Xu Dongliang: Pulse City Lighting Design At the 2013 Aladdin International Summit held in 2013, Xu Dongliang, director of Dongliang International Lighting Design Center, delivered a speech on the topic of “The Light of the City”. Xu Dongliang expressed to the guests before the speech that his topic for today’s speech “becomes a little overhang”—because in his mind, not only Chinese doctors dare to take the pulse, but they also need to “work” in urban design.

Xu Dongliang first thrown a question to introduce the topic in depth: Why is science so advanced, and finally we have to use Chinese medicine to pulse? He elaborated further on this: "When we think of the city, we think of mountains and mountains. In the same way, water also has water veins, people also have human veins, and the city also has city lines and light also has light veins.Why mountains call them mountains, mainly because there are mountains, so when we analyze the topography of the city, we must find This thread was very hard to find, but it caught the pulse and it was the city that was seen. The West Lake 'Northern Mountain Night' project that we visited last night was to design lighting on the 'vein' of this water bank. It looks very beautiful, but if you do it elsewhere, you don't necessarily achieve that effect. It can be seen that the context has its laws in the city. We must analyze its light, just as it was when we looked at feng shui in the past. At the same time, he also said, "It is a pity that after the expansion of the city, its pulse has become less obvious, and if it fails to catch the pulse, it will bring about many problems."

He emphasized that there are also contexts in the city, but how should the city's landscape be represented and how the city behave? In fact, the context of each city is different. Therefore, when we comb the city, we usually need to find a few points, which can be summarized into several concepts. “We look at the city from a larger perspective. There are several ways. The basic form of the city, and some cities are called graphic cities, is a concept when human beings combine with nature. In ancient China, there was a saying that was far-reaching. This is the beginning of the artificial environment.Some cities are called landscape cities, and the combination of landscape and human is very good. It is a combination of nature and mountains. It is a city of cross-sections, where natural barriers are interrupted, and nature is in the middle. The river runs through Shanghai, for example, forming a beautiful Bund."

Xu Dongliang sighed in his speech that the current urban design has similar problems wherever they go, and will find that all development trends are the same. “People who design and develop do not have location, and designers are globally mobile. Similarly, I don’t think architecture has location. Americans, Spaniards, and Portuguese people can come to design for our city. This design needs to be characterized. The end result is difficult, and the final result is to design a municipal city formed for the purpose of function, to inhabit the machine, to cut off the nature.The city must strive to be a landmark, it is an artificial means to increase the recognition, to see who eventually formed a comprehensive In the big cities, the city's results are assimilated. At this time, our urban design needs to return, and our urban lighting design also hopes to get back."

He also said: "I think that China is becoming less and less beautiful. When the city's common features are increasing, the charm is actually getting lower and lower. So the meaning of the pulse lies in the concept of subject. We find its relationship from the inside, and finally form a The overall concept, the most important direction of urban planning and lighting planning."

Metal Core PCB , MCPCB Manufacturing Service

Overview of Metal Core PCB


Metal Core PCB, The Printed Circuit Boards good thermal management solutions.


Metal core PCB (MCPCB), also known as heat sensitive PCB, insulated metal substrates (IMS PCB), Metal PCB, Metal Base PCB, Metal Backed PCB, Metal Clad PCB, etc., are designed to provide good thermal management, using metal substrates as circuit boards for radiator parts of circuit boards. These metal materials have high thermal conductivity. Aluminum is the most economical choice because it has good heat conduction and heat dissipation capacity and is cheaper than copper and steel. However, in order to adapt to different use scenarios, people choose different materials. Base metals in MCPCB are used as substitutes for FR4 or CEM3 boards. They radiate heat from key panel components to less important areas, such as metal radiator backings or metal cores. With the latest development of high power LED, the demand for MCPCB has exploded.


MCPCB is mostly single-sided IMS, metal core PCB manufacturer can also produce double-sided MCPCB, sometimes multi-layer IMS PCB and Metal Core PCB Prototype according to need. They have very advanced and perfect metal core PCB Manufacturing process. Whichever MCPCB is chosen, the heat dissipation capability should be taken into account when choosing the thickness of base material and copper. The thermal conductivity is expressed in W/mK. The value of standard aluminium sheet is 1.0 W/mK, but other options may be 2.0, 3.0 or even 5.0 W/mK.


Most MCPCB surface treatments use HASL LF. Without fine spacing elements and BGA, HASL LF may be the most suitable finish for power LED components. However, nothing prevents us from proposing all other surface treatments; OSP, ENIG, Chem Tin or Silver for IMS applications.




