The manufacturing process for HDI and regular PCB boards have key differences that are worth exploring.
For starters, HDI boards use more layers
, smaller microvias, thinner traces, and other components. All these improvements allow HDI boards to be more compact yet functional and compatible with design software.
It is important to leverage automation in design software to get the most out of HDI boards. The exact requirements of HDI boards depend on layer specification and material selection.
Contents
Material selection is an important aspect of HDI PCB design and must consider the following questions:
The dielectric material of choice for building HDI boards are as follows:
It is worth noting that most of these materials are not covered by IPC standards.
The design process of HDI boards depends on a carefully thought out plan. There are various aspects of the design that must be considered including:
The most important aspect of HDI design is the planning of via size, trace width, and BGA placement (as well as escape routing).
It is recommended to contact the manufacturer in order to become acquainted with the fabrication processes for high density interconnect PCB manufacturing. Designers should understand the limitations associated with certain fabrication methods it would have an impact on component placement and layout strategies.
Moreover, via size should be based on the ball pitch design of SMD components. This will have an impact on the manufacturing process for HDI boards.
The most important aspect of HDI PCB design and manufacturing is the use of microvias. There is no room for error when it comes to micro via HDI PCB placement because they will affect overall performance.
As mentioned earlier, there are similarities between HDI boards and regular PCBs, with major exceptions. HDI boards utilize advanced processes that may not be used with other boards. Let’s take a look at aspects of design that are specific to HDI PCB:
Stackup design is a critical aspect of HDI boards because it will determine how the circuit will be routed to ensure the product’s reliability. Once the designer has covered all the above points, they can follow through with the next steps that are outlined by their design software.
Doing this at an early stage is extremely important and will ensure that the design is routable, manufacturable, and reliable.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important design requirements that are crucial for HDI PCB performance:
The design tools you use when working with your HDI circuit will play a role in meeting manufacturing requirements. It would be relatively easy to control impedance with the help of appropriate design tools.
All you need to do is configure the impedance profile of the material used in the circuit while aligned with the required trace width. Design software such as DRC engines in the routing software can be used to check the routing as you work your way through the HDI layout.
Ask your designer to provide you with the detailed specifications to ensure you have considered all aspects of design and manufacturing.
see also: Manufacturability of HDI PCB Boards
It is not recommended to use mechanical drilling for via formation in HDI PCBs because their interconnects are smaller than 6 mils. Via in pad design is an alternative method of placing vias in the copper landing of HDI PCBs.
Via in pad design is used to increase density and is an easy way of adding more components into the design because they facilitate a direct connection to the internal layers of the board.
Although larger vias can be drilled, they are more expensive in the long run compared to laser drilling. Mechanical drilling also has a lower throughput because of the slower drilling speed. Laser drilling is the go-to solution for microvia hole formation in HDI PCBs. If speed is an issue, designers can utilize chemical etching of small vias with a speed of more than 10,000 vias per second. Other methods of via formation include photo via formation and plasma via formation.
Are you looking for cutting-edge solutions in HDI PCB design and flex pcb manufacturing? Get in touch with the experts at Hemeixin PCB here.
The first things that spring to mind when planning a trip with loved ones are…
Introduction: A New Approach to Debt Repayment Paying off debt can often feel like a…
Nowadays, prioritizing self-care has turned out to be more essential than ever. Amidst the chaos…
Test-taking is a fundamental aspect of a school student's life in Australia. From NAPLAN to…
Experiencing a lockout can be a stressful ordeal, whether it’s from your home, car, or…
A crucial aspect of harnessing real-time insights is leveraging integration between essential business tools, such…