What is High Copper Thickness PCB?

High Copper Thickness PCB refers to a printed circuit board (PCB) that uses a thicker copper layer than the standard 1 oz per square foot (oz/ft²). This thicker copper allows the board to handle higher electrical currents without overheating. High copper thickness PCBs are particularly useful in power-intensive applications where standard PCBs may not suffice.

In traditional PCBs, the copper layer is typically 1 oz/ft², which is enough for most electronics. However, in heavy-duty applications, this is not enough to carry the high currents needed for certain components like power supplies, electric motors, and automotive circuits. High copper thickness PCBs are designed to overcome this limitation, using copper thicknesses from 2 oz/ft² to 10 oz/ft² or more.

Applications of Heavy Copper PCBs

Heavy Copper PCBs are widely used in industries where high power is required:

• Power Electronics: These PCBs are ideal for power conversion systems, such as those used in solar inverters and power supplies.

• Automotive Electronics: They are used in electric vehicles (EVs), particularly in battery management systems (BMS) and electric drive circuits.

• Industrial Equipment: In applications like motor control and power distribution units, heavy copper PCBs ensure reliable performance under high current loads.

These applications benefit from the enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity of heavy copper PCBs, making them more reliable in power-heavy environments.