HIGH-DENSITY INTERCONNECT · FROM DESIGN TO FABRICATIONPractical guidance for PCB designers
Engineering library

Microvias & interconnects

Make via diameter, depth, landing geometry and reliability evidence work together.

22 guides
Microvias & interconnects

Blind vias in PCB design

A blind via connects an outer copper layer to an internal layer without extending through the full board. Its process depends on depth, diameter and the construction sequence.

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Microvias & interconnects

Buried vias: construction and layer access

A buried via connects internal layers and becomes enclosed by later board processing. It must be formed and plated while the relevant subassembly is accessible.

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Microvias & interconnects

Blind vs buried vs through vias

The distinction is where a via begins and ends. A blind via reaches inward from a surface, a buried via stays inside the finished board, and a through via crosses the board.

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Microvias & interconnects

Microvia aspect ratio: depth divided by diameter

Calculate microvia aspect ratio from the relevant dielectric depth and via diameter using a consistent convention. Obtain the factory limit for the actual shape, material and filling process.

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Microvias & interconnects

Stacked vs staggered microvias

Stacked microvias share a vertical location; staggered microvias offset successive transitions. The decision trades lateral routing area against construction and interface demands.

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Microvias & interconnects

Via-in-pad for HDI PCB

Via-in-pad places an interconnect in a component land. It is a placement strategy and must be paired with a suitable filling and finishing process.

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Microvias & interconnects

Copper-filled vs resin-filled vias

Copper filling and resin filling serve different construction needs. A plated barrel with resin and a copper cap is not the same structure as a copper-filled laser microvia.

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Microvias & interconnects

Microvia capture and target lands

A capture or target land must accommodate the intended hole, registration variation and the required copper connection. Reducing it changes both escape capacity and process margin.

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Microvias & interconnects

Microvia reliability and qualification

Reliable microvias require a qualified construction, controlled processing and test evidence that represents the finished board’s thermal exposure.

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Microvias & interconnects

Skip microvias and multi-layer depth

A skip microvia bypasses an intermediate layer. Its greater dielectric depth and target access must be supported by a specifically qualified process.

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Microvias & interconnects

Via stubs and backdrilling in HDI designs

HDI microvias can reduce unused interconnect length, but core through vias may still create stubs. Analyze the complete signal path.

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Microvias & interconnects

What are Tented Vias?

What are Tented Vias: reference information, design-review checkpoints and related microvias & interconnects resources.

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Microvias & interconnects

Through-hole Technology in PCB Fabrication

Through-hole Technology in PCB Fabrication: reference information, design-review checkpoints and related microvias & interconnects resources.

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Microvias & interconnects

The Importance of Plated through-hole Technology in PCB Production

The Importance of Plated through-hole Technology in PCB Production: reference information, design-review checkpoints and related microvias & interconnects resources.

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Microvias & interconnects

What is Outer Annular Ring (OAR)?

What is Outer Annular Ring (OAR): reference information, design-review checkpoints and related microvias & interconnects resources.

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Microvias & interconnects

Drilled Holes in the PCB – all you need to know to avoid surprises.

Drilled Holes in the PCB – all you need to know to avoid surprises: reference information, design-review checkpoints and related microvias & interconnects resources.

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Microvias & interconnects

Types of PCB Drilled Holes

Types of PCB Drilled Holes: reference information, design-review checkpoints and related microvias & interconnects resources.

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Microvias & interconnects

Drill & slot editor – a free and useful PCB Visualizer tool

Drill & slot editor – a free and useful PCB Visualizer tool: reference information, design-review checkpoints and related microvias & interconnects resources.

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Microvias & interconnects

PCB Classification – pattern class and drill class

PCB Classification – pattern class and drill class: reference information, design-review checkpoints and related microvias & interconnects resources.

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Microvias & interconnects

Is Via Bad for PCB?

Is Via Bad for PCB: reference information, design-review checkpoints and related microvias & interconnects resources.

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Microvias & interconnects

Why avoid vias?

Why avoid vias: reference information, design-review checkpoints and related microvias & interconnects resources.

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Microvias & interconnects

Why are Through Holes Preferred to Blind Holes?

Why are Through Holes Preferred to Blind Holes: reference information, design-review checkpoints and related microvias & interconnects resources.

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Your next design decision

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Share your layer count, via structure, material and quantity. Give the fabrication review a clear starting point.