High-Performance Ceramic Substrates: Alumina (Al2O3), Aluminum Nitride (AlN), & Silicon Nitride (Si3N4)

Product Description

Ceramic substrates are critical components in modern electronics, providing the essential foundation for circuits while managing heat and ensuring electrical insulation. Among the most widely used materials are Alumina (Al2O3), Aluminum Nitride (AlN), and Silicon Nitride (Si3N4), each offering a unique set of properties for demanding applications.

Ceramic Substrates Property Comparison Table

The following table provides a direct comparison of key technical parameters to help you select the ideal material for your project.

Material Selection Guide & Key Applications

1. Aluminum Nitride (AlN) Substrates – The Ultimate Thermal Solution
Aluminum Nitride is renowned for its exceptional thermal conductivity, which is significantly higher than that of alumina. This makes it the premier choice for high-power and high-frequency electronics where efficient heat dissipation is paramount.

• Primary Applications:

  • Thermal Management: Substrates for high-power LEDs, laser diodes, IGBT modules, and cooling devices. Ideal as insulating pads for transferring heat from components to heat sinks.

  • Advanced Circuitry: Ceramic PCB dies, and substrates for thick-film/thin-film metallization.

  • RF/Microwave: Precision substrates for microwave integrated circuits (MICs) with high-density features.

• Key Features:

  • High Thermal Conductivity (180 W/m·K)

  • Excellent Electrical Insulation

  • Low CTE, matching well with silicon

  • Available with polished surfaces for thin-film technology

2. Alumina (Al2O3) Substrates – The Cost-Effective Standard
Alumina ceramic offers the best balance of performance and cost, making it the most widely used substrate material. It provides high mechanical strength, hardness, and good thermal properties at a competitive price.

• Primary Applications:

  • Standard Circuit Boards: Thick-film and thin-film ceramic PCBs.

  • Sensors & Heaters: Bases for resistors, sensors, and heating elements.

  • General Insulation: Wafers for ozonizers, protectors for piezoelectric elements, and general electronic insulation.

• Key Features:

  • Excellent Cost-to-Performance Ratio

  • High Mechanical Strength and Wear Resistance

  • Good Thermal and Chemical Stability

  • Available from 96% to 99.7% purity

3. Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) Substrates – The Mechanical Powerhouse
Silicon Nitride stands out for its exceptional fracture toughness and bending strength, making it the best choice for applications subjected to severe mechanical stress, thermal shock, and harsh environments.

• Primary Applications:

  • High-Reliability Applications: Substrates for automotive and aerospace electronics.

  • Thermal Cycle Resistance: Ideal for power modules undergoing frequent heating and cooling.

  • Tough Thin Substrates: Enables the production of very thin (down to 0.3mm), yet robust substrates with low thermal resistance.

• Key Features:

  • Very High Bending Strength (750 MPa)

  • Superior Thermal Shock Resistance

  • High Fracture Toughness and Wear Resistance

  • Excellent Dielectric Strength

Why Choose Our Ceramic Substrates?

We specialize in manufacturing high-quality Alumina, Aluminum Nitride, and Silicon Nitride substrates tailored to your needs. Our capabilities include:

• Custom Geometry: Laser machining for precise shapes, holes, and grooves.

• Surface Finishes: From ground to laser-grade polished surfaces.

• Advanced Metallization: Thin-film and thick-film metallization options.

Searching for a reliable substrate? Contact us today to find the perfect material solution for your electronic circuit, thermal management, or high-power application.