PCB Design

Do you mean track width?

Depends on the copper thickness - 1 oz or 2 oz?

Leon

Thanks,

Yes I mean the track width.For 1A current if I use 1 oz copper thickness what should be the track width? And what is the answer for my

Pavithra, There is no single answer to your queries, it is based upon a number of factors. Even with regards to trace width it depends on your allowable trace temperature rise and the trace temperature rise relates to your overall product environmental conditions and ratings. Typically designers allow for a 10 - 20 degree temperature rise in their traces at maximum worst case loads.

For via ratings the common method is simply to calculate the equivalent trace current carrying capability. i.e. (3.14 X hole diameter) X (percentage of plated copper compared to your total (plated + foil) external trace copper) = equivalent external trace current carrying capacity compared to your via size. This equates roughly to (3 x hole) x (50% or 66% dependant on common plated verses base copper weights) = equivalent trace width. A common compensation for plated vias also applies an additional compensation because copper does not plate as easily or thick in a hole, this factor is typically only 70 - 80% of the external plated copper. Get the idea?

If your email address from this post is valid, you will find a trace current carrying calculator utility in your emails. It is a freeware calculator that is no longer offered by the company. They now have an improved licensed version and don't offer the freeware version any longer. If your email doesn't work then you will have to send me an email with your valid email address and I will forward you the calculator. (my email : phidungmo at shaw dot ca)

If you wouldn't mind sharing that calculator a bit to jim at rstengineering dot com I'd sure appreciate it.

Jim