What Is PCB Water Temperature A Closer Look

RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY
What is PCB Water Temperature? A Closer Look

PCBs are an essential component in electronic applications, making
performance, reliability, and safety-critical factors to consider. To ensure
these aspects, engineers must comprehend how temperature impacts the
quality of their printed circuit board assembly during the development
phase, even before PCB creation begins.
PCB design comprises several components like holes, traces, solder masks,
layers, and through holes, each susceptible to heat. Elevated
temperatures can have negative consequences on standard PCBs, as well
as any other type of PCB. The PCB’s element determines its maximum
temperature, known as the printed circuit board temperature limit.
What is the typical temperature range for PCBs? The temperature range of
a PCB is measurable by the material, resulting in variations in the
temperature limits for different PCBs.
FR-4 is the most prevalent substrate useful in PCBs, comprising a
flame-resistant glass epoxy substrate. It can endure temperatures ranging
from 90°C-110°C.
High-temperature printed circuit boards are typically categorized as those
with the Tg exceeding 170°C, although some may use 150°C as the
PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

threshold. The specific definition may differ among high-temperature
printed circuit board manufacturers.
Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now
Table of Contents
How to measure PCB Water Temperature?
It is important to consider thermal expansion before checking the
temperature range of your PCB. Temperature monitoring is critical for
identifying hot-power areas and power-hungry ICs and making necessary
adjustments or corrections early.
Ensuring that the CTE aligns crucial if your printed circuit board has
greater than one layer. CTE measures the expansion of materials at high
temperatures. The dielectric layers must have a similar CTE to the copper
coatings. If they are not together, each layer will expand at multiple rates,
which can cause serious issues.
Measuring PCB Water Temperature
Before determining the maximum operating temperature of your PCB,
there are some factors that you should consider.
1. No need to rewrite this sentence as it is already clear and concise.

2. Ensure the printed circuit board temperature indicator is installing
properly before checking the temperature.
3. Locate the ground pins, which should be with the laminate of the
primary heat source. These ground pins facilitate the transfer of
around 60 to 65 percent of the generated heat to the temperature
sensor. Since the ground pins are with the laminate, they also have
a minimum thermal resistance than other components among the
heat source and the sensor.
Measure PCB temperature
1. Place a ground plane between the temperature sensors and the
heat source to achieve thermal equilibrium.
2. Join the ground pins of every temperature gauge to the ground
plane of the heat source.
3. Maintain proximity between the heat source & temperature
sensors.
Acceptable temperature boost for a PCB trace
The mechanical stability of the base material of a PCB becomes
compromised at the glass temperature (Tg). It is important to note that
the printed circuit board’s Tg is less than its melting point.

Each PCB has a unique glass transition temperature (Tg) based on its
substrate. When the operating temperature exceeds the glass transition
temperature, the printed circuit board’s mechanical stability becomes
compromised. PCBs with a greater Tg value have improved stability at
elevated temperatures because their substrates offer good heat
resistance, chemical stability, and mechanical stability.
It is recommended that the Tg value of your PCB should be 20°C-25°C
greater than the anticipated functional temperature of the equipment you
are designing for. For example, if your PCB’s Tg value is 130°C, the device’s
functional temperature must be less than 110°C.
PCB Water Temperature copper traces
Copper traces generate heat due to power dissipation from I2R, where I is
the current and R is the trace’s resistance. The heat is then dissipated
through the base material by thermal conductivity, radiation, and
convection. The PCB temperature will stabilize when the heating or
cooling costs are equivalent.
The copper trace current capacity is influenced by various factors,
including the highest temperature rise needed and the trace width.

