What Does "M" Mean in PCB Materials?
During the selection of high-speed PCB materials, engineers and PCB manufacturers often refer to material classifications such as M4, M6, and M7. Common statement s include “ M4 is sufficient for this project, ” “ M6 or higher-grade materials are recommended for high-speed backplanes, ” and “ Does a 112G PAM4 application require M7? ” For many engineering teams, these classifications have become a common industry shorthand for discussing the performance levels of high-speed PCB materials. So, what do the “M” classifications in PCB materials actually mean? What are the differences among M4, M6, M7, and other similar categories? Do they represent material performance levels, industry standards, or naming conventions used by laminate manufacturers? In practice, these classifications can be understood from several different perspectives. 1. The Origin of the M-Series Naming Conventio...