Anatomy of a PCB Design > Projects > The PCB

PCB Tracks, also known as traces or routing, are the physical conductive paths on a printed circuit board (PCB) that electrically connect different components. These tracks are usually made of copper and are responsible for carrying electrical signals and power throughout the PCB. In essence, tracks act as the “wires” on the PCB, providing connectivity between pads, pins, and other features to create the desired circuit functionality.

Purpose and Role of PCB Tracks

•PCB Tracks, also known as traces or routing, are the physical conductive paths on a printed circuit board (PCB) that electrically connect different components. These tracks are usually made of copper and are responsible for carrying electrical signals and power throughout the PCB. In essence, tracks act as the “wires” on the PCB, providing connectivity between pads, pins, and other features to create the desired circuit functionality.

•Establish Electrical Connections: Tracks connect various components according to the schematic diagram, ensuring that signals and power are properly routed between pins and pads.

•Support Circuit Functionality: By interconnecting components such as resistors, capacitors, ICs, and connectors, tracks enable the circuit to perform its intended operations.

•Maintain Signal Integrity: Properly designed tracks help maintain signal integrity, minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI), and reduce noise, especially in high-speed or high-frequency circuits.

•Distribute Power and Ground: Tracks are used to distribute power (e.g., `VCC`, `3.3V`) and ground (`GND`) connections across the PCB.

Characteristics of PCB Tracks

•Material: Most PCB tracks are made of copper, a highly conductive metal that is typically coated with a thin layer of tin, gold, or solder to prevent oxidation.

•Width: Track width determines the current-carrying capacity and resistance of the track. Wider tracks can handle more current, while narrower tracks are suited for signal routing.

•Thickness: Track thickness, defined by the copper layer thickness, influences resistance and current-carrying capacity. Standard copper thickness is often 1 oz/ft² (about 35 µm).

•Length: The length of a track affects resistance, inductance, and signal propagation delay. Shorter tracks reduce resistance and signal attenuation.

•Clearance: Track clearance is the space between adjacent tracks. Adequate clearance prevents short circuits and reduces crosstalk between signals.

How PCB Tracks Are Created

PCB tracks are created during the PCB design and layout process using electronic design automation (EDA) software. The design process involves several steps:

•Schematic Capture: The initial design starts with a schematic diagram that defines the logical connections (nets) between components.

•Net-list Generation: A net-list is created, which lists all the connections to be made on the PCB.

•PCB Layout and Routing: In the layout phase, the designer places the components on the PCB and then routes the tracks according to the net-list. Routing can be done manually or using automated routing tools.

•Gerber File Generation: Once the design is complete, Gerber files are generated, which contain information about the PCB layers, tracks, and other features. These files are used for PCB manufacturing.

Types of PCB Tracks

•Power Tracks: These tracks are used to distribute power throughout the PCB. They are typically wider than signal tracks to handle higher currents without significant voltage drop or heat buildup.

•Ground Tracks: Ground tracks are used to connect various points on the PCB to a common ground. These tracks are also typically wider and often connected to a ground plane for better stability.

•Signal Tracks: Signal tracks carry electrical signals between components. The width, length, and routing of these tracks are crucial for maintaining signal integrity, especially in high-speed circuits.

•Analog and Digital Tracks: Analog tracks carry continuous signals, while digital tracks carry binary signals. These tracks are often separated to prevent interference between analog and digital signals.

•Differential Pairs: Differential pairs are two parallel tracks that carry complementary signals (e.g., `+DATA` and `-DATA`). They are used to minimize noise and maintain signal integrity in high-speed data transmission.

PCB Track Design Considerations

When designing PCB tracks, several factors should be taken into account to ensure proper electrical performance and reliability:

•Track Width: Track width should be selected based on the current it needs to carry and the desired resistance. Wider tracks are used for high-current paths, while narrower tracks are used for signals.

•Current-Carrying Capacity: The maximum current that a track can carry without overheating depends on the track width, copper thickness, and ambient temperature. Online calculators are often used to determine appropriate track widths.

•Track Clearance: Adequate clearance between tracks helps prevent short circuits and reduces crosstalk. High-voltage tracks require larger clearances.

•Impedance Control: For high-speed signal tracks, impedance should be controlled by adjusting the track width, spacing, and proximity to reference planes. This helps minimize reflections and signal distortion.

•Length Matching: In high-speed designs, the length of tracks carrying related signals (e.g., data buses, differential pairs) should be matched to ensure signal timing remains consistent.

•Via Usage: Vias are used to connect tracks between different PCB layers. The number of vias should be minimized on critical tracks to reduce inductance and maintain signal integrity.

•Avoiding Sharp Corners: Tracks should avoid sharp corners (90° angles) as they can cause signal reflections and increase electromagnetic interference. Rounded or chamfered corners are preferred.

Best Practices for PCB Track Design

•Use Appropriate Track Widths: Choose track widths that can handle the required current without excessive voltage drop or heating.

•Maintain Adequate Clearance: Ensure there is enough clearance between tracks to prevent shorts and adhere to manufacturing capabilities.

•Route Critical Tracks First: Power, ground, and high-speed signal tracks should be routed first, followed by less critical tracks.

•Use Ground Planes: Ground planes provide a low-impedance return path and reduce noise. Connect ground tracks to the ground plane where possible.

•Avoid Unnecessary Vias: Minimize the use of vias on critical tracks to maintain signal integrity and reduce inductance.

•Use Length Matching for High-Speed Signals: For high-speed or differential signals, ensure track lengths are matched to maintain timing and reduce skew.

•Minimize Crosstalk: Keep sufficient spacing between parallel tracks to minimize crosstalk, especially in high-speed or high-frequency designs.

PCB Track Layers and Multilayer Routing

In complex designs, tracks may be routed across multiple layers in the PCB. Multilayer PCBs have separate layers for different types of tracks:

•Top and Bottom Layers: Typically used for component placement and primary routing.

•Inner Layers: Used for additional routing in multilayer PCBs. Power and ground planes are often assigned to inner layers for better noise reduction.

•Signal Layers: Used for routing signal tracks, with controlled impedance as needed.

•Power and Ground Planes: Dedicated layers that provide stable power distribution and grounding.

Summary of PCB Tracks

PCB tracks are crucial elements in a circuit board, providing the necessary electrical connectivity between components. Proper track design, including width, clearance, length, and routing strategy, is essential for achieving reliable circuit performance. By adhering to best practices and considering factors like current capacity and impedance control, designers can create PCBs that function as intended and maintain signal integrity across the board.