1. What is PCB Hole Aspect Ratio?

Definition: The aspect ratio of a PCB via is the ratio of the board thickness to the hole diameter.

Purpose: It's a critical parameter in PCB manufacturing that affects plating quality and reliability of vias.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Aspect Ratio — Dimensionless ratio (typically between 6:1 to 10:1 for standard PCBs)
• Board Thickness — Total thickness of the PCB (in millimeters)
• Hole Diameter — Diameter of the drilled hole (in millimeters)

Explanation: Higher aspect ratios make plating more challenging and may require specialized manufacturing processes.

3. Importance of Aspect Ratio in PCB Design

Details: Proper aspect ratio ensures reliable via plating, good electrical connectivity, and structural integrity of the PCB.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the board thickness and hole diameter in millimeters. Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical aspect ratio for standard PCBs?
A: Standard PCBs typically have aspect ratios between 6:1 and 10:1. High-density boards may go up to 15:1.

Q2: Why does aspect ratio matter in PCB manufacturing?
A: Higher aspect ratios make plating more difficult and may require specialized processes to ensure proper copper deposition.

Q3: What happens if the aspect ratio is too high?
A: Excessive aspect ratios can lead to incomplete plating, voids, or weak connections in the via.

Q4: How does aspect ratio affect PCB cost?
A: Higher aspect ratios typically increase manufacturing costs due to more complex plating requirements.

Q5: Can I use this for microvias?
A: Microvias have different requirements and this calculator is primarily for through-hole vias.