hdi pcb – Advanced Circuits | PCB Manufacturing & PCB Assembly https://www.4pcb.com/blog Printed Circuit Boards and PCB Assembly Manufacturer Blog Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:57:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 PCB Design and Layout Tips: What You Should Know /blog/pcb-design-and-layout-tips-what-you-should-know/ Fri, 19 Mar 2021 18:59:31 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2387 Continue reading ]]> At the heart of every electronic device is a PCB, or printed circuit board. That’s true whether we’re talking about your tablet computer or a life-saving pacemaker. From fitness trackers to computer motherboards, calculators to smartphones, circuit boards are everywhere today. And the explosion of electronic devices and the new ways we’re using them means one thing: PCB design is more important than ever. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most critical PCB design and layout tips you should know.

Node Location Is Critical

Perhaps the most important tip on our list is this – make important nodes as accessible as possible. This is particularly relevant to troubleshooting why your design is not working. If your important nodes aren’t accessible, your testing is going to hit a wall. Whether you’re going with loop-style nodes or something else, make sure they’re easy to access.

Component Spacing Matters a Lot

Today’s circuit boards support far more components than ever before. That’s great from an end-user standpoint. The more components on a board, the more functionality it supports, and the more users can do with the device. However, what is an advantage for end users can be a challenge for designers.

Simply put, the more components you add to a board, the more cramped they become within the design. And, make no mistake, component spacing matters a lot. Why is that? You’ll find several reasons. One of those is that without the appropriate amount of spacing, you lack room for wire routing. Another challenge is that those components create heat, and the closer they’re packed, the more heat builds up in the board. In some cases, that might be enough to compromise the board material itself, particularly if you’re using something like FR-4 rather than a material designed to handle high levels of heat.

Speaking of Heat…

Heat will always be a problem, but it is not insurmountable. One quick tip to help you get around high-heat-related issues is to add extra copper around surface mount components. This creates additional surface area and helps dissipate more heat, faster, effectively turning a portion of the PCB design into a heatsink.

Shrink Your Components

Struggling with an unrouteable board? Use smaller components. By going with a smaller footprint, you leave more room for copper traces to pass each component. Proper spacing is easier to maintain with smaller components, too, helping you avoid overcrowding the board and the other problems that go hand in hand with stacking components too close to one another.

What should you do? While quad flat package components might be your first option, you might want to consider going with ball grid array components, instead. Of course, there is a trade-off here – smaller components make repair work more challenging.

Play Tetris

Does the following situation sound familiar? You’re staring at your PCB design, struggling to fit each component in and route traces between them. No matter where you put them, you’re left with problems, particularly if the board is smaller.

The answer? Play a game of Tetris with your components. Rotate them and find the best arrangement that allows you to route traces directly between them while maximizing the use of space across the entire board. This can take some time and effort, but it’s well worth the minimal investment you’ll make.

Pay Attention to Arrangement

Sometimes, rotating your components is simply not enough. When that happens, it’s important to come at the situation with a bit of strategy in terms of component arrangement. How, though?

  • Cascaded Components: Cascaded components play a vital role in many PCB design options. However, they can be challenging to arrange correctly. Keep them near one another, and make sure that they are in sequence on the board. That will immediately remove the challenge of trying to route traces all across the board to connect cascaded components located in different areas.
  • Consolidate: Why use multiple smaller resistors when a single higher resistance one will work better? Consolidating your design ensures that there’s more room for components and traces, as resistors will take up less of your available space.
  • Cascade from the Edge: When laying out your PCB design, identify any component that must be attached via an edge connector. Locate those components as close to the connector as you can. The rest of the chain should cascade away from that point, grouped into functional blocks near one another and in sequence.

Go Denserdesign software

If you are struggling with PCB design, chances are good that the space required for traces, vias, and clearance is a problem. You can get around that by going denser. With HDI, you can create very dense boards with very dense traces, clearances, and vias that still deliver performance. However, you do need to consider controlled impedance routing, differential pairs, and check creepage, clearance, and width when it comes to high-current and high-voltage design.

Watch the Noise

Signal noise can be problematic when it comes to some traces. However, placing high-frequency signal carrying traces too close together can couple those signals, ratcheting up the noise and possibly creating problems with traces where no noise is desired. Make sure that you keep noisy traces away from analog traces to avoid this problem.

