8 Things you Need to Know about Copper

| Created: July 20, 2021

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.

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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

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.