High current can create a lot of noise in a circuit board, especially the current associated with a switch-mode power supply. Short and direct power and analog trace routing between components Electrical and Heat Considerations for High Current Circuits To avoid these and other high current problems, care must be used in how these circuits are designed in PCB layout. Even before that temperature is reached, however, the heat may end up burning through any thin metal traces on the board, creating an open circuit like a blown fuse. Beyond that point, its solid form will become unstable and may begin to melt. FR-4, which is the standard material used for PCB fabrication, has a glass transition temperature (Tg) rating of 130 degrees Celsius. The materials used in the fabrication of the raw circuit board will tolerate a lot of heat, but only up to a certain level. Eventually, the heat will create a domino scenario where more and more parts are affected, eventually resulting in the failure of the circuit board.Īnother example of the potential negative effects of high current on a circuit board is the physical failure of the board’s structure. This heat, if not distributed correctly, can affect the normal operation of components that are not designed for it. For example, a circuit board that doesn’t use enough metal to conduct the current through its power planes and traces may become too hot. However, if a board isn’t designed correctly for that level of current, it can fail either electrically or structurally. Many systems utilize a lot of power in their operation, and the circuit boards within these systems will need to conduct high current. Here is some more information on using via stitching for high current traces in your next PCB design. One technique used to manage high current in PCB layouts is stitching vias, which can help transfer the heat and energy of the current through the board.
Power and ground must be managed in your design and distributed correctly to the different components they are connected to. High current is a necessity of design, but it too can lead you into some unpleasant consequences if you don’t give it proper respect in your PCB layout. In circuit board design, the same general rule of caution also applies. Turning your back on it could lead to some unpleasant consequences, as the current will take you in a direction you don’t want to go if you are not prepared for it. One thing I learned from years of boating was to always respect the current of a river. Via stitching can be used to help manage high current routing in circuit boards Using your PCB design tools to help with power routing. Potential problems with high current traces on a circuit board.ĭesign tips for routing power traces and using high current stitching vias.
0 kommentar(er)