A Helping Hand

As you can see, there are many considerations to make when it comes to PCB design. If you’re struggling to get it right, we can help. At Advanced Circuits, we have decades of experience working with clients ranging from individuals to Fortune 500 companies and helping them bring their PCB designs to life. From our groundbreaking design software to our production capabilities, we have a solution no matter what your needs might be. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or to learn more about our capabilities and services.

 

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Circuit Boards: A Guide to Choosing Materials /blog/circuit-boards-a-guide-to-choosing-materials/ Fri, 05 Mar 2021 18:39:55 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2382 Continue reading ]]> At Advanced Circuits, we offer critical solutions for clients in virtually every industry, from prototyping to final products. Whether you have ultra-demanding requirements or simply need a partner capable of producing a single design one time, we can help. One important aspect of designing circuit boards is choosing the right material.

A range of different materials can be used when manufacturing circuit boards. However, they are not all the same. Each material brings something different to the table in terms of performance, tolerances, durability, and more. An informed decision here will maximize performance and durability, reduce weight, and ensure that your design performs to expectations.

Board Types

Circuit boards come in a wide range of types and are classified by component location, stack-up, design, bendability, strength, and electrical functionality. Before choosing a material, make sure you know which classification your design falls into, as this will affect material choices and other decisions.

FR-4

FR-4 is a commonly used material in the design of circuit boards. It is actually made of fiberglass (technically a glass-reinforced epoxy laminate), which means it is relatively lightweight and affordable. For this reason, it is often used in lower-end consumer electronics. The letters FR indicate that this material is also flame retardant, which can be important in applications where heat dispersal is a consideration. It is also known for its high mechanical values, as well as its ability to insulate and perform well even in more humid conditions. However, it may not have the thickness, durability, or capacity for higher-end or higher-performance applications.

When to use it: use FR-4 material in products where cost is a consideration, but you want effective performance across a wide range of applications. Typically, you’ll find FR-4 used in substrate/laminate boards. We recommend it for standard circuit boards.

Rogers Material

The Rogers company also manufactures material for circuit boards. The company offers several options, but one they are best known for is PTFE (Teflon). Teflon costs more than FR-4, but it provides better performance for RF circuit boards because it has a lower signal loss rate. Other advantages include a wide range of dielectric constant values, improved management of heat, and better control over impedance. The trade-off is the higher cost, coupled with slightly more weight.

When to use it: use this material in applications where power management is important, as well as where RF, microwave, or high-performance functionality are necessary. Note that this is a good material for mobile use, too. Typically used in laminate boards, we recommend this option for high frequency, microwave, and high-power situations.

Metal

Metal is an option for the base of circuit boards. So-called “metal core” boards offer greater heft, but also provide better durability and strength. Most are made from aluminum, but alloys exist that can be used instead. Typically, these boards feature the metal base layer, a second layer of conductive dielectric material, and then the final layer of copper on the top. Metal core circuit boards are widely used in solid-state applications, and in use cases where ceramic substrates cannot be used.

When to use it: metal core circuit boards are well-suited for LED applications, but can also be used for other lighting applications, and they also play a role in automotive electronic design.

HDI

HDI, or high-density interconnector, is yet another option for circuit board design. The name says it all – this material offers a high line distribution density and is often used in situations where designers need to reduce weight and size without sacrificing electronic performance. HDI can make use of blind and buried vias, as well as microvias, vias in pad, and through vias from surface to surface.

When to use it: use HDI where density is a consideration, as well as when size and weight are serious concerns. Note that HDI also offers reduced heat transfer included stress.

High Tg

As the temperature of the circuit board and surrounding environment rises, the material of the board’s base layer actually shifts states. The higher the temperature at which the material can remain rigid, the better performing the material will be for board design. Of course, in low-temperature environments, this is not much of a concern. However, with high-temperature environments, the glass-transition temperature (Tg) is important. High Tg materials offer the temperature resistance required for these applications, and they are beginning to be more commonly used across industries.

When to use it: high Tg materials are all about heat control, so this material is well-suited for designs where stability at high temperatures is critically important. We recommend this material for high density needs.

A Note on Solder and Toxicity

Soldering circuit boards can expose you to lead-carrying fumes (lead is sometimes contained within solder). Since any circuit board will require soldering, always solder boards in a well-ventilated area, while wearing appropriate protective gear.