Metal Core PCB for LEDs


Thermal Management PCBs are necessary for high power LED applications due to the amount of heat that LEDs generate. The bare board is the real estate that sustains electronic components such as LEDs. PCBs containing a metal core dissipate heat in LED applications. Furthermore, the MCPCB provides a much lower thermal resistance for light emitting diode applications.


The LED on the metal core Printed Circuit Board (MCPCB) is designed to provide high power output in compact packaging. Each LED package contains an LED welded to MCPCB. These LEDs are very suitable for OEM or custom applications; therefore, they should not be used for home lighting.




Metal Core PCB Design Specifications

Metal Core PCB designers always focus on price and manufacturability. However, you can rest assured that we have experienced engineers who have been engaged in DFM inspection for many years, and provide you with suggestions for choosing the best materials.


Metal Core PCB, MCPCB produce by JHYPCB




Detailed Introduction of Metal Core PCB


Conventional PCB use FR4 epoxy glass-based material on both sides of a board. However, with the growing popularity of light-emitting diode or LED technology, metal core printed circuit board or MCPCB are being deployed to deal with the increased heat LEDs generate.

Today, metal core PCB are finding greater numbers of applications in the automobile industry, traffic light signal technology, in commercial buildings, shopping malls, and even inside homes.

MCPCB use either an aluminum or copper core with the bottom side of the board serving as the heat sink. MCPCB are also used to dissipate heat in intense power-generating analog circuitry.

Metal core PCB are connected through mounting holes and screws through a box build's chassis. In this arrangement, heat is not only dissipated through the metal core, but it is also transmitted to the chassis. Hence, an LED or analog device-populated board has a considerably larger surface finish for the purpose of dissipating that heat.

But here's a word of caution about using MCPCB – actually two things to be cautious about.


  • One, you need to know that making an MCPCB is complex and complicated because a metal layer is laminated with FR4, a glass-base material. Therefore, the chemistry for lamination is different during board fabrication. There is a fair possibility that there would be voids underneath the lamination, if it is not bonded properly.


  • Two, a fixture to dissipate the heat from the metal core needs to be carefully defined and designed. Both these concerns demand experience.


Metal Core PCB Manufacturing Service

At JHYPCB, we've been doing this for a long time, as one of professional MCPCB/ Aluminum PCB manufacturers from ShenZhen, China. We can produce metal core PCB Prototype or aluminum PCB prototyping, aluminium PCB Board for led, No Quantity Requirements, and can successfully guide you through your next MCPCB project. We have worked with over half a dozen LED manufacturers over ten years and have seen enormous amounts of different applications using MCPCB.


Choose us to provide PCB manufacturing services for you. Contact us immediately.



How Do Metal Core Circuit Boards Differ From FR4 Boards?


How Do Metal Core Circuit Boards Differ From FR4 Boards


One important difference to understand between standard PCB and MCPCB is how the materials work together to produce the desired result. In a typical LED MCPCB, there is a single circuitry layer of copper foil which is bonded to a layer of thermally conductive dielectric material, which is itself bonded to a thicker layer of metal – typically either Aluminum 5052, Aluminum 6061, or Copper C1100.

The dielectric material`s thermal conductivity is measured in Watts per meter, Kelvin (W/mK.) A 2.0W rating is fairly common; such material is approximately 6x-7x as thermally conductive as FR4. Best practice is to keep the dielectric layer as thin as possible. Doing so creates the shortest possible path from the heat source to the metal backing plate which is many times more thermally conductive than the dielectric material. Most of the materials come in a very limited range of thicknesses anyway, usually between .003" and .006". You won`t have all that much opportunity to specify something thicker that could diminish the effectiveness of the material at performing its thermal transfer function.

The metal backing plate used on the bottom side is the thickest element in the structure. It is available in several different thicknesses but it is best to use one of the three most common (1.0mm, 1.5mm, and 3.2mm) because they are the easiest to purchase without delays. The metal layer adds rigidity, keeps the circuit flat, and adds enough thickness so that the MCPCB can use the same mounting hardware that would be used for any other standard thickness circuit board. The metal plate side of the board does not receive any surface finish or soldermask.


Metal Core PCB Vs. Fr4 PCB Comparison

Metal Core PCB Vs. FR4 PCB Comparison


  • Conductivity: FR4 has low thermal conductivity, typically around 0.3W, while MCPCB has higher thermal conductivity, ranging from 1.0W-4.0W, most commonly around 2.0W.

