Learn How OrCAD X Helps In Managing PCB Trace Thickness & Width

PCB or Printed Circuit Boards play an important role in the modern electronic devices where the PCB trace thickness and width are vital to ensure improved functionality, performance, and reliability. Hence, in the PCB industry, the PCB trace typically refers to the vertical dimensions of the copper trace which is measured in ounces. However,the  ounces is a unit used to measure weight but in the PCB traces 1 ounce refers to 0.0348 mm thickness where the copper is spread evenly over the surface area of 1 square foot. Hence, this measurement is used standardly in the PCB trace thickness for efficient consistency across various PCBs. 

In common, the PCBs trace thickness is produced with the standard measurement of 1 oz. Also, unless there is no specification in the design rule, manufacturers consider 1 oz as their standard measurement for all the layers. However, in some cases the thickness of the copper should be higher as it needs to stand against the high supply of voltages or resistance. Hence, it becomes essential to determine the right copper trace thickness while designing a PCB. 

OrCAD X, a robust PCB design tool, offers advanced features that significantly aid in managing these parameters. This blog delves into how OrCAD X simplifies and enhances the process of managing PCB trace thickness and width.

Standard Thickness Considered By Manufacturers:

PCB Trace Thickness : Things To Considers

The foremost thing while considering the PCB trace thickness there are three things to be considered such as width, length, and thickness. The manufacturer creating the PCB decides the length while laying out the routes and then figures out aspects like impedance. Sometimes, you might find that width and thickness are used interchangeably as they mean the same thing. However, the IPC-2221 standard has clearly outlined the methodologies to create the right PCB thickness. In addition, there are tools like OrCAD X which helps the designers apply the right standards for the PCB creation.

OrCAD In Designing The PCB Trace Thickness:

Interactive Routing & Trace Adjustment:

One of the features in the OrCAD is the trace adjustment and interactive routing which allows the user to alter or change the sizes of the traces. Also users will be able to switch from the manual to assisted routing models and adjust even the trace settings. Hence, through this feature the process of tracing the thickness gets simplified allowing the designers to arrive at the quick and accurate adjustment by adhering to the layout standard and reducing the reworks. 

Constraint Management:

Another feature in the OrCAD X is the constraint management where the designers can set the rules or standards for the PCB trace thickness and width ensuring the outcome aligns to electrical performance. Hence, through this feature the designer can stay assured that the PCB design meets the physical and electrical requirements thereby reducing the costly reworks or reworks which occurs normally after the development of PCB. 

Real-Time Constraint-Driven Feedback: 

Through this feature, OrCAD X allows the designers to get the real-time feedback for the designs created when they don’t comply with the designing standards. Hence, with this approach designers can get insights on the corrections about the designs that violate standards during the process reducing the chances for errors and troubleshooting once they are developed. 

Visual Graphics For Routing:

This feature allows the users to visualize the placements and serve as a visual guide to understand how the traces comply with other components on the PCB particularly in the challenging PCB designs. Hence, this approach is essential for understanding the layout for traces while preventing electromagnetic interference.

Hence, while designing the PCB trace thickness make sure you meet the industry standards and design compliance by opting for OrCAD X. Therefore, approach Sunstream for PCB layout services as our team uses OrCAD PCB designer to deliver high-quality designs and stay compliant with PCB standards.