Unveiling the Future: Insights on Next-Gen Megtron Materials
February 13, 2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

In this interview from DesignCon, Jim Kenny, OEM business development manager at Panasonic, touches on next-generation Megtron materials and delves into the industry's growing demand for high-speed, low-loss laminate systems, particularly in light of the anticipated 224 gigabits per second technology. With a focus on material development and production timelines, Jim highlights the challenges and opportunities in meeting customer needs while also maintaining quality and supply chain stability. As Panasonic prepares for the evolving landscape, they remain committed to innovating in this competitive market.
Marcy LaRont: Jim, how has Design Con been going?
Jim Kenny: It's been really busy, with a lot of foot traffic, new people, new faces that we don't normally see, plus a chance to network with many of the folks at companies we are already working with.
LaRont: What are people coming to Panasonic to talk about?
Kenny: They want to talk with us about 224 gigabits per second systems, what circuit board materials we will have ready for that market, and when will they become available. We're talking about the next generation of Megtron. It's the industry standard for high speed, low loss laminate, along with the corresponding prepregs as well, of course.
Attendees want to know how they can get the performance they need out of the laminate, and how they can use this laminate with their existing equipment and not have to buy additional pieces of equipment that cost money, take up real estate, and use more power.
LaRont: Are you actively working with customers on projects?
Kenny: Of course. we've got several customers that we're working with directly on next-generation materials. We tend to work with selected OEMs and the specific board shops that support those OEMs to develop technology. Once we have process and design rules developed, we go back out to the rest of the industry and release it more broadly.
LaRont: Do you have a specific timeline yet for the release of the next-generation Megtron material?
Kenny: Nothing we can share quite yet. Part of the timing is dependent on our supply chain development. Some of the raw materials going into this next generation laminate aren't fully commercialized themselves. It will take at least a year for them to ramp to full volume. Even if there was demand today, it would take them a year to be ready. We’re working on our production planning in parallel with our customer testing and qualification so that we will be well prepared when the demand tidal wave hits.
LaRont: That sounds daunting, actually.
Kenny: Yes, but we just experienced it with the 112 gig system, so we know what will happen when 224 hits the big time.
LaRont: Panasonic is obviously up to a lot of great things, and material supply is the topic du jour these days.
Kenny: Everyone has been supply constrained recently. We’re bringing on new suppliers and qualifying a lot of new glass so that we can support the low Dk glass and the ultra-low Dk glass requirements that are part of the 112 systems right now.
LaRont: Are you having any issues with accessing copper?
Kenny: Copper has not been an issue for us to date. But you always have to keep an eye open because you never know when it's going to bite you, so we’re securing our future copper supply.
LaRont: Jim, it's been great talking to you. We look forward to hearing more about Panasonic’s next-generation Megatron materials as things develop, and we'll definitely look forward to seeing you at Apex.
Kenny: Thanks. Very nice to meet you.
Sponsored Link:
Panasonic Electronic Materials
Suggested Items
Increase in Share Capital and Number of Shares in HANZA
04/03/2025 | HANZAOn March 3, HANZA completed the acquisition of Leden Group Oy. Part of the purchase price consisted of 2,300,000 newly issued shares in HANZA AB.
IPC APEX EXPO Newcomer: Faith DeSaulnier of TTM Technologies
04/03/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamDuring the Newcomer’s Welcome Reception at IPC APEX EXPO, the I-Connect Editorial Team spoke with several first-time attendees. The following is our interview with Faith DeSaulnier, a process engineer based at TTM Technologies’ facility in Forest Grove, Oregon.
My Top 10 Highlights from IPC APEX EXPO 2025
04/03/2025 | Chris Mitchell, IPC VP, Global Government RelationsEvery year, I am reminded what an exciting and fast-paced whirlwind IPC APEX EXPO is—the friends you run into, the new people you meet, the innovations you encounter, and the fascinating discussions you dive into. It’s certainly true that our industry is driven by searchers and problem-solvers, creating endless opportunities at APEX EXPO to connect, collaborate, and shape the future.
TRI Test Solutions at INNOELECTRO 2025
04/02/2025 | TRIAnytest will join INNOELECTRO 2025, held at BOK Sportcsarnok from April 8 – 10, 2025, to showcase TRI's Test Solution.
IPC APEX EXPO 2025 Review: Shifting My Focus to the Show Floor
04/02/2025 | John Watson, CIDIPC APEX EXPO 2025 marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 25th anniversary. (Personally, I don’t think it looked a day over 20.) If you didn’t attend this great event, why not? This was my 10th anniversary of attending, and it had a distinctly different feel. There was a celebratory atmosphere as both veterans, like myself, and first-time attendees, were drawn into a celebratory occasion marking the significant milestone of the 25th anniversary.