In recent years, the demand for automotive PCBs has been growing, especially with the rise of electric vehicles and autonomous driving systems. In 2020, the global market for automotive PCBs was valued at approximately USD 7.6 billion. Over the past decade, the share of the automotive segment in the overall PCB market has increased from 3.8% to 12.2%. This trend is expected to continue with the growing complexity of electronic systems in vehicles.
Reliability testing of Automotive PCBs
Automotive PCBs are subjected to extreme temperatures, mechanical stresses, and various harsh conditions. To ensure their long lifespan, they undergo rigorous testing:
- Thermal Shock Test (TST)
This test evaluates the mechanical durability of the PCB when exposed to sudden temperature shifts.
- Thermal Cycling Test (TCT)
Thermal cycling testing simulates rapid temperature changes ranging from -40°C to +125°C (for standard industrial applications) or from -65°C to +150°C (for military applications).
- Temperature-Humidity Bias Test (THB)
The THB test examines the effect of combined high temperature and humidity on the electrical properties of the PCB. It simulates real-world operating conditions found in vehicles.
Standards for Automotive PCBs
Manufacturers of automotive PCBs must adhere to strict industry standards to ensure their quality and reliability:
AEC-Q100, AEC-Q102, AEC-Q200 – standards for testing the quality of electronic components
IPC-6012DA – specifications for automotive PCBs
IATF 16949 – international standard for quality in the automotive industry
Types of Automotive PCBs
- Flexible and Rigid-Flex PCBs
Flexible PCBs can adapt to the shape of components, making them ideal for complex automotive electronic designs. The combination of flexible and rigid PCBs ensures both stability and flexibility for intricate constructions.
- HDI PCBs (High-Density Interconnect)
HDI PCBs are high-density interconnect boards that use microvia technology to create compact and lightweight circuits. HDI PCBs are widely used in infotainment systems, engine control units, and advanced sensors such as millimeter-wave radar.
- Ceramic PCBs
Ceramic substrates, such as aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride, provide excellent thermal conductivity and electrical insulation. They are ideal for high-frequency applications and high-performance components.
- Metal Core PCBs
Metal Core PCBs feature a metal substrate, such as aluminum or copper, which provides effective thermal management. This is essential for applications with high component heat generation, such as LED lighting, automotive electronics, and power electronics. Metal core PCBs enable efficient heat dissipation, reducing the need for additional cooling systems and thus improving overall device reliability.
- PTFE PCBs
PTFE-based glass laminates are used in automotive radar and communication systems, where high-frequency signal integrity is crucial.
Automotive Printed Circuit Boards
PCBs are a critical component in modern automotive technology. They are used in engine control systems, infotainment, safety features, autonomous driving, and electrification systems. As demand for hybrid and electric vehicles increases, so do the requirements for the quality and durability of these PCBs. Advances in technologies such as HDI PCBs, flexible and metal-core boards enable the production of more reliable and high-performance vehicles. With the continued development of electromobility and autonomous driving, the importance of automotive PCBs will continue to grow.