How much current can different copper weight PCBs handle? Not so much in terms of how much can traces handle, but a PCB in general. I'm talking strictly DC current, relatively low voltage (+24VDC).
If traces are more or less avoided and copper pours are used for the high current nets, what would be a rough estimate of the maximum current that could be run through 1/2 oz. PCB? How about 1oz. or 2oz.?
I'm really just curious because one of the things I am thinking of designing in the future is a motor driver, where the current could reach 15A + continuous and could easily spike to 100A or more, in some cases. I know there are motor driver pcbs out there now that are very small size and can handle these types of current outputs, but I'm not sure what guidelines are used to determine what is needed (even copper pour area size) for high current in terms of a PCB.
I am just a newbie, but when I hear about 20 to 30 amps being passed through a PCB, I get nervous... even if there was an entire plane dedicated to the high current power and ground. Am I worried for no reason? Can an entire plane of, say, 1/2 oz. weight, board size, say,
9sqin or how about 25sqin handle 15-20 amps continuous (or at least for a minute or two)? How about a copper pour area of 1/2oz. that is sized at about 1sqin? Could that handle this type of current?Any info on high current PCB design or any general high current design notes would be greatly appreciated, or any pointers to where I could get further information or maybe even calculations for amount of copper needed to safely run certain current levels.