  • Plated Through Holes: FR4 PCB typically uses plated through holes. Through hole components possible if required. In MCPCB, plated through holes are not available for 1-layer PCB. All components are surface-mounted.

  • Thermal Relief:  Thermal relief in FR4 PCB typically involves vias for heat transfer. Longer drill cycle, adds many processes. MCPCB materials provide their own thermal relief. Via drilling, deposition, and plating processes are eliminated.

  • Solder Mask: FR4 PCB solder mask is typically dark colors (green, red, blue, black.) Usually applied top and bottom. MCPCB solder mask are almost exclusively white for LED boards. Applied to top only.

  • Thickness: FR4 PCB has a wide range of thicknesses available using various material combinations and layer counts. MCPCB thickness variation is limited by available backing plate thicknesses and dielectric sheet thicknesses.

  • Machining Process: FR4 PCB uses standard machining practices (drilling, routing, v-scoring, countersink, counterbore) while MCPCB uses the same machining as FR4, except that v-score must use diamond coated saw blades for the added strain from cutting into metal.


Metal Core PCB Material


Material for Metal Core PCB


Metal Core PCB material including Aluminum Core PCB , Copper Base PCB, Iron base PCB.  Aluminum is popular in the market special in LED lights market because of Cost .

Metal Core PCB means the core (base) material for PCB is the metal, not the normal FR4/CEM1-3, etc. and currently the most common metal used for MCPCB manufacturer are Aluminum, Copper and steel alloy. Aluminum has good heat transferring and dissipation ability, but yet relatively cheaper; copper has even better performance but relatively more expensive, and steel can be divided into normal steel and stainless steel. It more rigid than both aluminum and copper, but thermal conductivity is lower than them too. People will choose their own base/core material according to their different application.

1. Aluminum PCB


Aluminum PCB , also, it is called Aluminium PCB, metal core PCB, MCPCB, IMS(Insulated metal substracte).

Aluminum PCB have 3 parts:

  • Circuit Layer (Copper Layer)
This is printed circuit copper foil layer, From 1.0 oz up to 8 oz (35um-280um). Min.Trace/space 5/5mil(0.127/0.127mm)

  • Dielectric Layer(Insulated Layer)
There are very good price and delivery time if the raw material made in China and Taiwan, we also, have many customer who choose Bergquist Thermal-Clad and Larid Tlam material, strict meet customer's Requirement to manufacture the aluminum PCB.

  • Substrate Layer(Metal layer)
There are 4 types Aluminum, 1001, 3001, 5052, 6063. If no requirement of this from,we used 5052 for High thermal conductivity (2.0 W/m.k or more) , AL1001,AL3001 for 1.0 w/m.k to 1.5 W/m.k

Aluminum Clad PCB

Available as 1 layer Non-Plated Through Hole (single sided), And 2+ layer Plated through Hole. Ideal application for LED lighting, power supply solutions. Aluminium Clad Benefits Include:

  • Lower operating temperature.
  • Reduce printed circuit board size.
  • Increase power density.
  • Extend the life of dies.
  • Reduce the number of interconnects.
  • Improve product thermal and mechanical performance.
  • Combine power and control.
  • Improve product durability.
  • Enable better use of surface mount technology.
  • Expedite heat sinks and other mounting hardware.
  • Replace fragile ceramic substrates with greater mechanical durability

About Price:

  • Price is based on the requirement of LED PCB
  • PCB thickness: 0.6 – 3.0mm, always thickness more ,price higher
  • Thermal conductivity: 1.0 – 10 W/m.k , thermal conductivity higher, price higher
  • Material factory: Bergquist, Laird ETC, made in US factory that is more expensive than China.

2. Copper Core PCB


Copper Core PCB Stack UP


Copper core PCB is a copper substrate + Insulated layer + copper

Copper core PCB is a copper substrate + Insulated layer + copper circuits layer PCB, also, it is called copper substrate pcb, copper based pcb, copper clad pcb.

As a MCPCB manufacturer, we made various Copper core PCB for customers, Which used for High Power LED lighter ( 1000W+ ) and power supply.

In LED field, there are 4 types of Copper based Circuit Board.

COB Copper PCB(Chip on Board copper PCB)


Copper base COB PCB


LED chip Direct thermal sink to copper substrate.

Direct thermal path, no dielectric layer under the thermal path pad.

Direct thermal path, no dielectric layer,Aluminum-copper pcb.


