one PCB by partially integrating copper profiles in the PCB. The diverse design variants allow the targeted routing of high currents and heat loss in PCBs.

Mosfet on HSMtec® PCBs in cross-section

Your advantages

We are happy to support you in every phase of the realization of your HSMtec® printed circuit boards.
Contact our team of experts here.

HSMtec® printed circuit boards

This PCB technology is ideal for applications in which control and power electronics come together. Thanks to the partial integration of copper profiles into the PCB, high-current paths - or thermal management and fine conductor layout - can be easily combined and adapted to the spatial conditions. The diverse design variants allow high currents and heat loss from components to be routed into PCBs in a targeted manner - without any further external work steps.

In this PCB manufacturing process, copper profiles are embedded directly into the PCB and bonded to the etched inner and/or outer layers using patented ultrasonic bonding technology. This enables simple integration into a standard multilayer production process with subsequent pressing of the individual layers.

Copper elements with variable widths from 2 to 12 mm and individual lengths offer the greatest possible flexibility for the high-current layout and thermal design of the PCB. Even with existing PCB designs, performance can be significantly increased.

MaterialsFR4
TechnologyHigh current, thermal management and 3D PCB
PCB thickness0.8 mm - 3.2 mm
Number of layers2 – 10
End copper35 - 105 µm
Ladder structuresDepending on the end copper according to Design Compass
Smallest drill diameter0.25 mm; 0.50 mm through copper profiles
Aspect Ratio≤ 1:8
Release stop masksPhotosensitive solder resist systems, UV coating systems Screen printing Colors: Green, white, black matt
Surfaces
  • See general technical specifications
  • no HAL
Bending angle≤ 90°

The specified values represent the maximum power spectrum and may be limited in certain combinations.

  • Electroless nickel/gold
  • Immersion tin
  • Electroplated nickel/gold
  • OSP
  • More on request

Solder resist masks

  • Photosensitive coating systems, thermal final curing
  • Colors: green, red, blue, black glossy, black matt, white, yellow
  • Non-photosensitive coating systems, purely thermal curing: white, black


Additional prints 

  • Labeling/equipment
  • Hole filler/through-hole filler
  • Peelable lacquer
  • Heatsink
  • Carbon


Edge metallization 

In order to improve the EMC protection of a circuit board, to create an electrical contact to the housing of the assembly or to meet increased cleanliness requirements, the front sides of the circuit board contour can be metallized.

Milled vias 

It is possible to produce application-specific components with so-called milled through-holes. The resulting circuit boards can be soldered onto another circuit board as components (interposer) due to their front-side contacting option.

HDI printed circuit board with milled through-hole plating

Contour processing

Contour production: milling and scoring

High currents directly integrated

High-current and fine conductor structures on a PCB are not a contradiction in terms - even within the same layer. By selectively inserting large copper cross-sections at any point on a standard multilayer, currents of up to 400 amps can be easily combined with the finest conductor structures on a PCB.

Copper profiles are embedded directly into the PCB and bonded to the etched inner and outer layers using patented ultrasonic bonding technology.

  • Currents up to 400 A
  • Partial integration in FR4 multilayer printed circuit boards
  • Production and further processing in the standard process
  • Customized solutions for every PCB design
Printed circuit board with Mosfets high-current management HSMtec® printed circuit boards

Increase reliability. Reduce interfaces.

High-current connections integrated directly into the circuit board eliminate the need for separate circuit boards for control electronics. This replaces external components such as busbars, connection elements, plugs and cables - resulting in significantly increased reliability of the entire assembly.

  • No external components such as busbars, plugs, cables
  • Increased reliability and quality
  • Reduced space requirement & volume
  • Fewer interfaces/optimized EMC behaviour
Printed circuit board KSG High-current connection Top view of HSMtec® printed circuit boards

Asymmetrical with a copper layer in the flex area (depth-milled)

Semi-flexible printed circuit board Cross-section Asymmetrical with a copper layer in the flex area (depth-milled) HSMtec® printed circuit boards

Asymmetrical with two copper layers in the flex area (depth-milled)

Semi-flexible printed circuit board Asymmetrical with two copper layers in the flex area (depth-milled) HSMtec® printed circuit boards

Asymmetrical with a copper layer in the flex area (SF technology)

Semi-flexible printed circuit board Asymmetrical with a copper layer in the flex area (SF technology) HSMtec® printed circuit boards

The rapid dissipation of heat loss from modern power components ensures a long service life of the assembly and optimizes its efficiency. The partial integration of solid copper elements in FR4 printed circuit boards makes it possible to realize the lowest thermal resistance for every component size and shape and thus specifically avoid hotspots.

