What is Conductor Thickness

By Bester PCBA

Last Updated: 2023-08-07

What is Conductor Thickness

Conductor thickness is the thickness of the copper layer on a printed circuit board. It is a crucial parameter that directly impacts the electrical conductivity and current-carrying capacity of the traces on the board. The conductor thickness is typically specified in ounces per square foot (oz/ft²), with common values including 0.5 oz/ft² (17.5µm), 1 oz/ft² (35µm), 2 oz/ft² (70µm), and so on.

The conductor thickness is a very important factor in determining the overall performance and reliability of the PCB. Thicker copper layers generally exhibit lower resistance, allowing for better current flow and reducing the risk of overheating. This is particularly important for high-power applications or circuits that carry substantial current.

It is closely related to other design parameters, such as the minimum conductor trace width/space and the minimum annular ring. These parameters collectively define the manufacturing capabilities and design constraints of the PCB.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Thick Is 20 Layer PCB

The thickness of a 20 layer PCB varies depending on the number of prepregs and cores used in the design. Typically, the cores are composed of copper-plated glass and protected by sheets of epoxy laminate. The thickness of the core can range from 0.1mm to 0.3mm.

What Is Minimum PCB Thickness

For most PCBs, the minimum thickness is typically 0.2 mm. However, due to the growing demand for thinner electronics, there is now an increased need for even thinner printed circuit boards, such as 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.2 mm boards.

How Thick Is a 12 Layer PCB

The standard thickness for a 12-layer PCB is 1.6mm.

What Is the Minimum PCB Core Thickness

The term “minimum thickness PCB” refers to a printed circuit board that is thinner than the standard thickness of 1.5mm. In most cases, the minimum thickness for circuit boards is around 0.2mm.

What Is the Difference Between 1 Oz and 2 Oz Copper PCB

The copper thickness of a 2 oz copper PCB is 2.8 mils, while a 1 oz copper PCB has a thickness of 1.37 mils. This indicates that these two types of PCBs have varying levels of copper thickness. Additionally, it is worth noting that the cost of a 2 oz PCB is higher compared to a 1 oz PCB.

Does PCB Thickness Matter

The manufacturability, reliability, and cost of the PCB are also influenced by the thickness of the PCB. Thicker PCBs necessitate more material, processing time, and advanced equipment, which can lead to increased costs and complexity in the PCB manufacturing process.

How Thick Is a 6 Layer PCB

Six layer PCBs are available in various thicknesses, including 0.031″, 0.040″, 0.047″, 0.062″, 0.093″, and 0.125″. These options provide different levels of thickness for the boards, while still offering the same inner layer foil choices.

en_USEnglish