<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  Designing a PCB with DEX > Parts > Parametric Parts > Type Selection > Castellated PCB Parts

A castellated PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is a type of PCB that has its edges modified with plated holes or half-holes. These half-holes appear like the battlements, or "castellations," of a castle when viewed from the side, which is how the PCB gets its name.

Castellations are typically used to allow one PCB to be soldered to another. This is often used in the creation of modules, where a small PCB with a specific functionality is soldered onto a larger main PCB. These small castellated PCBs are usually called breakout boards or modules.

In terms of manufacturing, a castellated PCB is made by first creating a standard PCB with vias placed close to the edge, then milling the PCB edge, halving the vias. The half-vias are then plated to provide a good surface for soldering.

Common examples of this include WiFi modules like the ESP8266 or ESP32, or sensor modules, that can be directly soldered onto another PCB, effectively making them a component of a larger system.

As with any PCB design, the specific layout, dimensions, and specifications of a castellated PCB will depend on its intended use and the requirements of the overall device it's a part of.