Ever wonder why PCB folks throw around "M8" or "M9" like a spec sheet magic word? The "M" traces back to Panasonic's Megtron series — long the benchmark for low-loss, high-speed copper clad laminate (CCL). Each generation from Megtron 4 to 8 progressively lowered the dissipation factor (Df), meaning less signal loss at high frequencies. Because Megtron set the bar, it became industry shorthand for a performance tier rather than a Panasonic-exclusive part number. Say "M8 grade" today, and it simply means "meets Megtron 8 electrical specs" — whether it's made by Panasonic, EMC, or Doosan. As AI servers demand ever-higher SerDes speeds, high-tier CCL has become the critical bottleneck material. That makes it one of the tightest, fastest-growing segments in the entire hardware supply chain.

Ever wonder why PCB folks throw around "M8" or "M9" like a spec sheet magic word? The "M" traces back to Panasonic's Megtron series — long the benchmark for low-loss, high-speed copper clad laminate (CCL). Each generation from Megtron 4 to 8 progressively lowered the dissipation factor (Df), meaning less signal loss at high frequencies. Because Megtron set the bar, it became industry shorthand for a performance tier rather than a Panasonic-exclusive part number. Say "M8 grade" today, and it simply means "meets Megtron 8 electrical specs" — whether it's made by Panasonic, EMC, or Doosan. As AI servers demand ever-higher SerDes speeds, high-tier CCL has become the critical bottleneck material. That makes it one of the tightest, fastest-growing segments in the entire hardware supply chain.

Source:https://x.com/SemiAnalysis_/status/2082813647034749262