A Full Range of Capabilities for Circuit Boards

At Advanced Circuits, we offer an end-to-end service for your needs in designing and manufacturing circuit boards. From choosing the right material to determining the right number of layers to full PCB assembly, we offer fast turnarounds and affordable pricing. No order is too large or too small. All circuit boards are manufactured within one of our US-based locations, which allows us to manufacture circuit boards for virtually alllayout projects, including DOD contracts.

Layout and Design Help for Circuit Boards

We believe in giving our customers every advantage possible. We understand that designing circuit boards can be incredibly complex, time-consuming, and frustrating. To help ease that burden, we offer free access to PCB Artist — our intuitive, unrestricted PCB design software — to walk you through the entire design process. Create designs of up to 28 layers, import from Eagle, and access a library of over half a million parts all in one place.

 

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The Biggest Benefits of Using HDI PCBs /blog/the-biggest-benefits-of-using-hdi-pcbs/ Fri, 09 Oct 2020 18:01:16 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2269 Continue reading ]]> High-Density Interconnector (HDI) printed circuit board connectors are a popular option for a range of different applications. They have increased wiring density for each of the unit areas on the board. These boards will have more interconnections while using less space. Boards that feature between 120 and 160 pins per square inch are considered high density. Although they can fit more into a smaller space, users do not have to worry about negative impacts on the functionality. They have many benefits that you can experience. The more you learn about those benefits, the easier it is to see why they are becoming the top choice.

Smaller Components Mean Smaller Products

Those who are looking for a smaller option for circuit boards will find that HDI PCBs could be an excellent solution. When designing circuit boards that use this technology, it allows for more components to be included in a smaller space. They can be populated on both sides of the board, so they can do more than a standard board that is the same size.

Since the technology allows for smaller circuit boards, but still manages to provide ample space and options, it means smaller end products. Using less space without compromising the quality and features is important to many designers today.

A Range of Applications

Smaller designs that are still powerful and capable are important for many different types of products across industries today. Whether the designer is working on a new smartphone, medical equipment, military tech, or aerospace tech, going smaller is often the goal.

One of the areas where HDI PCBs are making a big impact is in the medical industry. Many types of medical devices need to be small. This includes implants, equipment for the lab and for imaging, and more. Smaller sizes are helpful, whether it is for a pacemaker, a camera used for medical imaging, or another piece of equipment used by medical professionals.

Of course, there are plenty of other industries that are making good use of these smaller boards. The automotive industry, for example, uses these types of boards in many of their vehicles. Because they are smaller, they will take up less space in the car. This means that more technological features could be added to the vehicles while still taking up less space.

Military and aerospace applications are growing, as well. From defense systems to missiles and more, these smaller circuit boards are making a difference. Another one of the reasons that they are used for these applications is their durability. When they are made properly, they have the capability to withstand the rigors of use in extreme environments. This might be space or a battlefield.

Wearable technology will benefit from the use of these boards, too. Since HDI PCBs are smaller and can help to increase battery life, they are popular for a range of different types of wearable tech, such as smartwatches.

More and more industries are likely going to be looking to enjoy all of the benefits that these boards can provide. Those who are trying to determine what sort of boards they should be using will want to seriously consider the HDI PCBs.

Less Power Usage

Another one of the biggest benefits of choosing HDI PCBs is the fact that they use less power. This will naturally lead to longer battery life. When creating any sort of handheld device or equipment that utilizes batteries, the longer the battery life, the better. Most consumers do not want items that need to be recharged constantly. They want a product that has a long battery life, and these high-density interconnector circuit boards can be an ideal solution for this.

Long Lifespan

The HDI PCBs also tend to have longer lives than other boards. One of the reasons for this is the fact that there is reduced degradation because of the heat. These boards have less heat transfer because the heat does not have to travel as far before it can escape the board. These types of boards do not have to deal with as much stress due to thermal expansion, either. The boards tend to be rugged and strong, and they have fewer perforations. They are built to last and can still provide the space that a larger board would provide.

Conductivity Management

With these boards, you can choose to fill the vias with nonconductive or conductive materials. These will help with the transmission between the components on the board. The boards allow for blind vias and via-in-pads components to be placed closer together. This will typically help to improve the functionality of the board. This is because the transmission times will be reduced along with reductions in crossing delays.

The signal strength will be increased, which is another one of the reasons that many people are opting for HDI PCBs today. The blind and buried vias make for a more efficient product, and you can expect better signal integrity. Ultimately, this can allow for better overall products.