The trace width of a PCB depends on various factors, including the
resistance, current flow, and the maximum temperature increase that can
be tolerated.
Usually, a temperature increase of up to 10°C above the average
temperature of twenty-five-degree centigrade is acceptable. However, in
some cases, a temperature rise of up to 20°C may be permitted if the PCB
design and material allow it.
What happens if the PCB Water Temperature drift is too high?
If the temperature rises in your PCB’s copper trace is too high, such as
50°C or 100°C, it can negatively impact nearby components’ ambient
temperature, leading to decreased board integrity and power loss. While a
copper trace on a FR 4 board may be able to handle such a temperature
rise, it’s still important to consider the potential consequences.
Common causes of PCB Water Temperature increases

There are several reasons why PCBs may experience high temperatures;
some of the most usual include:
· Malfunction causes heat dissipation
If a component malfunctions on your printed circuit board, it can lead
to heat dissipation. The faulty component can no longer create high
power, which causes nearby components to work more to compensate
and generate more power. This results in the generation of more heat.
· Through-hole interference
Through-holes provide electrical connections among the layers
through electroplating in the plated holes. The heat sink elements and
through-holes are responsible for the power supply. However, if the heat
dissipator doesn’t connect properly or if there is any obstruction with
the PTH due to other components, it causes nearby elements to work
harder, leading to the generation of more heat. This, in turn, leads to the
maximum temperature.
· Lead-free solder
The use of lead in electronic applications is a hazardous material and
increases challenges to health and environmental safety. As a result,
design engineers globally comply with the EU’s RoHS by limiting the use of

lead solder. However, the lead-free alternatives often have a higher
melting point, resulting in PCBs requiring higher temperatures to operate,
leading to increased stress on components.
· The distance of your surface mount
Proper distance between through-hole components and surface
mount devices (SMDs) ensures a smooth current flow via a through-hole
and heatsink. If placed too far apart, the current has to travel farther,
resulting in cooling time for the receiving components. This can cause
other components on the circuit board to create more power to
compensate, ultimately leading to overheating.
· External thermal issues
It is important to consider the operating environment of the PCB and its
components during the design phase. Neglecting this can lead to thermal
stresses on the board in both high-temperature environments and
extremely low. Resistors, capacitors, and semiconductors are among the
components that can be affected by temperature changes.
· High-frequency circuits
High-frequency circuits are prevalent in mobile, microwave, high-speed
design applications, and radio frequencies like smartphones. However,

the downside is that these circuits tend to produce more heat due to the
power they require. As a result, higher temperatures are inevitable in such
boards.
There are several common methods for preventing
temperature enhancement in PCBs.
To ensure high-performance PCBs, it’s essential to control heat through
effective design. If the circuit board will be exposed to extreme
temperatures, such as high or low environments, it’s crucial to consider
this during the design phase. Follow these tips to maintain the optimal
temperature of your PCB.
· Use heat sinks
Effective heat conductivity is crucial in controlling heat for
high-performance PCB design. Heat sinks, typically made of aluminum or
copper due to their outstanding thermal performance and low thermal
resistance, are attached to components such as high-power transistors on
the board to absorb and disperse heat in the air. The heat generated by
the components is naturally transferred to the heat sinks.
· Choosing the right materials and components

Effective PCB design relies on using high-temperature-resistant materials.
PCBs with thick copper plates are capable of withstanding high
temperatures, which can extend the lifespan of the application. In contrast
to conventional PCBs, these boards can handle elevated current levels,
resist high temperatures for longer periods, and provide stronger
connection features. The most commonly used material for PCBs is FR4,
which is a glass epoxy that can tolerate high temperatures. Additionally,
high-frequency elements like PCB laminates can provide outstanding
dielectric attributes at various frequencies. When selecting a laminate, it is
important to choose one that can absorb moisture and withstand high
temperatures.
· Adequate Spacing
To prevent any interaction between the segments on your circuits, it is
important to ensure sufficient space between them. Failure to do so could
result in heat generation caused by the interaction between the
components. By maintaining a distance between them, such issues can be
avoided.
Minimum Temperature For Fr-4 PCBs

FR-4 PCBs typically endure temperatures as low as -50°C, beyond which
brittle cracks may develop in the element. However, it’s advisable to avoid
subjecting your FR-4 PCBs to extreme temperatures to reduce stress and
extend their lifespan. In industries like aerospace, where PCBs may be
deployed to outer space, they may be exposed to temperatures as low as
-150°C, well below the recommended limit for the FR-4 printed circuit
board.
Applications Of PCB Water Temperature
Thankfully, one can use several alternative materials instead of FR-4 to
fabricate PCBs that require high-temperature resistance. One such
material is polyimide, which can withstand a wide range of temperatures,
including cryogenic conditions and temperatures as high as 260 Celsius.
Additionally, polyimide materials are highly resistant to fire. While
polyimide materials offer excellent temperature resistance, they are
vulnerable to water, making them a crucial factor to consider during the
design phase.
Ceramic PCBs, on the other hand, are a more expensive option that offers
the advantages of both worlds. These boards can withstand extreme
temperatures, both low and high, and are impervious to water.

