12/30/21, 7:11 PM PCB Layer Stackup, PCB Stackup Design | PCBCart

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Multilayer PCB (/pcb-

capability/multilayer- The irreversible development of modern electronics has been increasingly pushing PCBs towards such demands as miniatu
pcb-
pcb-fabrication.html) weight, high speed, better functionality and reliability, and longer lifetime, which results in the popularity of multilayer PCBs.
type of semi-solid adhesive which is called "prepreg", two or more single and/or double-sided PCBs are stacked together to
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fab.html)
multilayer PCBs through reliable predefined mutual connection between them. There are three or more conductive layers in
(/pcb-
PCB with two layers outside and one layer synthesized in the insulation board. With the increase of PCB complexities and d
capability/expedited-
service.html) possible for some issues to take place such as noise, stray capacitance and cross talk when layer arrangement gets ineffic

Certifications (/pcb- Planning optimal multilayer stack-up is one of the most important elements in determining the Electromagnetic Compatibil
capability/certifications.html) performance of a product. A well-designed layer stack-up can both minimize the radiation and can stop circuit from being in
external noise sources. Well-stacked PCB substrates can also reduce signal cross talk and impedance mismatch issues. Ho
PCB Materials (/pcb-
inferior stack-up may get EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) radiation rising, because reflections and ringing in the system
capability/pcb-
materials.html) impedance mismatch can dramatically lower products' performance and reliability. This article then focuses on layer stack
its designing rules and essential considerations.
PCB Panels (/pcb-
capability/pcb-
panels.html)
What is Stack-up?
Layer Stackup (/pcb-
capability/layer-
stackup.html) Stack-up refers to the arrangement of copper layers and insulating layers that make up a PCB prior to board layout design. W
stack-up allows you to get more circuitry on a single board through the various PCB board layers, the structure of PCB stack
Lead Free (/pcb-
capability/lead- confers many other advantages:

free.html) • A PCB layer stack can help you minimize your circuit's vulnerability to external noise as well as minimize radiation and red
and crosstalk concerns on high-speed PCB layouts.

Blind Via and Buried Via

• A good layer PCB stack-up can also help you balance your need for low-cost, efficient manufacturing methods with concer
(/pcb-capability/blind-
and-buried-vias.html) signal integrity issues

• The right PCB layer stack can enhance the Electromagnetic Compatibility of your design as well.
Via in Pad (/pcb-
capability/via-in- It will very often be to your benefit to pursue a stacked PCB configuration for your printed circuit board-based applications.
pad.html)
For multilayer PCBs, general layers include ground plane (GND plane), power plane (PWR plane), and inner signal layers. He
Tolerances (/pcb- of an 8-layer PCB stackup.
capability/tolerances.html)

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In accordance with this figure, it's obviously clear to indicate layer distribution in PCBs conforms to a symmetrical or balanc
Apart from layer distribution, the spacing between layers should be taken seriously as well. To meet the requirement of min
minimum trace spacing must be obtained while planning layer stack-up. The space between layers can be either core or pre
Multilayer boards usually consist of at least one or more cores and prepregs. Cores are made up of a copper-plated glass-re
laminate sheets. The thickness of core is in the range from 0.1mm to 0.3mm.

Prepreg is the common term for a reinforcing fabric which has been pre-impregnated with a resin system. This resin system
epoxy) already includes the proper curing agent. The main function of prepreg is to stack all layers into a whole board by hig
The following table shows physical and chemical attributes of main categories of Prepreg, that is, 7628, 2116 and 1080.

Actually, thickness of each type of prepreg isn't always stable and adjustments will be made to meet specific PCB thickness
Some factors have to be taken into consideration when determining the count of prepreg including thickness of inner layer,
thickness requirement or manufacturing technology requirement, features of prepreg, practical performance and the actual
stack-up trial. Below image indicates a sample 4-layer PCB whose layer distribution and thickness are depicted.

