Frequently Asked Questions about SinkPAD^TM PCB

• 1

  What is the SinkPAD^TM Technology?

  SinkPAD^TM is a patent pending metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) technology which provides a direct thermal path to the hot LED.

• 2

  What is the SinkPAD^TM PCB?

  It is an alternative PCB technology to the conventional Aluminum PCB or MCPCB providing DIRECT THERMAL PATH solutions for medium to high power LEDs.

• 3

  Does SinkPAD^TM improve conduction cooling or convection cooling thermal path?

  SinkPAD^TM MCPCB improves conduction cooling thermal path.

• 4

  What is an IMS (Insulated Metal Substrate) PCB?

  IMS PCB is made of three layers. Circuit layer, dielectric layer and a base metal layer. The circuit layer is electrically isolated from the base metal by a thermally conductive dielectric layer.

• 5

  What is the thermal conductivity of a SinkPAD^TM MCPCB?

  It is directly proportional to the thermal conductivity of the base material. i.e. ~135W/m.k in case of Aluminum and ~385W/m.k in case of copper. Most designs use Aluminum metal as a base material.

• 6

  Can I use SinkPAD^TM technology for any LED packages?

  No, It is designed to be used with the LEDs which has electrically neutral thermal pad. Such as Cree XPG, XPE, XPC, XTE, XBD, XML, MTG, Luxeon Rebel & Luxeon M from Philips Lumiled, Oslon SSL & Oslon square from Osram, Nichia N219, Seoul Semiconductor Z5P / Z5M, Samsung 3535, Bridgelux SM4, LZC & LZP from LEDEngin etc.

• 7

  Can I use SinkPAD^TM technology for the high power (HP LED)?

  Yes; it is specifically developed to lower junction temperature of medium to high power LEDs. Any LED above 1.0W power

• 8

  Can I mount multiple LED components on a single SinkPAD^TM PCB?

  Yes, However LEDs are required to have electrically neutral thermal pad.

• 9

  How is assembly process for SinkPAD^TM MCPCB?

  Assembly process is the same as conventional MCPCB or Aluminum PCB.

• 10

  What will happen if the thermal path within the LED is not electrically neutral?

  Electrical functionality may be compromised.

• 11

  How does SinkPAD^TM MCPCB compare to Conventional MCPCB?

  Conventional MCPCB uses a thermally conductive dielectric layer to bond circuit layer with base metal (Aluminum or Copper) layer. The key to thermal performance of MCPCB lies in its dielectric layer. Eventhough thermally conductive dielectric has higher thermal performance compared to standard dielectric material it is still a weakest link in the conduction thermal path. SinkPAD^TM MCPCB approach overcomes this limitation and eliminates use of a dielectric material completely from a conduction thermal path. SinkPAD^TM technology provides "DIRECT THERMAL PATH", lowering LED junction temperature.

• 12

  Is SinkPAD^TM PCB available in single layer and multilayer configurations?

  Yes. We manufacture SinkPAD^TM MCPCB in a single layer as well as multilayer without increasing thermal resistance.

• 13

  Is SinkPAD^TM MCPCB available with Aluminum & Copper base?

  Yes.

• 14

  Is SinkPAD^TM technology limited to the Aluminum and Copper bases?

  No, SinkPAD^TM PCB can be made using any thermally conductive metal or metal composites. However aluminum is the most common base material used in SinkPAD^TM MCPCB due to its light weight, and least expensive properties

• 15

  Does SinkPAD^TM technology require special PCB design?

  No, we can use your existing MCPCB or Aluminum PCB gerber data.

• 16

  Can I use SinkPAD^TM for a multilayer PCB without increasing thermal resistance?

  Absolutely Yes, However components must be mounted to one side only.

• 17

  How expensive is SinkPAD^TM MCPCB compared to conventional MCPCB?

  SinkPAD^TM MCPCB's are premium in cost and performance compare to a conventional MCPCB, but very competitive to a high performance dielectric MCPCB.

• 18

  How is it available? Where do I purchase?

  We have built a solid supply chain to provide optimum quality in a timely manner. You can buy PCB directly from the SinkPAD LLC, contact us (714) 660-2944 or email us RFQ at sales@sinkpad.com.

• 19

  Is there Star PCB available for SinkPAD^TM technology?

  Yes, We inventory SinkPAD^TM Star PCBs for various industry standard LED packages. such as Bridgelux SM4, Cree XPG, XPE, XPC, XTE, XBD, XML, MTG, Philips Lumiled Luxeon Rebel, Luxeon M, Nichia N219, Osram Oslon SSL, Oslon Square, Seoul Semiconductor Z5P / Z5M, Samsung 3535, LEDEngin LZC, LZP and many more... contact us to get your Star PCB.