Multilayer PCB has gained great popularity in various industries. Today, it’s easy to find several types of multi-layer PCBS, including 4-layer PCB, 6-layer PCB, and so on. Six-layer PCBS have become an integral part of compact wearables and other mission-critical communications devices. What makes them popular? How are they different from other types of multi-layer PCBS? This post is designed to answer all the information you want to know about a 6-layer PCB manufacturer.

Introduction to 6-layer PCB

As the name implies, a six-layer PCB consists of six layers of conductive material. It’s basically a 4-layer PCB with two additional signal layers placed between the two planes. A typical 6-layer PCB stack has the following six layers: two inner layers, two outer layers and two inner planes – one for power and one for grounding. This design improves EMI and provides better routing for low – and high-speed signals. Two surface layers help route low-speed signals, while two internal buried layers help route high-speed signals.

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The typical design of a 6-layer PCB is shown above; However, it may not be suitable for all applications. The next section highlights some possible configurations of 6-layer PCBS.

Key considerations when designing 6-layer PCBS for different applications

Properly stacked 6 layers PCB manufacturers can help you achieve better performance because it will help suppress EMI, use various types of RF devices as well as include several fine-pitch components. Any errors in the lamination design can seriously affect PCB performance. Where to start? This is how you stack properly.

L As the first step in cascading design, it is important to analyze and address the number of grounding, power supply and signal planes the PCB may need.

L grounding layers are an important part of any lamination because they provide better shielding for your PCB. Moreover, they minimize the need for external shielding tanks.

Here are some proven 6-layer PCB stack designs for a variety of applications:

L For compact panels with small footprint: If you intend to wire compact panels with small footprint, four signal planes, one ground plane and one power plane can be installed.

L For more dense boards that will use a wireless/analog signal mix: on this type of board, you can choose layers that look like this: signal layer/ground/power layer/ground/signal layer/ground layer. In this type of stack, the internal and external signal layers are separated by two encapsulated ground layers. This layered design helps to suppress EMI mixing with the internal signal layer. The stack design is also ideal for RF devices because ac power and grounding provide excellent decoupling.

L For PCB with sensitive wiring: If you want to build PCB with many sensitive wiring, it is best to choose a layer that looks like this: signal layer/power layer / 2 signal layer/ground/signal layer. This stack will provide excellent protection for sensitive traces. The stack is suitable for circuits that utilize high frequency analog signals or high speed digital signals. These signals will be isolated from the outer low-speed signals. This shielding is done by an inner layer, which also allows routing of signals with different frequencies or switching speeds.

L For boards that will be deployed near strong radiation sources: for this type of board, the grounding/signal layer/power/grounding/signal layer/grounding stack will be perfect. This stack can effectively suppress EMI. This lamination is also suitable for boards used in noisy environments.

Benefits of using 6-layer PCBS

Thanks to the six-layer PCB design, they have become a regular feature in several advanced electronic circuits. These boards offer the following advantages that make them popular with electronics manufacturers.

Small footprint: These printed boards are smaller than other boards due to their multi-layer design. This is especially beneficial for micro devices.

Quality driven design: As mentioned earlier, a 6-layer PCB stack design requires a lot of planning. This helps reduce errors in detail, thus ensuring a high-quality build. In addition, all major PCB manufacturers today employ various testing and inspection techniques to ensure the suitability of these boards.

Lightweight construction: Compact PCBS are achieved by using lightweight components that help reduce the overall weight of the PCB. Unlike single-layer or double-layer PCBS, six-layer boards do not require multiple connectors to interconnect components.

L Improved durability: As shown above, these PCBS use multiple insulating layers between circuits and these layers are bonded using protective materials and different prepreg adhesives. This helps improve the durability of these PCBS.

L Excellent electrical performance: These printed circuit boards have excellent electrical performance to ensure high speed and high capacity in compact designs.