Using Polymer Thick Film for Cost‐effective EMC Protection on PCBs for Automotive Applications

Higher densities and concerns for human health are driving the need for better EMC protection on PCBs in automotive applications. Simultaneously, there is a strong need to reduce circuit costs. Ford, Circuit Wise and Du Pont have worked together to develop the use of polymer thick film (PTF) conductors to provide EMC protection in automotive circuits at a fraction of the cost of adding additional conventional ground plane layers. This paper will discuss the reliability and electrical performance of this approach. The PTF approach is fully compatible with conventional PCB fabrication and assembly processes, including hot air solder levelling and surface‐mounting, and gives EMC protection comparable to or better than that of additional copper ground planes.