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How to improve performance of the 6-layer PCB manufacturing?

2021-07-08

6-layer PCB manufacturing
Are you spending enough time designing the layering structure? If you do the same as most of the designers, then most likely you just decide how many layers you need. And put the rest on the shoulders of the manufacturer. But 6-layer PCB manufacturing could be the best decision for your electronic project.

Agree, a poorly designed layer structure can lead to annoying problems such as excess heat generation, crosstalk, and impedance mismatch. In order not to face any of these problems, each of which can cause huge damage to your project, it is better to take care of the structure right away, applying all your knowledge directly at the design stage.

Ready for a fresh take on layering design?

Let’s take a look at how you can create a layer structure the first time and accurately every time.

6-layer PCB manufacturing structure yesterday and today

Gone are the days when PCBs were single-sided and didn’t have vias because it is the time of designing multi-layer boards like 6-layer PCB manufacturing.

At ancient times, clock frequencies did not exceed 100 kHz. And mainly radio components installed in holes were easy to use. These days, you can find 50-layer PCBs with electronic components mounted on both sides, with some components even sandwiched between the layers.

Now kilohertz signals are transmitted at a speed of 28 Gb/s or more. The implication is that as PCB technology advances, the importance of pre-planning the layer structure at the start of PCB design has increased.

Is this era of multi-layer PCB boards (6-layer PCB manufacturing)?

Goodbye single-layer boards. Layer structures are much more complex these days.

At first glance, the layer structure can look deceivingly simply. After all, doesn’t it just describe the basic design of a PCB consisting of a 6-layer PCB manufacturing? While the layer structure can simply be a visual representation of the cross-section of a PCB, its role is extremely important to your design.

Did you know that 6-layer PCB manufacturing can;
  • Help you minimize radiation and protect your electronic circuitry from external noise sources;
  • Help you reduce crosstalk and impedance problems when designing high-speed PCB designs;
  • Moreover, it help you balance your signal integrity challenges with the need for low-cost, efficient manufacturing methods.

Which is one of the most valuable tools for improving electromagnetic compatibility?

Most importantly, did you know that a properly designed layer structure is one of the most valuable tools for improving the electromagnetic compatibility of your structure?

Therefore, before you start calculating impedances or aligning track lengths to minimize EMI on your board, you should start by planning your layer structure properly.

Without planning what could happen?

Without a plan for the use of materials, while designing 6-layer PCB manufacturing, an idea of ​​the order in which they are located, you may subsequently encounter problems such as poor electrical performance, increased electromagnetic radiation, and even synchronization failures.

All of these problems, and many others, can be solved if you make the effort and immediately plan your layer structure correctly.

Why you need multilayer, 6-layer PCB manufacturing boards?
More layers such as 6-layer PCB manufacturing not only give you the ability to accommodate more conductive paths. As the requirements for operating frequency grow, you begin to live in the world of multilayer printed circuit boards.

This type of board has the advantage of having multiple cores that have asymmetrically balanced structures of alternating layers of copper separated by layers of insulating material. Take a look at the figure below for the layer structure of a PCB with eight layers.

Eight-layer PCB structure.

There is plenty of room for high-frequency signals here

But why would you use a multilayer PCB at all? Here are some good reasons:

  • It is well known that the emission level of a 4-layer PCB is 15 dB less than that of a 2-layer PCB with the same characteristics;
  • The tremendous advantage of designing a multilayer PCB is that it can contain separate layers for ground, signal, power, and so on;
  • Multilayer printed circuit boards also make it possible to form microstrip lines and strip waveguides form conductive paths.

Advantages of using multilayer 6-layer PCB manufacturing boards

6-layer PCB manufacturing 2021

By choosing a multilayer PCB like 6-layer PCB manufacturing or 8-layers, you also have the advantage of having multiple grounding layers that help reduce impedance and ground noise in each design. Still not sure if you need a multilayer PCB?

What is the Layer arrangement in 6-layer PCB manufacturing?

With these considerations in mind, here are some general principles for PCB design to follow when planning multilayer, for example, 6-layer PCB manufacturing layouts:

Readout these general principles!
  • The signal layer should always be located next to the ground plane. This will give the return signal an efficient path from source to target;
  • It is necessary to place the signal layer next to the inner power layer. This way you can shield the signal layer from any radiation;
  • In high-frequency designs, the dedicated signal layer must be located between other layers. The surrounding layers will act as a shield, reducing radiation;
  • Always place a ground plane between two adjacent signal layers. In this way, you will reduce the likelihood of crosstalk interfering with the signal transmission;
  • Consider using multiple grounding layers if possible. This will help lower the ground impedance of your board and reduce common mode emissions.

Planning the Layer Structure of 6-layer PCB manufacturing

When planning a layer structure of 6-layer PCB manufacturing, most designers simply define the number of layers needed and something else. However, there are many more unknowns to be found when planning a complete set of layers, including:

  1. How many layers does your design require?
  2. What distance is needed between layers;
  3. How layers should be structured and organized;
  4. How many power/ground layers does your design require?

After choosing the number of layers:

As you decide how many layers you need for your design, you go deeper and deeper into the details, new constraints appear to be considered, for example:

  • The number of signal lines to be laid;
  • The frequency of your signals
  • What type of ECC EMC requirements your board must meet – Class A or Class B.

Conclusion:

Having found not one, but all these variables, you can proceed to calculate the number of layers required by the structure in 6-layer PCB manufacturing. You can also use the table below to estimate the number of layers in your board based on the pin density of the components:

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