In the past, PCBs were relatively simple. However, new advancements in technology have made it possible to create complex boards that can do far more than their counterparts of the past. Multilayer PCBs are helpful when creating more advanced electronics.

The Multilayer PCB

A PCB is considered multilayer when it has three or more layers with conductive copper foil. The layers are circuit boards with two sides that have been laminated and then glued together. They also include insulation between the layers to help protect the boards from heat. The electronic connections that take place between the layers happen through vias. These might be blind vias, buried vias, or with plating through holes in the board. This allows for there to be more connections and can make for complex printed circuit boards.

The multilayer PCBs became essential when the need for more sophisticated electronics rose. The standard PCBs were not capable of handling the needs of the new electronics because there would often be issues with stray capacitance, crosstalk, and noise. The multilayer PCB can help to deal with those issues. The number of layers that are used in these boards will vary. Typically, applications will require between four and eight layers, but it depends on several factors.

Why Choose Multilayer PCBs?

These types of PCBs offer a range of benefits. One of the most common reasons for using the multilayer PCB is the size. Because of the layered design, it means that the PCB will be smaller than other printed circuit boards but still have the same level of functionality. Most people today want their electronics to be smaller, while still being powerful. The multilayer PCB allows for this. These types of boards also happen to weigh less, which helps to reduce the overall weight of the gadgets in which they are used. However, the size is certainly not the only benefit.

Typically, these boards will also be high-quality and very reliable. A lot of work goes into the design of the boards to ensure they will work. When combined with quality materials and construction, they can last. They are known for being durable, and a big part of this is the insulation layers that are between the board layers.

The connections on these boards are closer together than they are on standard PCBs. This means that they tend to be more connective and more powerful. They will have a greater capacity, as well as improved speed. The multilayer PCBs also have just a single connection point. This is helpful in the design of the final product in which they will be used. It will mean that the product only needs to have a single connection point. This allows for more design freedom for those gadgets.

These are some of the biggest benefits of multilayer PCBs. If you aren’t already considering using them for your next design, it might be time that you thought about it.

Common Real-World Applications for Multilayer PCBs

These types of boards are often considered the go-to type of printed circuit board to use because of the advantages mentioned above. They are found in many different types of consumer electronics, for example. They are used with smartphones, tablets, microwaves, smartwatches, computers, and much more.

Multilayer PCBs are also used in the telecommunications industry. They are often used for satellites, signal transmission, GPS, and towers. They are used in many industrial control systems, as well as in the automotive industry. Many vehicles today are heavily reliant on computer technology. These boards allow for complex electronics in a smaller space.

The boards are becoming common within medical industry electronics, as well. They are used for a range of different types of equipment that helps to diagnose and treat patients. Multilayer PCBs can be found in heart monitors, CAT scan equipment, and a host of other devices. The functionality, durability, small size and low weight help to make them a good solution for many military and aerospace applications, too.

As you can see, multilayer PCBs are the solution for just about any type of industry today. Above are just some of the different ways that they can be used. There are not any major disadvantages to using these types of boards. Even though there may be increased production time, this can be mitigated by finding a reputable company with a fast turnaround time.

Choosing the Right Manufacturing Company for Multilayer PCBs

When you are looking for a manufacturing company that can create the boards for you, it is important to ensure that they can handle all of the needed layers. Some of the companies available may not be capable of creating the number of layers needed for the boards you are creating. At Advanced Circuits, we have standard specs that can create 0 to 10 layers, and our custom specs can provide 0 to 40 layers. This should be more than enough for any multilayer PCB you might be designing.

When you choose Advanced Circuits, you will have more than just quality materials and the ability to create a large number of layers. You will find that our customer service helps to ensure that customers are happy from start to finish. We have a free software package that will make it easy for designers to create the boards they need and to test them to see whether they work before going ahead with a prototype.

We offer a fast turnaround time, great prices, and reliability. Additionally, you only have to order as many PCBs as you need, since we do not have a minimum. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help.

Expanded Capabilities Include Multilayer PCBs Up to 40 Layers

Advanced Circuits is able to meet the demand for the increased layer count of conventional circuit boards.  Multilayer PCB designs allow the engineer to create more powerful boards while at the same time shrink the overall size of the PCB.  To meet the demand for higher layer counts and more advanced PCB technologies, Advanced Circuits has invested heavily in strategic acquisitions and in state-of-the-art equipment which has allowed the company to offer the medical, aerospace and defense, industrial, and many other industries advanced PCB capabilities to meet their needs.  Learn more 〉

Prepreg Thickness Chart for Multilayer PCB Lamination

Prepreg is the material used in the multilayer PCB lamination process – a woven glass cloth with epoxy resin.

The chart below provides the thickness for a single ply (sheet) of each style of Pre-Preg after processing. These are grouped by the weight and type of the internal conductor layer (typical signal and plane layers) that they will be adjacent to (columns A-F).  Those that are adjacent to the top and bottom copper layers will use the column designated for these (column G) regardless of the layer type.  All plies that are not directly against a conductor layer (use for situations with more than 2 plies in an opening) will use the additional plies values (column H).  These values are based on a minimum of 2 plies of pre-preg per opening between foil and cores or between cores.

This thickness guide is provided as a guide only. The actual thickness will be affected by the copper distribution within the design as well as within the production panels. Learn more 〉

Other Advanced Capabilities

• Multilayer RF Designs Up to 8 Layers
• Heavy Copper Up to 20 oz.
• Oversized Boards Up to 37″ x 120″
• Laser Direct Imaging (LDI)
• Laser Drilled Microvias (HDI)
• Stacked Microvias
• Cavity Boards
• Via-in-Pad
• Air Pockets Between Layers
• Blind & Buried Vias
• Buried Chip Resistors
• .00275″ Trace/Space
• Down to .3mm Pitch
• Laminate options for high temp., low loss and lead-free materials

See full list of Advanced Circuits PCB Capabilities.