PCB Technical - What are the advantages of multi-layer PCB in industry

PCBs are everywhere today, and they are the core of most electronic products. As equipment becomes more and more complex, PCBs therefore become more and more complex. From flexible to irregular, there are a series of PCBS. Although electronic devices with limited functions can be used for single-layer PCBs, the exponential growth of multilayer PCBs. By definition, a multilayer PCB consists of double-sided circuit board layers with thermal protection and insulation between them. The electrical connection between the layers occurs through various vias, resulting in a complex multi-layer PCB.

What are the advantages of multi-layer PCB in industry

Due to the complexity of the application, the current PCB range can range from 4 to 12 layers. Multi-layer PCB has many advantages:

Size: Multilayer PCBs have additional advantages due to their small size because they are very suitable for use

Lightweight: Small PCB also reduces weight. This is especially true because single-layer and double-layer PCBs require multiple connectors, which increase weight and limit mobility.

Reliability: Usually the reliability of multi-layer PCB is high and high quality.

Durability: Multi-layer PCBs have high durability because they can withstand the heat and pressure applied to them.

Flexibility: For components that use flexible construction technology, flexible multilayer PCBs are particularly suitable for applications that require a certain amount of bending.

Powerful: Multilayer PCBs usually have high density, with greater capacity and speed

Single connection point: For single connection point, multi-layer PCB is conducive to size and weight constraints.

Because of all these advantages, multi-layer PCB is his preferred choice, especially as larger functions and smaller sizes gradually become the norm.

All this is not to say that multilayer PCBs do not have any disadvantages. To a large extent, compared with single-layer PCB, multilayer PCB has higher cost and longer design time. Multi-layer PCBs also require skilled designers with extensive experience, so they can overcome problems related to crosstalk and impedance. The function of the circuit board can be directly affected in the efficient design. Multilayer boards also need to increase production time and therefore require a lower turnover rate.

However, it is their improved functions that not only cover many of the shortcomings associated with multilayer boards. As for the increase in cost, as technology advances, the cost will only decrease.

However, even if a multilayer PCB is used, it is important to ensure that as many layers as possible are used as opposed to a PCB with an odd number of layers. This is due to many factors, including but not limited to cost efficiency:

Low cost efficiency of odd-numbered PCB

The cost of odd numbers is invalid. These layers stem from the fact that the process of creating an odd layered PCB starts by creating a uniformly layered PCB and then etching away unwanted layers. As the process shows, this leads to a lot of waste, which leads to cost inefficiency

Warpage

In addition to the cost aspect, etching also produces the resulting warped layer.

With copper on one side and no copper on the other side, there are different cooling rates, which creates stress on the PCB circuit board.

The effect of etching is that it leaves two sides (one side with copper and one side without) with different weights, which increases the risk of insufficient or excessive electroplating.

For all the above reasons, it is not recommended to use odd layers unless there is a specific and compelling reason.