PCB Stack-ups

Stack-up is an arrangement of insulating layers and copper. It is done prior to the layout design of the circuit board. In a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB), stack-up layers are silk screen, solder mask, high speed signal layer, signal layer, power plane, and ground layer. Designing a PCB stack-up is one of the most important factors for deciding the performance of the product. Therefore, it goes without saying that choosing the right and experienced manufacturer for designing a PCB stack-up is crucial.

Important Factors to Consider for PCB Stack-Up

Following are some important factors to be considered for a board stack-up:

• The number of stack-up layers
• The sequence of the layers
• The spacing between the layers
• The types and number of planes (ground and/or power) used

PCB Stack-Up Capabilities

We can provide you with different PCB stack-up designs based on your requirements. Following are the standard PCB stack-ups that we provide:

1. 4 Layer
   As the name suggests, a 4-layer PCB stack-up consists of 4-layer that are spaced at a uniform distance from each other. The internal layers are power and ground, whereas the external signal layers have orthogonal trace routing directions.
2. 6 Layer
   As far as EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) is concerned, a 6-layer PCB stack-up is preferred over a 4-layer one. Typically, a 6-layer PCB stack-up consists of two planes and four signal routing layers.
3. 8 Layer
   The EMC performance of an 8-layer PCB stack-up is better as compared to that of a 4- or 6-layer stack-up. An 8-layer PCB stack-up consists of four planes and four wiring layers.

The number of layers should be finalized only after taking into account the following factors:

• The cost and number of signals to be routed
• Whether the product meets Class A or Class B emission requirements
• Whether the PCB is in a shielded or unshielded enclosure
• EMC engineering expertise of the PCB designer

Along with the PCB stack-up designs explained above, we also provide custom designs based on your application requirements. With more than 3 decades into manufacturing PCBs, you can be rest assured that we will provide you with the best-quality PCBs and that too at competitive prices. We have a staff of experts, who have a good understanding of customer requirements. This helps us manufacture PCBs faster, and provide the shortest turnaround times. For more information on PCB stack-up designs, you can reach out to us on our 24/7 live support line (630) 345-5400. To get a quote on your design requirements, please email us at quotes@twistedtraces.com. Our professionals are always happy to serve you in the best possible way.