A Cost-Effective Option

Another one of the benefits of using HDI PCBs is their cost-effectiveness. They are smaller and often cost the same or less than other boards that would take up more space. These boards are a good solution for those who are looking for a quality option. You will not have to spend more money – or take up more space with boards – to get the functionality you need.

Move Forward with Your Own HDI PCBs

Now that you have a better understanding of HDI PCBs and the types of benefits they can confer, it’s time to consider whether they are right for you. Take the time to learn more about what we can offer at Advanced Circuits. We can provide fast turnaround times for the boards you need. We also have software available which will allow you to create your own boards. Best of all, our high-quality design software is free. If you are looking for the very best in circuit boards, Advanced Circuits can help.

 

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Understanding HDI PCBs and their Advantages /blog/understanding-hdi-pcbs-and-their-advantages/ Fri, 22 May 2020 20:15:26 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2175 Continue reading ]]> HDI stands for high-density interconnected, and this technology is quickly becoming popular in the field of printed circuit boards. HDI PCBs can provide a range of benefits for technology in general. After all, they help to streamline circuit boards, allowing them to do more while taking up less space. This means that the boards tend to be smaller, which means the electronics that use these types of boards tend to be smaller. They can perform well, but they have a smaller, more streamlined package. Consider just how much smaller so many different types of devices have become over the past decade. One of the reasons for this is the use of HDI PCBs.

What is an HDI PCB?

These boards provide a large number of interconnections in a small space. The components are placed closer together on the board, which helps to reduce the size, but the functionality stays the same as a larger board. If a board features 120 to 160 pins per square inch, then it is an HDI PCB. Components are placed close together while making use of versatile routing. These types of boards are made possible thanks to microvia technology, along with buried and blind vias. They are very efficient, and they are becoming popular in a wide range of different industries, as you will see below.

Biggest Benefits of HDI PCBs

Many want to find ways to reduce the footprint of the products they are making, and one of the best ways to do that is by using HDI PCBs. They are a good solution any time that you need to reduce size and weight, and when you still need to have functionality and reliability in the product. One of the other benefits found with these boards is the fact that they use via-in-pad technology and blind via technology. This allows components to be placed closer together, reducing the length of the signal path, which helps to provide faster and more reliable signals since those paths are shorter.

Even though the boards can provide a wealth of advantages, you will find that they are still very affordable. It is a cost-effective solution for those who are looking for a reliable and durable option for their electronic devices. Still, to determine whether they are the right option for you or not, it is important to learn even more about them and how they are used. You will also want to learn the differences between a regular printed circuit board and an HDI printed circuit board.

Where are HDI PCBs Used Today?

Because of the benefits they offer, you will find that HDI PCBs are utilized in a wide range of electronic devices across many different industries. The medical industry is one of the most well-known. Medical devices that are being made today typically need to be smaller. Whether it is a piece of equipment in the lab or an implant, smaller tends to be a better option, and HDI PCBs can help immensely in this regard. Pacemakers are a good example of a type of product that is using these types of PCBs. Many types of monitoring and exploratory devices, such as endoscopes or colonoscopes, use this type of technology. Once again, smaller is better in these situations.

In addition to the healthcare field, the automotive industry is making use of HDI PCBs. To help maximize the space available in motor vehicles, they are making certain electronic components smaller. Of course, tablets and smartphones use this type of technology. This is why so many of these devices become lighter and thinner through their generations.

You will also find HDI PCBs used in the aerospace and military fields. Their reliability and their smaller size make them useful for a range of different applications. It is likely there will be more and more devices from even more diverse fields that will be using this technology going forward.

What are the Main Differences between a PCB and an HDI PCB?

To get a better idea of some of the main differences between these two options, consider the following list.

  • Per square inch, HDI PCBs have more densely-packed components
  • The boards end up smaller and lighter than with typical PCBs
  • They utilize laser direct drilling, whereas standard PCBs will usually have mechanical drilling
  • The number of layers tends to be lower, as does the aspect ratio

These are some of the differences between HDI PCBs and regular PCBs. However, it doesn’t mean that the HDI option is always the right choice for you. Take the time to consider the project you are doing and then determine which option will be best for your needs.

Properly Design the HDI PCB

While using one of these types of PCBs may seem like the perfect solution for your needs, it is important that you understand how to design them properly if you hope to achieve all of the benefits they can convey. With these types of designs, you will want to make sure that you aren’t using more than three layers in a sequence, if possible. Ideally, the number of sequential laminations will be low.

