{"id":34267,"date":"2022-08-11T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-11T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/?p=34267"},"modified":"2022-12-07T08:35:40","modified_gmt":"2022-12-07T16:35:40","slug":"pcb-layer-stack-fundamentals-part-2-multiple-layers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/pcb-layer-stack-fundamentals-part-2-multiple-layers\/","title":{"rendered":"PCB Layer Stack Fundamentals: Routing Between Multiple PCB Layer Stacks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Is there anything you should be aware of when routing between multiple PCB layer stacks? Let’s explore in this blog post.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PCBs<\/a> with multiple layers exist because it\u2019s impossible to route today\u2019s complex circuits on only one layer. This means eventually, the trace you\u2019re routing will have to continue on another layer. Let’s explore everything you should be aware of when routing between multiple PCB layer stacks.<\/p>\n\n\n

Routing Between PCB Layer Stacks<\/h2>\n\n\n

Yes, there are important things to consider when routing between layers. We must ensure that the electric field associated with the signal does not spread into the dielectric sandwiched between. You may recall from part 1 (Fundamentals of PCB Layer Stacks \u2013 Part 1) that the electric field moves current through traces and that it is essential to structure our layer stack to minimize the overlap of electric fields. Here\u2019s what we don\u2019t want, as fields from the signal layers overlap with power fields:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"fusion-360-pcb-layer-stack\"
A poor stack-up showing overlapping fields<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A better stack-up has ground planes adjacent to signal\/power plane layers, as shown below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"fusion-360-pcb-layer-stackup\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When moving from one signal layer to another, we should always ensure the signal layer we move to is on the other side of our ground return. This way, the field associated with the signal will be tightly coupled and will not spread out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"autodesk-fusion-360-pcb-layer-stack\"
The electric field is contained tightly around the via from <\/em>
layer 1 to layer 3<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s contrast that with a trace that travels between layers on a poor stack-up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"autodesk-fusion-360-pcb-layer-stack\n\"
Route from layer 1 to 6 electric fields spreads out and overlaps other electric fields<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here we see that the electric fields spread out and interfere with other fields. This will cause SI and PI, and EMI issues. These examples also highlight the importance of the ground plane being close to the signal trace. Consider the example below where the ground isn\u2019t close to the signal trace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"pcb-layer-stack\"
Fields overlap when the ground is not directly under trace<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once again, the electric field is spreading out and overlapping other fields. Always try to place ground underneath your signals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often PCB designers will place a ground directly beside the signal via to ensure that the field is tightly contained:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"pcb-layer-stack-fusion-360\"
Adjacent ground via when switching layers ensures a tight containment<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Routing signals from one layer to another can result in SI, PI, and EMI issues due to overlapping electric fields. To minimize the overlapping of fields, ensure ground planes are underneath the signals, route from one side of a plane to the other, and use adjacent ground vias when possible. This will go a long way to minimizing SI, PI, and EMI issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out Part 1<\/a> of this series to learn what to watch out for when using multiple layers of copper in your PCB layer stack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to create your first design in Fusion 360<\/a>? Start with a 30-day free trial today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Is there anything you should be aware of when routing between multiple PCB layer stacks? Let’s explore in this blog post. PCBs with multiple layers exist because it\u2019s impossible to route today\u2019s complex circuits on only one layer. This means eventually, the trace you\u2019re routing will have to continue on another layer. Let’s explore everything […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3911,"featured_media":34144,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[359],"tags":[207,360,206],"coauthors":[],"class_list":["post-34267","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-electronics-engineering","tag-electronics","tag-electronics-engineer","tag-pcb","dhig-theme--light"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nRouting between Multiple PCB Layer Stacks - Fusion Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is there anything you should be aware of when routing between multiple PCB layer stacks? 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