Printed Circuit Boards

Layers

Multiple layers help reduce the size and increase the speed of circuits

• Single layer
• Double layer
• 4 layer
• 6 layer (used in PC motherboards)
• 10 layer

• 12 layer

• Some layers can be used as GND?

• Trace width calculators
• It is difficult to calculate number of layers. Use your intuition. Sometimes it is even hard to calculate the smallest size of the PCB as it is dependent on several parameters - PCB stackup, Vias, number of componenets, placements etc.
• Details:
  • Reliability: Impedance, Total Power Dissipation
  • Size: Dimensions
  • Quality Tests: Reliability features
  • Budget