With the widespread deployment of 5G communication technology, there are increasing demands for material performance in electronic devices, terminal equipment, and infrastructure. In this context, vacuum coating technology, with its unique advantages in conductivity, shielding, heat dissipation, and microstructure control, is gradually becoming an indispensable key process in the 5G industry chain. This article will start from the principles, delving into the core value and future development prospects of vacuum coating in the 5G industry.
1. What is Vacuum Coating Technology?
Vacuum coating is a process in which functional materials are deposited onto a substrate surface in a high-vacuum environment, falling under the category of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Common methods include Magnetron Sputtering, Thermal Evaporation, Ion Beam Deposition, Plasma-Assisted Deposition, etc. These techniques can achieve nanoscale control over the coating, offering advantages such as dense films, high purity, and strong adhesion.
2. New Material Requirements in 5G
The high frequency, high speed, and low latency characteristics of 5G communication impose stringent requirements on the following material properties for related hardware:
Electromagnetic Shielding and Conductivity: Prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) from affecting signal stability.
Heat Dissipation Efficiency: With the high power consumption of 5G devices, efficient and reliable heat dissipation structures are crucial.
High-Frequency Signal Transmission Performance: Materials with low dielectric constant and low loss are needed for coating layers.
Structural Light weighting: As devices develop towards miniaturization and integration, the coating layers must be uniform and controllable.
Vacuum coating technology perfectly aligns with these demands.
3. Applications of Vacuum Coating in the 5G Industry
1. Conductive Films and EMI Shielding Films
In fields like 5G smartphones, base station enclosures, and filters, thin film materials with high conductivity and strong adhesion (such as Cu, Ag, Ni) are required. Conductive films deposited by processes like magnetron sputtering exhibit excellent uniformity, no pinholes, and strong stability, effectively blocking electromagnetic interference and improving signal quality.
2. High Thermal Conductivity Films for Heat Management
To address the thermal management challenges of high-power 5G chips, many manufacturers use AlN, SiC, and metal multilayer films as thermal conductive coatings. Vacuum coating technology can achieve low-defect deposition of these materials, improving heat dissipation efficiency and extending the lifespan of devices.
3. Filter and Antenna Thin Film Materials
5G uses high-frequency millimeter waves, challenging the precision of antennas and filters. PVD/CVD processes can be employed to produce low dielectric loss films, ceramic composite films, and transparent conductive films, meeting the demand for efficient signal transmission.
4. Flexible and Transparent Electronics
With the integration of 5G technology into foldable screens, AR/VR, and other applications, the demand for flexible transparent conductive films (such as ITO, Ag nanowires) has surged. Vacuum coating can achieve ultra-thin film deposition on flexible substrates such as PET and PI, making it an ideal process for the transparent electronics sector.
4. Future Prospects and Technological Trends
As 5G technology further integrates with AI, the Internet of Vehicles, the Industrial Internet, and other fields, the demand for vacuum coating will continue to expand. Future development trends include:
High-Throughput, Automated Production Lines: To adapt to the mass production pace of the 5G industry.
Improved Composite Film Design Capabilities: To achieve mult-ifunctional integration of conductivity, heat dissipation, and shielding.
Green and Environmentally Friendly Coating Processes: To meet environmental regulations such as RoHS and REACH.
Vacuum coating technology is accelerating its deep penetration into the 5G industry, from high-frequency material optimization to structural thermal management, from micro-nano processing to flexible electronics, comprehensively enhancing the performance and manufacturing upgrades of 5G devices. For relevant manufacturing enterprises, establishing advanced coating production lines is not only a technological reserve but also a crucial step in seizing the 5G market opportunity.
—This article was published by vacuum coating equipment manufacturer Zhenhua Vacuum
Post time: Jul-05-2025