In this example, as copper thickness is stable, PCB maker (https://www.pcbcart.com/) will adjust thickness of prepreg and
thickness need. There're 2 methods to be compatible with the adjustment mentioned above.

• Interlayer offset. Resin recession groove is used in board side design instead of choked flow pad. In regards with stack-up
hot melting plus rivet plus dowel method can be used to solve stack-up offset problem.

• Stack-up measling. In the process of board arrangement, silicon pads can be added, together with the assistance of epoxy
pressure will remain balanced, which can both help eliminating stack-up measles and effectively control the uniformity of b

Based on chemical and physical attributes of prepreg, you have access to estimate thickness or copper weight of final circu
through an easy calculation.

To obtain specific thickness of prepreg, different types of prepregshave to be combined together to achieve required thickn
example, the thickness of 0.14mm derives from combination of two sheets of 1080 prepregs while that of 0.19mm from co
2116 and 1080 prepregs.

PCBCart's Standard PCB Layer Stack-up

PCBCart provides multilayer circuit boards (https://www.pcbcart.com/pcb-capability/multilayer-pcb-fabrication.html) with l

range from 4 to 32 layers, board thickness from 0.4mm to 3.2mm, copper thickness from 18μm to 210μm (0.5oz to 6oz), in
copper thickness from 18μm to 70μm (0.5oz to 2oz), and minimal spacing between layers to 3mil.

Following images present PCBCart's commonly used stack-up for Standard PCB service (https://www.pcbcart.com/pcb-fab
pcb.html). The actual layer stack-up will be determined by PCB material (https://www.pcbcart.com/pcb-capability/pcb-mate
many other elements. If you have special requirements on PCB layer stackup, please send your circuit board thickness and
email. We'll share corresponding stack-up accordingly.

Note: Our PCB Prototype Service offers limited possibilities on custom layer stackup. If your application asks for specific la
we recommend Standard PCB Service.

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12/30/21, 7:11 PM PCB Layer Stackup, PCB Stackup Design | PCBCart

A commonly-used Layer Stackup for 4-layer PCBs

A commonly-used Layer Stackup for 6-layer PCBs

A commonly-used Layer Stackup for 8-layer PCBs

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12/30/21, 7:11 PM PCB Layer Stackup, PCB Stackup Design | PCBCart

A commonly-used Layer Stackup for 10-layer PCBs

A commonly-used Layer Stackup for 12-layer PCBs

Choose PCBCart for Your PCB Layer Stack-Up Needs

If you like the idea of PCB stack-up for your electronic applications, the BEST place you need to go for layer stack up is PCB
full-service turnkey solution for all things concerning PCBs. We can help you with:

• Develop your layer stackup in PCB design

• Fabricate your stack PCBs

• Create prototypes to test your designs for any possible flaws

• Do full PCB runs

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12/30/21, 7:11 PM PCB Layer Stackup, PCB Stackup Design | PCBCart
With over ten years of experience in the area of printed circuit boards manufacturing, you are sure that PCBCart is a name y
for your multi-layer PCBs and all your PCB-related needs. We excel at speed of order turnaround, quality and value to an exte
fabricators of printed circuit boards cannot match. Our standard PCBs meet the stringent IPC2 standard of quality, and our
fully ISO9001:2008 compliant. Prefer discussing with us about your PCB layer stackup demands? Reach us here
(https://www.pcbcart.com/company/contact-us.html). Or click the button below to get an online PCB quote

Quote for PCB Fabrication With Custom Layer Stackup

Helpful Resources

• PCB Composition and Its Material Selection Guide (https://www.pcbcart.com/pcb-capability/pcb-materials.html)

• Factors Determining the Number of Layers and Layer Distribution in PCBs (https://www.pcbcart.com/article/content/facto
determining-PCB-layers.html)

• Multilayer PCB Benefits and Applications (https://www.pcbcart.com/article/content/multilayer-PCB-benefits-and-applicati

• PCBCart Offers Custom Layer Stackup based on Your Custom Demands. Get PCB Quote Now! (https://www.pcbcart.com/

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