Take time to thoroughly think through the design, and then test it out in software and with a Gerber file viewer to make sure it works properly. Once you are certain it works, you may want to get a prototype to ensure it is working and then move on with full manufacturing.

Why Work with Advanced Circuits?

Advanced Circuits makes it easy for you to create the type of PCB you need from the ground up. By providing you with high-quality software, testing tools, and even a review process, you can be sure you are creating the ideal board before it goes to manufacture. We offer excellent customer service and have earned a great reputation within the PCB industry. We’ll help you choose the type of PCB that best fits your needs. Contact Advanced Circuits today to get a quote on your circuit boards.

 

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HDI PCB Capabilities Matter in Modern Electronics Manufacturing /blog/hdi-pcb-capabilities-matter-in-modern-electronics-manufacturing/ Tue, 29 Oct 2019 19:39:43 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2042 Continue reading ]]> HDI PCB or High-Density Interconnector Printed Control Boards, are essential for many of today’s higher-end electronics. With finer lines and spaces, higher connection pad density and other refinements, they enhance electrical performance; as they help reduce both the size and the weight of any item. When a PCB has higher layer counts, it is the HDI PCB that may be the ideal option.

The electrical needs of high-speed signaling also mean an enhanced board and other requirements, and with all of these improvements come the higher frequencies, higher speeds and smaller sizes needed by mobile devices, laptops and more. As amplifiers of the functionalities of standard circuit boards, HDI PCBs also deliver some of the most innovative features in modern electronics. Their manufacturing processes demand a level of precision and skilled design that comes only from experts in HDI PCB production and fabrication.

Not all manufacturers have the ability to offer their clients the six different types of HDI PCBs that exist, or even any options in this technology. The six most commonly found are:

  • Through vias from surface to surface
  • Buried vias and through vias
  • Two or more HDI layers with through vias
  • Passive substrate with no electrical connection
  • Coreless construction using layer pairs
  • Alternate constructions of coreless constructions using layer pairs

Designers also have the option for positioning more components on both sides of their HDI PCB; and enhancements in design enable them to feature more components with even smaller dimensions (and closer together) on the boards.

And while a designer can create any number of styles and systems, it is quality that remains the standout factor. While consumer demand is driving the use of HDI PCB tech and its wide-ranging capabilities, manufacturers must still concern themselves with the overall quality and reliability in the tech.

This is why it is crucial they find fabricators and assemblers with authentic HDI PCB capabilities.

Advanced Circuits Offers HDI PCB Options

Almost any players in modern electronics require HDI PCB options, and that means learning if their preferred manufacturers have the ability to do HDI work. They should consider what the smallest and largest laser ablated vias can be, they need to know via aspect ratios (depth to diameter), the capture pad size, landing pad size, stacked via options, copper filled microvia options, and what Type I through Type III capabilities are available.

At Advanced Circuits, we have HDI PCB options within our advanced capabilities and work with such high-end organizations as the U.S. Military and other Defense groups, Aerospace firms, commercial industries, and the medical fields. We can supply the DOD as well as a tiny startup with the kinds of advanced components needed. Everything is done domestically, and most is in our one-stop facility that combines both design and production along with assembly processes.

We offer an array of advanced PCB manufacturing capabilities able to meet even the most unique product or design criteria, including the laser-drilled microvias also known as HDI CPBs.

We offer multiple divisions with the same technical experts available to more traditional clients and can do entirely custom orders.

Our Array of Customer Support and Resource Options

It helps to understand that we make all of our standard and traditional client services readily available to custom clients, specialty and unique demand clients, too. These include:

  • CAM Engineer Review – Long before your specialty items enter the production process, the designs and/or prototypes are reviewed in-house by our CAM experts.
  • PCB Artist Software – Free to download and use in its unrestricted format, it has more features than anything else on the market and enables clients to enjoy discounted pricing when submitting Standard Spec orders through the program.
  • File Review Software – The FreeDFM software evaluates a design and ensures that all essential data is included, adjusts or corrects design flaws, and sends back a report that itemizes all that was discovered and fixed.

Whether you utilize the free design software offered to all clients at the Advanced Circuits website; you upload your Gerber files to be evaluated by our file review software for all necessary data with automatic adjustments to design flaws; or you submit for a CAM engineer review; a design of even great complexity will be evaluated and adjusted.

We also offer live tech support. This is not customer support, though that is also available around the clock. This is support received from CAM engineers at any hour of the day or night, which ensures expert guidance.