  • Rapid heat dissipation from hotspots such as MOSFETs, IGBTs or LEDs thanks to solid integrated copper
  • Lowest thermal resistance due to direct contacting using microvias
  • Optional integrated insulation resistance up to over 4 kV
  • High current and thermal management in one board
  • Optimized service life / efficiency

Targeted reduction of system costs

Costs for assembly, logistics, procurement and placement are an increasingly critical factor in the design of an assembly. The complete integration of high-current and control electronics in a single PCB significantly reduces overall system costs compared to conventional PCB technologies.

  • Reduction of system costs (logistics, procurement, assembly, placement, quality assurance)
  • No external components such as busbars, plugs, cables

High performance in the smallest space

HSMtec® PCBs offer the option of bending individual PCB segments once by up to 90 degrees. Copper profiles integrated into the bending points ensure mechanical stability and allow signal, high-current and thermal connections to be implemented between individual PCB segments. This minimizes potential failure risks.

  • Minimum space requirement thanks to integrated high-current and thermal management
  • 3D PCB designs for compact solutions
3D function of HSMtec® PCB cross-section

Between 3D integration and cost pressure - expert tips for cost-efficient 3D printed circuit boards

Are you faced with the challenge of assembling your electronics under difficult installation conditions and still have to adhere to tight budgets? Then three-dimensional PCBs could be your key to success. After all, these space-saving wonders are known for increasing packing density, reducing weight and system costs and increasing the reliability of the assembly. Look forward to a new issue of KSG XPERTS, in which Ralph Fiehler and Sebastian Seifert provide you with valuable tips and tricks for cost-efficient 3D PCBs.

In this online seminar

3D printed circuit board rigid-flex close-up
Preview Digital Design Compass Banner

Digital Design Compass

The smart platform for fast and reliable PCB development.

We have bundled all the parameters for you in our Design Compass.

High current calculator

The dimensioning of the conductor tracks is subject to a standard set of rules. You can therefore use our practical high-current calculator for your initial calculations. This tool offers you a quick and easy way to calculate the required conductor width for high-current conductors on a FR4 printed circuit board to calculate. Please enter the following values:

°C
°C
A

The result provides the recommended width for a single high-current conductor for different PCB technologies. different PCB technologies.*

Heat spread within the FR4 printed circuit board 160 mm x 100 mm x 1.6 mm
None Low Good Very good
Fig. none Fig. low Fig. good Fig. very good
Copper end thickness Recommended conductor width
500 µm
HSMtec®
mm
mm
mm
mm
400 µm
Thick copper
mm
mm
mm
mm
210 µm
Thick copper
mm
mm
mm
mm
105 µm
Multilayer
mm
mm
mm
mm
70 µm
Multilayer
mm
mm
mm
mm

*Calculation provides a guide value based on a test layout 160 mm x 100 mm; thickness 1.6 mm; base material PCB FR4 (λ = 0.25 W/mK); no convection (λ = 0.025 W/mK); room temperature 20 ⁰C.

Gene, we will create a customized solution concept for your high-current application

Your HSMtec® printed circuit boards: smarter together.

Use the direct line to the experienced PCB experts in our Technical Support department.
We are happy to support you in every phase of your project. 

A technical support employee at the computer

Make a request

Talk to us in the early development phases of your project and contact our team of experts. Together we will find the solution that will make your product even better.

Technical support team meeting of the KSG Group

Workshop & online consultation

With a workshop at our premises or at your site, we give you the opportunity to discuss the key technical aspects and features of your project in detail.

Portrait of Mr. Johann Hackl Technical Support KSG GmbH

Co-Engineering & Support

From design and layout checks to various calculations and thermal analyses - the experienced, competent Technical Support team will be happy to help you.

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