Useful information for the client about PCB.
Net / Trace
Connection between two elements in a schematic diagram. It is a name assigned to this connection. Trace is used to describe the physical part of a net, like the angle or thickness.
Via in PCB
Via is a connection between layers, in a 2 layer board the via is like a tunnel between the top and the bottom layer. The via has 2 important parameters: DRILL is de diameter of the hole, for a pin header it’s 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm, for a layer transition it could be the same or 0.3 mm. PAD is the diameter of the copper disc that connects the via to the Trace or Net.
Silkscreen
Silkscreen is a layer where the name of the components or the logotypes are printed. Usually with white ink (just in white PCBs the ink is black).
Soldermask
Is a layer that prevents the copper from oxidation This layer is usually not user defined. This layer is the one that gives the PCB the color. It can be green, yellow, white, black, red and blue.
Oz copper
You can choose the thickness of the copper when you send your board to fabrication. More thickness means more power disipation or more current per trace width. The standar thickness usually is 1Oz. But ¿What does 1Oz mean? It’s the thicness when 1 Oz of copper is placed on a flat surface and spread evenly over a one square foot area. The thickness in other units are:
- 1Oz copper = 1.37 mils
- 1Oz copper = 0.0347 mm
So you can then obtain the thickness in other units for other Oz’s of copper.
