IMS – Insulated Metal Base PCBs

New opportunities with insulated metal substrate

For greater amounts of energy or local thermal loads, e.g in modern constructions with high intensity LEDS, IMS technology can be used. The abbreviation, IMS, stands for “Insulated Metal Substrate.” This is a PCB built on a metal plate – normally aluminium – on which a special prepreg is applied, the primary qualities of which are an excellent capacity for heat dissipation and great dielectric strength against high voltages. 

The advantages of IMS PCBs for heat dissipation

An IMS PCB can be designed with a very low thermal resistance. If, for example, you compare a 1.60 mm FR4 PCB to an IMS PCB with a 0.15 mm thermal prepreg, you may well find the thermal resistance is more than 100 times that of the FR4 PCB. In standard FR4 products, it is very difficult to dissipate a large amount of heat away from components.

Read more about our material recommendations for IMS and other PCBs.

We also host seminars about IMS  – Thermal management, how to calculate and design IMS boards. What alternatives are there to IMS boards?

You can always contact your local NCAB Group company if you need further information or assistance, we are happy to help you.