Copper Base Core PCB


3. Iron Based PCB


The iron-based PCB use material for the base is from special steel, silicon steel and ect in stand of FR4 or CEM1 and can dissipate heat away from critical board components and to less crucial areas such as metallic core or the metal heatsink backing.

China PCB manufacturers becomes more and more professional on Iron-Based PCB.

The Iron-based PCB has all the functions as metal materical and the following particular characteristics:
  • Vacancy area convenient for further machinery , procuring and fixing of the base ;
  • High mechanic strength, good forther machinery suitable for the assembly heaven electronic parts on its surface;
  • Silicon-steel is iron magnetic, and can be applied on micro-motors such as on VTR, FDD.


Metal Core PCB Stack up and Thickness

Single Layer Metal Core PCB Stack Up

Single Layer Metal Core PCB Stack Up
It consists of a single copper conductive layer on top, a metal base plate (e.g. Aluminum) to provide rigidness to the circuit board and a thermal conductive dielectric working as the insulator.

Double Sided Metal Core Stack Up

Double Sided Metal Core Stack Up
It has two copper layers and the metal core is between the copper layers. Plated Through Holes (PTH) are used to interconnect the acopper layers so SMT and THT components can be placed on both sides.

Multilayer Metal Core PCB Stack Up

Multilayer Metal Core PCB Stack Up
It has more than two conductive layers separated by thermal dielectric. In the bottom of the structure is the metal base. SMT components can only be placed on one side. Not THT components are allowed, but it provides the possibility to make blind and buried vias with internal signal layers and power/ground planes.

The thickness of metal cores in PCB base plates is typically 30 mil - 125 mil, but thicker and thinner plates are possible.

MCPCB copper foil thickness can be 1 - 10 oz.


Benefits of Metal Core PCB Fabrication


Benefits of Metal Core PCB Fabrication


Metal Core PCB Fabrication presents a host of beneficial features for a variety of applications. A lower thermal resistance can be achieved as a result of MCPCB's which incorporate a dielectric polymer layer together with a high thermal conductivity level. 
Metal Core PCB Fabrication produces a product that transfers heat up to nine times more rapidly than a typical FR4 PCB. The laminates in MCPCB's dissipate heat which ensures that components which generate heat will remain cooler. This leads to a longer operating life as well as maximized performance for such components.


Applications of Metal Core PCB Fabrication


Applications of Metal Core PCB Fabrication


With the adoption of new technologies, there are many more applications for Metal Core PCB Fabrication. This technology is ideal for applications where components generate a large amount of heat and have difficulty being cooled using conventional fans and other cooling methods. In Solid State Lighting, MCPCB's help achieve a higher level of illumination with fewer LED's required to produce it. 

Although LED-based Solid State Light technologies have countless advantages, they inherently produce significant amounts of heat. This makes Metal Core PCB Fabrication helpful for applications like: 


LED lights High-current LED, Spotlight, high-current PCB
Industrial power equipment High-power transistors, transistor arrays, push-pull or totem pole output circuit (to tem pole), solid-state relay, pulse motor driver, the engine Computing amplifiers (Operational amplifier for serro-motor), pole-changing device (Inverter)
Cars firing implement, power regulator, exchange converters, power controllers, variable optical system
Power voltage regulator series, switching regulator, DC-DC converters
Audio input - output amplifier, balanced amplifier, pre-shield amplifier, audio amplifier, power amplifier
OA Printer driver, large electronic display substrate, thermal print head
Audio input - output amplifier, balanced amplifier, pre-shield amplifier, audio amplifier, power amplifier
Others Semiconductor thermal insulation board, IC arrays, resistor arrays, Ics carrier chip, heat sink, solar cell substrates, semiconductor refrigeration device


Other applications that are ideal for MCPCB integration are solar panels and motion control applications. We can also combine metal core with our HDI PCB technology. We also offer other advanced circuit technology including Flexible PCB Rigid PCB , and Rigid Flex PCB .



Additional information

Metal Core PCB manufacturing process
Metal Core PCB Manufacturing Capability
LED Lighting and MCPCB (Metal Core PCB)
Understanding the Importance of Metal Core PCBs
METAL CORE PCB VS STANDARD CIRCUIT BOARDS
Metal Core PCB is the best source for the heat transformation
Are Metal Core PCBs the Solution to Your Thermal Management Challenges?

Metal Core PCB

Printable Circuit Boards,Metal Core PCB,Metal Core Led PCB,Metal Core PCB Prototype

JingHongYi PCB (HK) Co., Limited , https://www.pcbjhy.com