However, the high cost and design constraints with ceramic circuit boards
are their downsides. In conclusion, there are meaningful differences or
benefits among ceramic printed circuit boards. One should evaluate FR-4
circuit boards & MCPCBs evaluated for each application.
Due to its exceptional conductivity at or -272°C, aluminum holds great
value in cryogenic printed circuit boards. However, the drawback of using
aluminum is its high reactivity, which necessitates unconventional
techniques for constructing circuit boards.
Related Posts:
1. A Closer Look at LED PCB Circuit Design
2. A Closer Look at the coefficient of CTE PCB (Thermal Expansion)
3. Rogers AD250C – A Closer Look at a Low-Cost Microwave PCB
4. A Closer Look at Analog PCB Design – Comprehensive Guide
https://www.raypcb.com/pcb-water-temp/

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RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

What is PCB Water Temperature? A Closer Look

performance, reliability, and safety-critical factors to consider. To ensure

these aspects, engineers must comprehend how temperature impacts the

quality of their printed circuit board assembly during the development

phase, even before PCB creation begins.

layers, and through holes, each susceptible to heat. Elevated

temperatures can have negative consequences on standard PCBs, as well

temperature, known as the printed circuit board temperature limit.

a PCB is measurable by the material, resulting in variations in the

temperature limits for different PCBs.

FR-4 is the most prevalent substrate useful in PCBs, comprising a

flame-resistant glass epoxy substrate. It can endure temperatures ranging

High-temperature printed circuit boards are typically categorized as those

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

threshold. The specific definition may differ among high-temperature

printed circuit board manufacturers.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

How to measure PCB Water Temperature?

It is important to consider thermal expansion before checking the

temperature range of your PCB. Temperature monitoring is critical for

identifying hot-power areas and power-hungry ICs and making necessary

adjustments or corrections early.

which can cause serious issues.

Measuring PCB Water Temperature

Before determining the maximum operating temperature of your PCB,

there are some factors that you should consider.

1. No need to rewrite this sentence as it is already clear and concise.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

2. Ensure the printed circuit board temperature indicator is installing

properly before checking the temperature.

primary heat source. These ground pins facilitate the transfer of

around 60 to 65 percent of the generated heat to the temperature

a minimum thermal resistance than other components among the

heat source and the sensor.

Measure PCB temperature

1. Place a ground plane between the temperature sensors and the

heat source to achieve thermal equilibrium.

2. Join the ground pins of every temperature gauge to the ground

plane of the heat source.

3. Maintain proximity between the heat source & temperature

Acceptable temperature boost for a PCB trace

The mechanical stability of the base material of a PCB becomes

compromised at the glass temperature (Tg). It is important to note that

the printed circuit board’s Tg is less than its melting point.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

substrate. When the operating temperature exceeds the glass transition

temperature, the printed circuit board’s mechanical stability becomes

compromised. PCBs with a greater Tg value have improved stability at

elevated temperatures because their substrates offer good heat

resistance, chemical stability, and mechanical stability.

It is recommended that the Tg value of your PCB should be 20°C-25°C

greater than the anticipated functional temperature of the equipment you

functional temperature must be less than 110°C.

PCB Water Temperature copper traces

through the base material by thermal conductivity, radiation, and

convection. The PCB temperature will stabilize when the heating or

cooling costs are equivalent.

The copper trace current capacity is influenced by various factors,

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

The trace width of a PCB depends on various factors, including the

Usually, a temperature increase of up to 10°C above the average

temperature of twenty-five-degree centigrade is acceptable. However, in