Six Lay PCB Stack Up

6 Layer PCB Stack-Up

6 layers PCB is widely used in compact electronics such as wearable devices, communication modules and military equipments . There are high restrict engineering requirements of manufacturing particularly in process of plating, laminating and drilling . XDF Technology are very experienced in 6 layers PCB fabrication during past 10 Years . Our internal management of refined SOP processes will highly control quality and production efficiency, due to its complexity.

6 Layer capability

Prototype 6 Layer PCB to Mass Production

Max to 4 oz inner copper, 8 oz outer copper
Stackup: 0.014″ Prepreg – 0.028″ Core – 0.014″ Prepreg or custom PP .
Top and bottom silkscreen
Immersion white tin finish

Thickness 0.4-5.6mm

All PCBs are e-tested

6 Layer PCB Instant Quote

In terms of a custom printed circuit board, our 6 layer PCB Instant Quote is the fastest turn-time at the best price that we have to offer. For on-demand pricing and ordering for your next printed circuit board project, Contact with online customer support or send your file to sales@pcba360.com , Get the fast quote Now .

Multilayer PCBs have become very popular across industries over the years. PCBs are now available in different kinds of layers, such as 4 layers, 6 layers, 8 layers, etc. However, 6 layer PCBs are now a vital component of compact-sized wearable devices. Due to the benefits and features of 6 layers PCBs, they are used in high-end applications.

6 layer PCBs are popular stackups used in various applications. As electronic parts have shrunk, allowing more circuitry to be created onto a board, the capabilities of these electronics have made it important for new PCB designs to support them.

6 layer pcb manufacturer

A 6 layer PCB consists of six layers of circuit board material. It is a 4 layer PCB with 2 signal layers added between the planes. A 6 layer stack up includes six layers which are: two internal planes, two internal layers, two external layers, one layer for the ground, and one layer for the power .

A 6-layer stackup helps to restrain EMI between several layers and allows fine-pitch components with a high net count. This type of PCB improves EMI and as well as provides greater routing for high and low-speed signals . The two internal layers route high-speed signals and the two external layers route low-speed signals.

Although there are cases where an 8-layer or 4-layer stackup is more ideal for an application, a 6-layer stackup is a more preferable option for PCB designers . A standard 6 layer PCB helps engineers and designers balance the need for efficient manufacturing techniques with concerns about signal integrity problems.

Determining the Number of Signal, Power, and Ground Planes on a 6-layer PCB Stackup

It is very important to know the number of signal, power, and ground layers to use for your board; however, this is determined by the application requirements. For instance, the number of signal layers will increase in a case whereby you need a configuration to control signals. There are several combinations or arrangements for a 6-layer PCB stackup such as;

Signal Layer, Ground, Power, Ground, Signal layer, and Ground
This is a good arrangement for a PCB that requires mixing of low and high-speed signals while offering high protection for an inner layer. The inner signal layer will be protected from the surface signal layer since it is placed between two ground planes. This will also help to suppress EMI from interacting with the internal signal layer as the conductors offer effective protection.

The main issue with this arrangement is that it only enables components to be easily placed on the top layer unless you make room for components by cutting out the ground layer from the bottom layer

Signal layer, Power, 2 Signal Layers, Ground, and Signal Layer
This arrangement is a common entry-level option that offers protection for low-speed traces while offering a tight connection to solid planes. Signals can be routed with slower switching speeds or via an inner layer so far it is orthogonal.

The difficulty encountered in this type of arrangement is the absence of interplane capacitance between the ground plane and power layers. You will need more decaps to compensate since these plane layers are distinct.

Ground, Signal layer, Power, Ground, Signal layer, and Ground
If you will be using your board in an electrically noisy environment or positioning in an area that produces strong radiation, this arrangement offers great EMI suppression . This is also ideal in cases where high isolation between signal layers is needed.

The problem with this type of configuration is that only two signal layers are present and as such, this will restrict board space for signal routing. However, you can position the two signal layers between jam-packed conductors.

