PCB comes in different layers – from
the very basic 2 layers all the way up to 16 layers. Different PCB projects
have different requirements, so the layers might change.
In this article, let’s focus on the 6-layer PCB manufacturing process. We will
cover what a 6-layer PCB board is and the best 6-layer design technique and the
software to be used. We will explain what a 6-layer PCB stack is and which one
is recommended and why. Finally, we will cover the materials, cost and why we
should go with a quick-turn
PCB supplier.
What Is the 6-layer PCB
Board?
A 6-layer PCB board, as the name
states, is a board that contains 6 layers. The typical 6-layer PCB stack-up
usually consists of internal planes, signal layers, and power/ground layers. It
might sound complicated, but it is often necessary because some complex systems
require advanced PCB designs.
The 6 layers of the PCB board are
determined based on the application. Some applications will have components
that require multiple-layer design while some will have a layout space
limitation. This type of limitation prevents a 2 to 4-layer design from being
used; 6 layers, however, solve that problem. An additional reason is good
signal transmission, which a 6-layer PCB stack-up fulfills.
Different reasons might bring a
company or engineer to use a 6-layer PCB board design. Depending on the reason,
different techniques and stack-ups should be used during the design process.
The Importance of a
6-Layer
Different projects have different
requirements. A 6-layer PCB design is considered a complex design that comes
with a complicated stack of materials.
Choosing the wrong stack-up could
prevent the board from functioning properly. Certain issues could be bad signal
output, interference, and the inability of some design features to work. Due to
its complexity, it could be difficult to properly debug a 6-layer PCB. Thus,
it's important to run all the tests in CAD simulation, which will prevent
unexpected issues during the fabrication process.
Applications of
6-layered PCBs
Due to their balanced performance and
cost, 6-layer PCBs are widely used in:
•
Automotive Electronics –
Engine control units (ECUs), ADAS systems
•
Telecommunications –
Routers, switches, and base stations
•
Medical Devices –
Imaging systems, patient monitoring equipment
•
Industrial Automation –
Motor controllers, PLCs
•
Consumer Electronics –
Smart home devices, high-end audio systems
Standard and Typical 6-Layer PCB Stack-Up
The standard 6-layer PCB stack-up will usually come
with the following layers (not in the same particular order):
1. Ground Plane Layer.
2. An Inner Single Layer.
3. Second Inner Single Layer.
4. A Power Plane.
5. A Top Signal Layer.
6. A Bottom Signal Layer.
Although this is the standard and most typical 6-layer
PCB stack-up, many other stack-ups exist for multiple reasons. The standard and
most typical don’t mean the best one. This kind of decision varies on the
application and the use of the 6-layer PCB design.
What Is the Best 6-Layer
PCB Stack-Up?
Different PCB designs require
different stack-up configurations. It’s important to choose good practice
stack-ups that will provide shielding on top of the signal layers. Such
shielding will provide good signal transmission and prevent possible faults in
the final product. Considering the 6-layer PCB design stack-up before
fabrication could save both time and cost.
The most used configuration by
engineers will be as follows:
1. A Top Signal Layer.
2. A Ground Plane Layer.
3. An Inner Signal Layer.
4. A Second Inner Signal Layer.
5. A single Power Plane Layer.
6. A Bottom Signal Layer.
These 6 layers will provide good signal transmission
and shielding for the signal layers. Additionally, the extra layers of
protection could prevent unexpected faults.
The order above isn't perfect and one
thing to note is the reduced capacitance due to the separation of the power and
ground layers. For that reason, there is another type of 6-layer PCB stack-up
to consider that not many people are aware of, such as follows:
1. A Single Top Signal Layer.
2. A Ground Plane Layer.
3. An Inner Signal Layer.
4. A Power Plane Layer.
5. A Single Ground Plane Layer.
6. A Bottom Signal Layer.
We placed the ground and power layers
close to each other, in an order that provides better capacitance for the
circuit. This was previously considered one of the best 6-layer PCB stack-up
practices. However, it’s important to note that each application might contain
different requirements. The decision of which layer to stack up to use should
be carefully considered.
