Contents
What is a via on a PCB?
A VIA hole in a PCB consists of two pads in corresponding positions on different layers of the board, that are electrically connected by a hole through the board. The hole is made conductive by electroplating. A via consists of: Barrel — conductive tube filling the drilled hole.
What is via in circuit design?
A via (Latin for path or way) is an electrical connection between copper layers in a printed circuit board. Essentially a via is a small drilled hole that goes through two or more adjacent layers; the hole is plated with copper that forms electrical connection through the insulation that separates the copper layers.
What is grid in PCB?
PCB Grid Basics Explained The PCB grid is akin to crisscrossing horizontal and vertical lines on the layout. The intersection of the grid lines forms coordinates on the PCB to make component placement and routing easier.
What causes an open circuit on a PCB?
Acid traps: If traces are laid out at sharp angles, etching acid can become trapped at the intersection and eat away the conductor. This leaves an open circuit in your PCB. Narrow traces: When PCBs include narrow traces, the thin metal conductor can break or wear off the PCB, leaving an open circuit.
What are the most common PCB design problems?
Your protocol and testing equipment must be designed to detect the most common PCB problems that your products could encounter. Poor PCB design can lead to open circuits, short circuits and heat damage. Design problems could lead to:
Why are there narrow traces on my PCB?
Narrow traces: When PCBs include narrow traces, the thin metal conductor can break or wear off the PCB, leaving an open circuit. Compounding the problem, the broken conductor can migrate elsewhere on the PCB, shorting out other components and circuits as it moves.
What do you need to know about PCB vias?
To avoid PCB issues, it is important that you state your via requirements for TYPE and TREATMENT clearly in your fabrication documentation so that you get what you expect. In all cases, provide a separate file for each set of vias used in the design.