There are never any minimum lot requirements forcing a firm to invest in far more PCBs or other items than are needed, and we refuse to impose tooling charges when clients work within standard specs, but even those seeking HDI options may find that tooling is waived if a reorder of a standard spec order is done as a custom spec the next time around.

We also offer our decades of stability as a wise reason to work with us. After all, with more than 25 years in the field, and a tremendously healthy bottom line, Advanced Circuits is among the most stable providers. We have an enormous physical plant capable of the entire process (from design to shipping), and we emphasize efficiency at all levels.

This is reflected in our remarkably fast and reliable shipping record. We have the BEST ON-TIME SHIPPING RECORD in the industry, and are now shipping 50% of orders early! In fact, we ship Standard Spec orders on time or they’re FREE!

Advanced Circuits also provides a personalized page for each client. It is a centralized place for itemizing quotes and orders, enabling reviews of hold notices and even requesting test certifications and other reports directly through the site.

Customization does not necessarily have to come at punitive pricing. Even those in need of HDI implementation in their PCB designs will find plenty to appreciate about our Advanced Circuits offerings.

 

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Exacting Precision and Capabilities Required for HDI PCBs /blog/exacting-precision-and-capabilities-required-for-hdi-pcbs/ Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:51:18 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1954 Continue reading ]]> HDI PCBs are increasingly becoming more common as consumers demand for smaller and more capable electronics grows and electronic design engineers push the limits of technology.  HDI PCBs, short for High Density Interconnect printed circuit boards, take a great deal of precision to manufacture using specialized equipment and the skills of highly trained technicians.  Unlike most traditional circuit boards, HDI PCBs have extremely thin lines, much tighter tolerances, high conductive layer counts, and a higher concentration of pads in a smaller area to fit more (and smaller) components on both sides of the circuit board to achieve a greater level of functionality and performance from a single circuit board.

HDI PCB Fabrication Capabilities

Advanced Circuits operates three state-of-the-art PCB manufacturing facilities in the US with the capabilities, qualifications, certifications, and the expertise to meet the most demanding requirements for HDI PCB fabrication.  Our broad range of printed circuit board fabrication capabilities support the stringent requirements for advanced HDI PCB design in all industries including medical, aerospace, defense, and commercial markets.

Advanced Circuits Supports up to 40 layers boards, laser drilled microvias, stacked microvias, blind vias, buried vias, via-in-pad, laser direct imaging, sequential lamination, .00275″ trace/space, fine pitch down to .3mm, controlled impedance and much more.  Advanced Circuits is able to manufacture HDI PCBs with no minimum order requirements and with flexible turn-time options.  Each design receives a detailed review by our CAM engineers prior to production to ensure a worry-free fabrication process and support team is available 24 hours a day Monday-Friday, even Saturdays until 4pm EST, to assist with your HDI PCB order.

HDI PCB Materials

HDI PCBs use advanced laminate materials that tend to be much thinner than the materials used in more conventional printed circuit boards.  Because HDI PCBs demand an elevated level of precision and accuracy for fabrication and overall performance, specialty materials that meet certain specifications are required.  Advanced Circuits offers a wide range of material options suitable for a variety of HDI PCB specifications sourced from top industry providers such as 3M, Arlon, Bergquist, Isola, Rogers, ITEQ, Taconic, Ventec and others.  You can rely on Advanced Circuits, one of the largest PCB manufacturers in North America, to source the materials for your next HDI PCB design.  Our laminate offerings include:

  •  Ultra-Low Loss
  • Halogen Free
  • High Speed Digital
  • High Thermal Reliability
  • Lead-Free High Tg
  • RoHS Compliant

To download the complete list of Advanced Circuits printed circuit board manufacturing capabilities, material offerings, and certifications, click here (PDF).

 

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HDI PCB Capabilities from Advanced Circuits /blog/hdi-pcb-capabilities-from-advanced-circuits/ Fri, 15 Feb 2019 22:47:43 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1871 Continue reading ]]> Advanced Circuits is the ideal printed circuit board manufacturer for your HDI PCB (High Density Interconnect Printed Circuit Board) requirements.  Since 1989, the company has been known as an industry leader for its quality, precision, and on-time reliability.  With recent acquisitions, Advanced Circuits has expanded its printed circuit board manufacturing capabilities to include some of the most advanced and powerful PCB solutions that range from the simplest designs to the most rigorous requirements for the medical, commercial, defense, and aerospace marketplace.

