I'll take my chances there >
PCB trace spacing with soldermask
May 15, 2010
26 Replies
Cheers
Phil Hobbs
Dr Philip C D Hobbs
Principal
ElectroOptical Innovations
55 Orchard Rd
Briarcliff Manor NY 10510
845-480-2058
hobbs at electrooptical dot net
http://electrooptical.net
Wrong again, asshole.
This was for a MEMS based optical switch for central office telecom use so we did go through all the Telecordia environmental testing. Over the last 10 years with products in the field we have had no problem with the voltage on the PCBs although electro-migration and corrosion was experienced on some flex-circuits.
The voltage depended on the deflection required for the mirrors and it was rare to go over 130V. We did change to 5mil spacing for physical reasons (cracked traces after soldering).
My keyboard left out the digit for the breakdown on buried traces earlier - what I meant to say was that buried traces with 4mil spacing didn't breakdown until about 5.9KV.
kevin
Also buy PCBs with a high Comparative Tracking Index (CTI).
Mark
Cool. I didn't think you could go that high in a humid environment.
Cheers
Phil Hobbs
Dr Philip C D Hobbs
Principal
ElectroOptical Innovations
55 Orchard Rd
Briarcliff Manor NY 10510
845-480-2058
hobbs at electrooptical dot net
http://electrooptical.net
Join the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required