Industries Commonly Use Micro Vias
As the demand for smaller, lighter and more efficient electronics continues to rise, PCB designers need to find innovative ways to increase functionality within a small footprint. One of the key innovations in this area is the use of micro vias, a type of hole that allows traces to access inner layers of a multilayer printed circuit board. In this article, we will explore what micro vias are, how they work, and some of the industries that commonly use them.
Microvias are a major component of high-density interconnect (HDI) technology, and they have become indispensable in modern electronic devices. The small structures allow for a greater number of layers and higher interconnect density in PCBs, which helps manufacturers deliver better performance at lower cost and weight.
Microvias are typically less than 0.15mm in diameter, and they can be used to connect both power and signal connections. The process of creating a microvia in a PCB involves drilling with a tungsten cobalt alloy drill bit, which is specialized for high-speed machines. In addition, the drilled holes must be filled with a non-conductive epoxy, and they are often plated with pure copper or a combination of copper and epoxy.
What Industries Commonly Use Micro Vias?
In addition, it is important to choose the correct laminate material for a microvia design, since some materials are more compatible with this type of hole. Once the layer pairs and material selection are finalized, the next step is to create a microvia-ready stackup in the PCB layout software. During this step, it is important to ensure that the vias have the right aspect ratio and hole depth so they can be easily fabricated by a manufacturer.
Stacked microvias are particularly useful in high-reliability applications such as aerospace electronics, where the equipment must be able to operate under extreme conditions. However, it is important to note that stacked microvias have been found to be more susceptible to failure than staggered or blind vias. This is thought to be due to the increased stress on the plated copper wrap plating.
A common way to reduce the risk of stacked microvia failure is to limit the number of vias in a vertical stack. Additionally, a designer should choose an appropriate aspect ratio and thickness for the plating. The bottom line is that microvias can be extremely reliable in the hands of experienced designers who understand how to use them appropriately.
The use of microvias is a critical technology for advanced electronic products, such as laptops, smartphones, and medical devices. The emergence of these tiny structures has allowed engineers to develop sophisticated electronics with unprecedented levels of performance and connectivity. With the continued drive towards miniaturization, it’s clear that the future of microvia technology is bright, and it will continue to play a vital role in improving the functionality of modern electronic devices. If you have any questions about the use of microvias in your PCB designs, please contact a PCBONLINE expert today.