Factors that Determine the Designs of a 6-layer PCB Stackup

Some factors determine the design of a 6-layer PCB stackup. A standard 6-layer PCB will help to suppress EMI and utilize different kinds of RF devices. If any mistake is made during the process of the stackup design, it will affect the performance of the PCB. Therefore, there are considerations that should guide you through the designing process.
Area of application: A 6 layer PCB can perform various functions across different industries. Therefore, identifying the area of application or industry before proceeding with the designing process is very vital.
Design configurations: You will need to determine how you plan to structure the pcb 6 layer stackup. There are several 6-layer PCB stackup configurations to choose from. These configurations are based on the requirements of your application.
Electrical specifications: It is important to consider how much current is carried by the 6-layer PCB at every moment.
This helps to offer the appropriate signal paths and routes that the current will follow.
Cost of designing and production: You have to consider the cost of fabricating the 6-layer PCB stackup. More complex designs result in a higher cost of designing a 6-layer PCB stackup.
Electrical specifications: You must consider every aspect of thermal identification or specification when designing a 6-layer PCB stackup since this stackup is applied in applications with varying temperature requirements.
Component density: It is important to consider the types and the number of components that will be mounted on a 6-layer PCB stackup since it helps to provide different electrical connections.

Difference between a 6 Layer PCB Stackup and a 4 Layer PCB Stackup

There are several multilayer PCBs you can select from. The 4-layer PCB stackup and the 6-layer PCB stack up are both multilayer PCBs with different functions. One can easily tell the difference based on their names. The layers of these

PCBs determine their prices. This means that the price of a 6-layer PCB stackup is higher than that of a 4-layer PCB. Therefore, it is important to know the difference between these stackups to help you know what suits your requirements. There are two major ways to tell the difference between these stackups, which are;

• Identifying the via on PCB

If we find a via on the front of the PCB while the exact via isn’t on the backside, then it isn’t a 4-layer PCB stackup. It is a 6-layer stackup with a hidden via inside since a 4-layer PCB require PTH to conduct the electricity for four layers

• Identifying the wire on the front side

A 6-layer PCB features over 4 layers which results in fewer connections per layer. Therefore, the wire on every layer of a 6-layer PCB will be less than that of a 4-layer PCB.

Benefits of a 6-layer PCB

6 layer PCB manufacturers specifically designed this PCB to meet the requirements of some applications. A 6-layer PCB plays a significant role in the manufacturing of electronics and other devices. This PCB offers several benefits which are discussed below;

Lightweight construction: Six layers PCBs are fabricated using light weight components which reduce the total weight of these PCBs. A 6-layer PCB doesn’t need several connectors to link up parts.

Simple layout: This type of multilayer PCB makes it easy to navigate through its structure since it features a very simple layout with clear labels.

Small size: Due to their design, these PCBs are smaller than other boards, making it an ideal option for miniature devices.

Simplify connection process: A 6-layer PCB stackup makes the connection processes on various machines very simple. This simple design helps to save space and materials that could have been wasted in building larger appliances.

Exceptional electrical properties: The six layers printed circuit boards feature great electrical properties that guarantee high performance and high speed in compact designs.

Improved durability: This is one of the greatest benefits users tend to enjoy. These PCBs utilize several insulation layers between circuits. Protective materials and various bonding agents are used to bond these layers. This results in improved durability.

Applications of the 6-Layer PCB Stackup

The 6-layer stackup can be used in several applications based on the configuration and arrangement of the stackup. You must know that each stackup has its own unique arrangement that works for several application requirements.

Below are some of the applications you can use a 6-layer PCB stackup;

• Processing industry to develop machines
• Aviation industry
• Medical industry for the production of medical equipment
• Communication industry for the production of cell phones
• Automotive industry for the construction of different parts on vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of a 6-layer PCB stackup in PCB design?

A 6-layer PCB stackup helps to maximize performance by creating better configurations of layers. This stackup is also used to prevent the problems of impedance and crosstalk.

How can I control overheating on a 6-layer PCB stackup?

Overheating can be controlled by applying some strategies such as using thermal dissipation equipment and aligning the stackup properly to enhance heat flow.

Conclusion

A 6-layer PCB stackup is an ideal option for several applications due to the numerous benefits it offers. This stackup features great electrical and mechanical properties. Whether you are a newbie or an expert in electronic manufacturing, you will need a top-quality 6 layer PCB manufacturer. Therefore, it is important to get your facts right.