What is a via and what different types are available?
Types of Via There are three basic kinds of vias: Blind vias: connect an exterior layer to an interior layer. Buried vias: connect two interior layers. Through vias: connect two exterior layers.
How do I change the trace width when routing in Altium?
To change the track width source while routing, press the 3 key on the keyboard. Press Shift+W to select a different value for the User Width. When you change the track width mode, you move between the values defined in the applicable design rule (min/preferred/max), and User Choice.
How to use via stitching and via shielding?
Use the Via Stitching and Via Shielding commands to stitch copper on different layers, and to add a wall of shielding vias adjacent to a route path (hover to highlight shielding vias). Let’s look at stitching vias first, and then shielding vias. Via stitching is run as a post-process, filling free areas of copper with stitching vias.
What does via shielding mean in Altium Designer?
In Altium Designer, this is referred to as via shielding. Altium Designer supports both via stitching and via shielding. In the image below, shielding vias are highlighted, move the cursor over the image to highlight the stitching vias that have been added to this board.
How is via stitching used in RF design?
Via stitching can also be used to tie areas of copper that might otherwise be isolated from their net to that net. Via shielding has a different function, in RF designs it is used to help reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic interference in a route that is carrying an RF signal.
How big should the vias be on a PCB?
The size and positioning of the shielding vias is not an exact science, but there are guidelines that have been established based on empirical testing. As noted in the discussion forum(5) referenced below, for a PCB with an onboard antenna, “the distance between vias should be 1/4 your resonant wavelength at the most.”