Parylene Type N Coating: A Deep Dive into Its Unique Properties and Application
Parylene type N coating is designed for high-performance electrical and signal integrity applications. The low dielectric constant, good signal transmission quality, and biocompatibility make it essential in high-frequency electronics, medical sensors, and aerospace. Despite Parylene C’s suitability for moisture-resistant medical devices, precision-driven businesses prefer type N.
Unique Parylene Type N Coating Properties
The original parylene type N, has a pure hydrocarbon structure. Unique qualities make it appropriate for specialized applications:
- Low Dielectric:Parylene type N is ideal for high-frequency electrical applications that require signal integrity due to its low dielectric constant (2.65).
- Excellent Signal Transmission:High-speed data transmission applications benefit from Parylene type N’s reduced dielectric loss and signal attenuation.
- Coating uniformly and conformally:Parylene type N, like other types, is CVD-deposited to create a thin, homogeneous, pinhole-free coating that conforms to complex geometries.
- Thermal Safety:Parylene type N can tolerate 80°C, making it appropriate for mild heat settings.
Applications of Parylene Type N Coating
Parylene type N excels in electrical performance and signal integrity applications. Some significant use cases:
High-frequency electronics
Low dielectric constant parylene type N is used in antennas, capacitors, and circuit boards in RF and microwave components to reduce signal loss.
Medical Sensors
Medical sensors that need excellent signal fidelity are coated with Parylene type N:
Implantable glucose sensors: Accurate signal transmission for continuous glucose monitoring.
Neurostimulation devices are insulated and biocompatible with neural probes.
Secures minimally invasive surgical instrument pressure sensors.
Aerospace and Defense
Parylene type N is used in radar systems, satellite components, and other high-frequency applications where reliability and performance are critical.
A Simple comparison between Parylene Type N and Parylene C coating
While Parylene type N excels in high-frequency and electrical applications, Parylene C is often preferred for medical devices requiring superior moisture and chemical resistance. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Property | Parylene Type N | Parylene C |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Constant | 2.65 (lowest among Parylene types) | 3.15 |
| Moisture Resistance | Good, but lower than Parylene C | Excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Biocompatibility | Suitable for medical applications | FDA-approved, ideal for medical devices |
For more details on Parylene C coating and its applications in medical silicone cables, check out our article: Parylene C Coating: The Ultimate Solution for Medical Silicone Cables.
Advantages of Parylene Type N Over Other Coatings types
Superior Electrical Performance: Ideal for high-frequency and high-speed applications.4K and 8K video,5G Medical Robot is become more and more popular,a fast communication is critial to them
Lightweight and Thin: Adds minimal weight and thickness to components,this is very important for Medical application.In some way,this is why some customer prefer parylene type n than type C
Biocompatibility: Suitable for medical sensors and implantable devices(Even Type C coating also meet Biocompatibility demand)
FQA
What is the Dielectric Constant of Parylene Type N
Parylene type N has the lowest dielectric constant of all Parylene kinds, 2.65. ，which makes it the idealest for high speed and high-performance applying. Following are some of reasons:
The importance of a low dielectric constant is to minimize Signal Attenuation, which is crucial for high-frequency applications such as RF and microwave components.
①.Parylene type N’s low dielectric constant protects electrical signals, making it perfect for delicate electronics.
②. Other Parylene Type Comparison
- Parylene C: Dielectric constant 3.15, higher than type N.
- Parylene D: Dielectric constant 2.84, higher than type N.
- Parylene HT (AF4): More expensive and less popular than Parylene type N, with a dielectric constant of 2.35.
③. Applications of Low Dielectric Constant High-Frequency Electronics: Signal integrity is crucial in antennas, capacitors, and circuit boards.
Medical sensors: Accurately transmits signals in implantable glucose sensors and brain probes.
Aerospace and defense: Radar and satellite components need reliability.
④. Why Use Parylene Type N for Low Dielectricity?
- the Most Economic choice: Parylene type N has similar dielectric properties to HT but is cheaper.
- Its Reliability: Used in sectors that need high signal fidelity and little signal loss.
Is Parylene type N suitable for implantable medical devices
Yes, Parylene type N is already widely used in implantable medical devices, depending on the application(Not all implantable devices ).In previous ariticles,we mentioned Parylene C is also suitable for implantable medical devices So it is worth to make a comparison to help you make a choice and decide when Parylene type N is better choice than parylene c coating:
1. Biocompatibility
Parylene type N: Like Parylene C, it is biocompatible and ISO 10993-compliant, making it safe for implantable devices.
Biocompatible Parylene C is FDA-approved and widely used in medicine.
Key Point: Both coatings are biocompatible, however Parylene C is more popular in medical devices due to its FDA approval and track record.
2. Dielectric properties
Parylene type N: Ideal for high-fidelity, low-loss applications because to its lower dielectric constant (2.65) than Parylene C (3.15).
Although its dielectric constant is higher, parylene C provides excellent electrical insulation for most medical devices.So when there is high voltage/current,Parylene C may better
Parylene type N is preferable for implantable devices that transmit high-frequency signals, including nerve probes or sophisticated sensors. We know the neve signal is very weak and extreme fast,so the cable attenuation must be very slow.
3. Chemical and Moisture Resistance
Parylene type N: Has strong moisture and chemical resistance but less strength than C.
Parylene C: High moisture and chemical resistance makes it appropriate for equipment exposed to human fluids or harsh sterilization.such as any the situation,which may go into a human/animal, include heart, liver, spleen, esophagus, glandular stomach, gizzard, intestine, pancreas, trachea and cholecyst
Parylene C is preferred for high-moisture devices like pacemaker leads.
4. Mechanical Flexibility
Parylene type N: Flexible and durable, can tolerate bending and stretching.
Parylene C: Flexible but less so than type N.
Key Point: Implantable sensors that need great flexibility may be better with parylene type N.
5. Thermal Safety
Parylene type N may be used for most implanted devices at 80°C.
Parylene C: Thermally stable to 80°C too.
Both coatings are thermally stable enough for medical uses.
When to Use Parylene Type N in Implants
Due to its lower dielectric constant, Parylene type N is suitable for high-frequency applications like neural probes and sophisticated sensors.
Extreme Flexibility: Parylene type N is ideal for mechanically demanding equipment.
When to Use Parylene C in Implants
Moist Places: Parylene C resists moisture and chemicals better for devices exposed to bodily fluids or frequent sterilization.
Parylene C is safer if FDA permission and substantial medical use are needed.
We see FDA authorization is approved by a governmental organization,but Biomcompatibility testing can be done by a lab
The usage of Parylene type N for implantable medical devices is more specialized than Parylene C. Parylene type N is best for high-frequency and high-flexibility applications, while Parylene C is best for moisture resistance and FDA approval. Your device’s needs determine the choice.