Advanced Circuits also offers in-house PCB assembly service for quickturn prototype quantities, making turnkey HDI PCB assembly an easy and seamless process.  Our printed circuit board assembly service is North America’s leading one-stop solution for PCB and assembly under one roof supporting Ball Grid Arrays (BGA) as small as .35mm pitch (all BGAs are x-ray inspected), fine pitch components as small as 15 mil pitch, and passive components as small as 0201 with design review.  We can provide low-cost first article builds and have no minimum order requirements.

 

Advanced Technology for HDI PCB Fabrication

You can rely on Advanced Circuits state-of-the-art equipment and experience in cutting-edge precision work for your most rigorous HDI PCB requirements.  We can achieve the highest quality with in-house laser drill capabilities that include precise depth control.  Laser direct imaging (LDI) capabilities ensure exacting registration and all multilayer inner cores receive a thorough check using Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) units for excellent defect detection of the finest features.  Our advanced circuit board manufacturing capabilities include:

  • Buried Chip Resistors
  • Blind and Buried Vias
  • Stacked Microvias
  • Laser Drilled Microvias
  • Up to 40 layers
  • Laser Direct Imaging (LDI)
  • .00275″ Trace/Space
  • Down to .3mm Pitch
  • Air Pockets between layers
  • Via-in-Pad
  • Multilayer RF Designs
  • Cavity Boards
  • Advanced PCB Laminate/Material Options

For a complete list of PCB fabrication capabilities, click here.

Advanced Circuits HDI PCB Specifications

Total Pad Size Typical Advanced
Capture Pad Drill + 0.008 Drill + 0.006
Landing Pad Drill + 0.008 Drill + 0.006
BC Mechanical Drill (Type III) 0.008 0.006
Laser Drill Size 0.004-0.010 0.0025
Material Thickness 0.0035 0.0025
Stacked Via Yes Yes
Type I Capabilities single & Double Deep Yes Yes
Type II Capabilities Buried Vias with Microvias Yes Yes
Type III Capabilities Yes Yes
Copper Filled Microvia Yes Yes
Smallest Copper Filled Microvia 0.004 0.0025
Copper Filled Microvia Aspect Ratio 0.75:1 1:1
Smallest Laser Microvia Hole Size 0.004 0.0025
Laser Via Aspect Ratio (Depth:Diameter) 0.75:1 1:1

 

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Microvia /blog/microvia/ Wed, 27 Dec 2017 15:47:29 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1568 Continue reading ]]> Our Capabilities Include Laser-Drilled Microvias

View our High-Tech Capabilities →

Advanced Circuits offers printed circuit board manufacturing services for the simplest prototypes to the most advanced PCBs for critical applications and high-volume production.   Over the years we have made a significant capital investment in the latest equipment at our three state-of-the-art facilities to provide customers the highest quality and advanced PCB technology such as laser drilled Microvias and much more.

Our capabilities include Microvias, Stacked Microvias, Blind Vias, Buried Vias, Laser Direct Imaging (LDI), Via-in-Pad, up to 40 layer boards, buried chip resistors, cavity boards, multilayer RF designs, and more.

What is a Microvia?

Microvias structures can be found in High Density Interconnect (HDI) printed circuit boards.  These are structures being defined by the aspect ratio of a hole, which is the ratio of the length or depth of a hole to its preplated diameter.  They are miniscule holes drilled by a laser in multilayer circuit boards to create the connection between layers.

microvia

IPC-2226 1.5.2 HDI Types (I, II, & III of VI)

  • TYPE I: (1 + n + 1) Laser Microvias on Both Sides of the Board.
  • TYPE II: (1 + n + 1) Laser Microvias on Both Sides of the Board, with Buried Vias in the Core.
  • TYPE III:  (2 + n + 2) Laser Microvias on Both Sides of the Board—may Have Buried Vias in the Core.

 

 

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HDI PCB (High Density Interconnect) /blog/hdi-pcb-high-density-interconnect/ Fri, 22 Dec 2017 23:09:29 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1541 Continue reading ]]>

Advanced Circuits offers high tech capabilities for advanced circuit board designs and demanding requirements including high density interconnect or HDI PCB.

Learn more


Demand for HDI PCBs

The demand for more advanced circuit boards is growing and HDI is becoming more prevalent in PCB design.  High density interconnect circuit boards are finding their way into many applications such as military communication devises, aerospace, computers, smartphones, medical equipment, and many other applications.

