Q: PCB traces both sides ok?

iko · 3rd December 2009, 01:13 AM

I've just finished the pcb design for a regulator I'm developing (see sig). The design is a one layer board. Just when I was about to choose the trace thickness (2oz) it occurred to me that I could make it a two layer board, and have the exact same traces on the top and bottom of the board, thus doubling the effective trace thickness. Then I could use the same board for even higher current.

I can't think of a reason why this shouldn't be done, but I thought I'd ask just in case I'm missing something.

jcx · 3rd December 2009, 01:51 AM

you're proabably missing a superior layout where you could lower gnd impedance and greatly reduce magnetic field radiating loop area by intelligently using both sides for different tracks/gnd plane/fill

Iain McNeill · 3rd December 2009, 02:25 AM

I agree. There's better things to do with the copper.
A solid ground plane has more benefits than trace resistance / 2.

iko · 3rd December 2009, 02:40 AM

Perhaps the layout allows for more criticism.

It is the Vin -> Vout trace that could benefit from twice the copper thickness. I was thinking of 3-5A through the regulator. Maybe even more. The shunt mosfet is connected directly to the GND island, as are all the other high current parts. The remote sensing points have a separate connection.

stormsonic · 3rd December 2009, 09:55 AM

IMHO, single layer, short traces, star connection type (where possible) and remote sensing is the correct way.
No need for ground plane, you are not working into RF range. Double layer and ground plane can introduce some capacitance & inductance in unpredictable way. Big ground plane for few connection points across that plane + remote sensing wires returning to ground plane at some point = ground loop

3rd December 2009, 01:13 AM	#1
iko diyAudio Moderator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Toronto	Q: PCB traces both sides ok? I've just finished the pcb design for a regulator I'm developing (see sig). The design is a one layer board. Just when I was about to choose the trace thickness (2oz) it occurred to me that I could make it a two layer board, and have the exact same traces on the top and bottom of the board, thus doubling the effective trace thickness. Then I could use the same board for even higher current. I can't think of a reason why this shouldn't be done, but I thought I'd ask just in case I'm missing something.

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3rd December 2009, 01:51 AM	#2
jcx diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: ..	you're proabably missing a superior layout where you could lower gnd impedance and greatly reduce magnetic field radiating loop area by intelligently using both sides for different tracks/gnd plane/fill

3rd December 2009, 02:25 AM	#3
Iain McNeill diyAudio Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Santa Cruz, California	I agree. There's better things to do with the copper. A solid ground plane has more benefits than trace resistance / 2.

3rd December 2009, 09:55 AM	#5
stormsonic diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2008	IMHO, single layer, short traces, star connection type (where possible) and remote sensing is the correct way. No need for ground plane, you are not working into RF range. Double layer and ground plane can introduce some capacitance & inductance in unpredictable way. Big ground plane for few connection points across that plane + remote sensing wires returning to ground plane at some point = ground loop