Via
Also known as: Plated Through-Hole
FundamentalsDefinition
A plated hole in a PCB that creates an electrical connection between different copper layers, enabling signals and power to pass from one layer to another.
Extended Definition
Vias are essential interconnect structures in multilayer PCBs. They allow electrical signals to travel between copper layers, enabling complex routing in dense designs.
Types of Vias
- Through-hole via: Passes entirely through the board from top to bottom
- Blind via: Connects an outer layer to one or more inner layers
- Buried via: Connects two or more inner layers without reaching the surface
- Microvia: Laser-drilled via typically less than 150μm in diameter, used in HDI designs
Usage Examples
- "Blind vias connect the outer layer to one or more inner layers without going all the way through."
- "The design uses microvias to achieve the required routing density."