There are many benefits to HDI printed circuit board designs.  Design engineers are leveraging the technology to make circuit boards that are smaller and more capable.  Utilizing blind vias, buried vias, laser drilled Microvias, and advanced materials.

Taking advantage of HDI technology in PCB fabrication will allow closer placement of the components on the board.  This can result in faster signal transmission rates and reduce crossing delays and signal loss.

HDI PCB Design Considerations

  • Cost – HDI technology is more costly compared to traditional circuit boards
  • Materials – More advanced PCB materials are used for HDI PCBs
  • Design – Requires expertise and experience
  • Manufacturing – Not all manufacturers have the necessary capabilities for HDI
  • Finer Lines & Tight Tolerances – Laser direct imaging is preferable

Advanced Circuits’ Expanded Capabilities

Advanced Circuits is your go-to manufacturer for high-tech printed circuit boards.  The company offers a broad range of capabilities, certifications, and quality systems to meet rigorous requirements; From quick-turn PCB prototypes shipped as quickly as Same Day to advanced designs for critical applications, Advanced Circuits can get the job done right the first time.  Contact your Advanced Circuits representative for more information about our PCB manufacturing and prototype assembly services.

[PDF] Download PCB Capabilities Lists 

 

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High Density Interconnect PCBs /blog/hdi-high-density-interconnect-pcb/ Sun, 16 Apr 2017 01:23:47 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1277 Continue reading ]]> Learn about the benefits and applications of High Density Interconnect (HDI) PCBs and see how this technology is becoming more prevalent in today’s aeronautics and consumer products.

High density interconnect (HDI) is a technology that is rapidly becoming prevalent in PCB design and integration into electronic products of all kinds. HDI is a technology that provides for a much denser construction on a board by the ability to place increasingly smaller components in closer proximity, which also results in shorter paths between components.

HDI PCBs are finding their way into a growing number of products:

  • Military communications devices and other strategic equipment
  • Aerospace – smaller space requirements and light weight are ideal for such applications
  • Computers and smartphones – phones and computers are taking full advantage of smaller profiles, reduced weight, and increased functionality, made possible through the integration of HDI circuits.
  • Medical equipment – diagnostic and monitoring equipment has become more reliable and expanded with technical features that aid medical teams with patient treatment, powered by HDI PCBs and advanced software.

Benefits of HDI

HDI boards utilize buried or blind vias, or a combination, and may also incorporate microvias with an incredibly small diameter. This facilitates the incorporation of more technology in less space, with fewer layers. Multi-layer HDI boards are also in common use, with many layers being accommodated through various construction methods utilizing blind, buried, stacked, and staggered vias.

With smaller components and blind via and via in pad technology, components may be placed closer together, resulting in faster signal transmission rates while also reducing crossing delays and signal loss. These are key considerations that generate improved performance of HDI PCBs.

HDI boards are preferred for applications where space, performance, reliability, and weight are concerns. This makes them more suitable for nearly every application related to electronics, consumer products, computers, and aeronautics.

Multi-layer HDI boards can provide strong interconnection of stacked vias, resulting in high levels of reliability, even in more extreme environments.

HDI Drawbacks and Considerations

Although the benefits of HDI are considerable, there are drawbacks to the technology, as well.

Specialized processing and equipment required to manufacture HDI boards is expensive. Such equipment includes laser drills, laser direct imaging processes, and other specialized fabrication equipment and materials. This need for specialized equipment and operator training is partially accountable for the higher cost of HDI fabrication.

Attention to detail is critical in the design and manufacturing of HDI printed circuit boards. This requires expertise and experience.

Many fabricators have not made the investment or transition to laser direct imaging (LDI) for board fabrication. In the case of HDI boards, the tight tolerances for finer lines and tighter spacing make LDI an important consideration in quality results. While contact imaging is still widely used in PCB manufacturing, LDI is much more preferable for HDI boards, although the expense for the equipment can be considerable.

Designing and Manufacturing HDI PCBs

Designing PCBs for HDI applications requires specific tools, as does the manufacturing process. Utilizing computer aided design (CAD) software for design and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) tools is considered mandatory in utilizing HDI technology for PCB creation.

Training for design engineers is also a time-consuming effort as HDI becomes more and more prevalent in the market, but the payback in efficiency and reduction in rework and manufacturing delays is worth the investment.

 

 

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