The combination of rigid PCB material FR4 and FR4 stiffener offers
several benefits and is commonly used in various devices for
specific advantages.It is applied for handheld electronic devices,
automotive electronics, industrial control systems, aerospace and
defense equipment, telecommunications infrastructure, power
electronics, and many other areas where mechanical stability,
component support, protection, and heat management are crucial
considerations.Here are the benefits of this structure and the
typical applications:
Increased Mechanical Stability: FR4 stiffeners are rigid boards
made of fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin that are attached to the
PCB. This structure provides increased mechanical stability and
rigidity to the PCB assembly, preventing flexing, bending, or
warping. It is particularly useful in devices where the PCB may
experience mechanical stress, such as handheld devices, industrial
equipment, or automotive electronics.
Enhanced Component Support: The FR4 stiffener provides additional
support to heavy or large components mounted on the PCB. It helps
distribute the weight and reduces the risk of solder joint failure
or damage due to mechanical stress. This is beneficial in
applications with components that are prone to mechanical stress or
may require extra support, such as connectors, connectors, or
high-power components.
Improved PCB Protection: The FR4 stiffener acts as a protective
shield for the PCB assembly. It offers a layer of physical
protection against accidental impacts, vibration, or mishandling
during transportation or operation. This is advantageous in devices
that are exposed to harsh environments, high vibrations, or rugged
use, such as aerospace systems, military equipment, or industrial
machinery.
Enhanced Heat Dissipation: The FR4 stiffener, when designed with
appropriate cutouts or heat sink attachments, can aid in heat
dissipation from hot components on the PCB. It helps to channel
heat away from critical areas, preventing overheating and
maintaining optimal performance. This is valuable in devices with
high-power components or those operating in thermally challenging
environments, such as power electronics, LED lighting systems, or
telecommunications equipment.
Design Flexibility: The use of FR4 stiffeners provides design
flexibility, as they can be customized to fit specific areas or
components on the PCB. They can be shaped, routed, or stacked to
match the requirements of the device. This allows for efficient use
of space, optimized component placement, and overall design
improvements.
| Layer | 2 Layer |
| Materail | FR4 1.6mm |
| Copper thickness | 1/1oz |
| Surface finish | EING |
| soldermask | LED withe |
| Stack up | 1.0 FR4+ 0.5mm stiffener |