Multiple CAD software can be used to
design a 6-layer PCB, the most popular software would be Altium Designer and Eagle,
which often customers report as being very useful and easy to use.
Most experienced engineers are able to
design a 6-layer PCB, although there is a difference among the final outcomes.
Experienced engineers will carefully select 6 layers of PCB stack up to ensure
the best compatibility and signal transmission. General knowledge of how to
design a 6-layer PCB can be found online. A good design, however, can only be achieved
through experience and years of practice.
At PCBasic we have accumulated over 15
years of experience in advanced 2 to 16-layer PCB design. Our expertise is in
fields such as aerospace, medical, consumer, and industrial PCB applications.
Whenever your project is in the
prototype or mass production stage, we'll provide knowledge and consultation
related to your design. A proper 6-layer PCB stack ensures consistency, and
compatibility and avoids troublesome and expensive mistakes.
We learned about those mistakes
through the years of serving thousands of customers so you wouldn't have to
repeat them.
Quick Turn 6-Layer PCB
Manufacturing
Fabrication of 6 layers of PCBs might
sound easy, but it's a complex process; choosing the wrong 6 layers in a PCB
fabrication facility could be very costly. When it comes to the PCBA stage and
components placement, it's crucial to ensure that the PCBA functions properly
and can deliver the proper signal transmission across its designed properties.
For that reason, a quick-turn 6-layer
PCB board manufacturing service provides an all-in-one service from PCB to PCBA
production that ensures the entire supply chain and production stages go
smoothly. By manufacturing the quick-turn 6-layer PCB, we can ensure the board
functions properly. Once produced, the board will be delivered to the PCBA
factory and verified to be in good condition. This kind of process also
eliminates the risk and need of managing multiple suppliers, warehouses, and
fulfillment services. If you are worried about your PCB fast turnaround problem, don't hesitate to
contact PCBasic!
Materials For 6-Layer
PCB Manufacturing
A 6-layer PCB comes with 6 layers that
include: internal planes and internal layers, a layer for power and ground, and
another two external layers. This kind of stack-up ensures good signal
transmission in a complex system.
The materials that PCBs are made of
are non-conductive materials, and layers of cooper are both in the internal and
the external layers of the 6-layer PCB board. The conductive material in a PCB,
commonly known as cooper, is an important material in 6-layer PCB production.
Cooper is a highly conductive material that enables us to transmit signals and
electricity within the circuit boards.
Depending on the density of the board,
the copper layers can go from one or two layers up to 50 layers or even more.
Unlike PCBA, producing the PCB board alone eliminates concern regarding the
materials, as those are provided and made by the PCB factory itself.
6-Layer PCB Prototype
Price
The price for 6-layer PCB prototype
can vary, which mostly depends on the quantity of the PCB materials. During the
prototyping stage, a cost-effective way will be to produce 5-10 boards at a
time. Because of design faults, or for the reason the board hasn’t been tested,
ordering a mass quantity might end up going to waste.
Due to the small quantity, the 6-layer
PCB prototype price is high. We usually recommend ordering 10 boards instead of
5. This is due to the price and the extra samples that might be needed in the
prototyping stage. The price will vary depending on the PCB design size,
complexity, and other variables to be determined upon submission to
fabrication.
Related 6-Layer PCB
A 6-layer PCB design is not the only
design you can choose from. The PCB goes from 2 up to 16 layers or even more,
it all depends on the design and application. Most commonly, 4 layers design
can be considered for the design of complex applications. Although the designs
are quite similar, the 6-layer PCB is more advanced. Often used for
applications that require multiple planes with good signal conductivity.
6-Layer Manufacturing
Services
Once we proceed to
manufacturing the 6 layers of PCBs, we should note the fabrication facility and
the PCBA factory. PCB board production facility shall ensure the ability to
produce a good 6-layer PCB. Most of the China PCB factories can do that,
although some factories might provide a poorly fabricated PCB. Note that some
fabrication facilities and PCBA factories won't usually support a 6-layer
design due to the complexity or lack of equipment.
At PCBasic we provide
one-stop PCB and PCBA service to fulfill 6 layers of PCB design needs. Our top
China PCBA factory serves thousands of customers a year with more than 15 years
of accumulated experience.
