Isola 370HR is a high-performance FR-4 laminate and prepreg material, widely used in multilayer PCBs that require high thermal reliability, mechanical stability, and low electrical loss. With a high glass transition temperature (Tg) of 180°C, this material is designed to meet the demands of high-speed, high-frequency, and high-reliability electronic applications.

This article provides a detailed datasheet-style overview of Isola material 370HR, covering its material properties, benefits, and key applications.

2. Isola 370HR Datasheet – Key Material Properties

Isola 370HR

3. Key Benefits of Isola 370HR

1. High Thermal Reliability

• With a Tg of 180°C and low Z-axis expansion, Isola material 370HR prevents delamination and mechanical failure under thermal cycling.
• Ideal for lead-free soldering and high-temperature environments.

2. Excellent Electrical Performance

• Stable dielectric constant (Dk) ensures reliable signal transmission.
• Low dissipation factor (Df) makes it suitable for high-speed and RF applications.

3. CAF (Conductive Anodic Filament) Resistance

• High resistance to CAF failure, ensuring long-term PCB reliability.
• Suitable for high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs.

4. Low Moisture Absorption

• With ≤ 0.1% moisture absorption, Isola material 370HR performs well in humid environments, preventing degradation over time.

4. Applications of Isola 370HR

Given its high thermal and electrical performance, Isola material 370HR is widely used in:

1. High-Reliability PCBs

• Aerospace and military-grade electronics.
• Automotive ADAS, radar, and power management systems.

2. High-Speed and High-Frequency PCBs

• 5G base stations, network routers, and high-performance computing.
• Telecommunication backplanes and servers.

3. Industrial Electronics

• Medical imaging and diagnostic equipment.
• High-power converters and automation systems.

5. Isola 370HR vs. Other PCB Materials

Detailed Breakdown of Key Features

1. Tg (Glass Transition Temperature)

• Isola material 370HR (180°C): High Tg allows for better performance under lead-free soldering and thermal cycling, reducing delamination risks.
• Standard FR-4 (130-140°C): Limited thermal reliability; may cause warping and delamination in high-temperature applications.
• Rogers 4350B (280°C): Extremely high Tg, making it ideal for RF, microwave, and aerospace applications where high thermal stability is essential.

2. Dielectric Constant (Dk)

• Isola material 370HR (4.04 at 1GHz): Moderate Dk, providing a balance between signal integrity and cost-efficiency, making it ideal for high-speed digital circuits.
• Standard FR-4 (4.5 at 1GHz): Slightly higher Dk, which may introduce signal delay in high-frequency circuits.
• Rogers 4350B (3.48 at 1GHz): Low Dk, ensuring minimal signal loss and phase shift, making it ideal for RF/microwave designs.

3. Dissipation Factor (Df)

• Isola material 370HR (0.020 at 1GHz): Low Df minimizes power loss, making it suitable for signal-intensive applications.
• Standard FR-4 (0.025 at 1GHz): Higher Df leads to higher energy loss and more heat generation.
• Rogers 4350B (0.0037 at 1GHz): Ultra-low Df, minimizing signal loss and maximizing efficiency in high-frequency applications (5G, RF, microwave).

4. Thermal Expansion (CTE)

• Isola 370HR (45 ppm/°C): Lower CTE prevents via cracking and layer separation, ensuring higher reliability in multilayer PCBs.
• Standard FR-4 (55-70 ppm/°C): Higher CTE, making it more prone to expansion-related defects.
• Rogers 4350B (30 ppm/°C): Very low CTE, making it highly stable for RF designs.

5. Thermal Conductivity

• Isola material 370HR (0.4 W/mK): Offers better thermal dissipation than standard FR-4.
• Standard FR-4 (0.25 W/mK): Lower heat dissipation capacity, making it less effective in high-power applications.
• Rogers 4350B (0.6 W/mK): Highest thermal conductivity, making it ideal for heat-sensitive RF and microwave circuits.

6. CAF (Conductive Anodic Filament) Resistance

• Isola material 370HR: High CAF resistance, ensuring long-term PCB durability.
• Standard FR-4: Medium CAF resistance, prone to failures in humid environments.
• Rogers 4350B: High CAF resistance, ideal for critical applications.

7. Moisture Absorption

• Isola material 370HR (≤0.1%): Excellent moisture resistance, preventing PCB degradation in humid environments.
• Standard FR-4 (~0.2%): Higher moisture absorption may cause electrical performance issues over time.
• Rogers 4350B (≤0.1%): Exceptional moisture resistance, making it ideal for outdoor and aerospace applications.

8. Thermal Decomposition Temperature (Td)

• Isola material 370HR (~340°C): High thermal stability, making it resistant to burning or decomposition.
• Standard FR-4 (~310°C): Lower Td, making it less suitable for extreme heat applications.
• Rogers 4350B (>400°C): Extremely high Td, offering excellent thermal reliability.

6. Considerations for Using Isola 370HR

• Manufacturing Processes: Requires controlled lamination and drilling processes to prevent resin recession and layer separation.
• Thermal Expansion Matching: Ensures low CTE to prevent via cracking in multilayer designs.
• Cost Factor: More expensive than standard FR-4, but offers higher performance and durability.

7. Conclusion

Isola 370HR is a high-performance FR-4 material offering exceptional thermal stability, electrical reliability, and mechanical strength. It is widely used in multilayer PCBs for aerospace, automotive, telecom, and industrial applications.

For high-quality PCBs using Isola 370HR, Shuoqiang Electronics provides customized PCB manufacturing and material selection expertise. Contact us today to optimize your PCB design with high-reliability materials!
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