Developing Technologies Are Increasing the Importance of HDI PCB

High density connection circuit boards (HDI) can be defined as printed circuit boards that have a higher line density per unit than traditional PCBs. HDI PCBs have any or all of the structures such as microvias, blind vias, embedded vias, other microvia techniques. Since the smaller and faster products are constantly demanded by the consumers, PCB technology is constantly improving by changing its own technology. HDI products, on the other hand, have more complex and smaller vias, pads, copper paths and gaps. Instead of using several PCBs in one product, the same functionality can be achieved by using one HDI PCB.

Microvias play a major role in the size and capabilities of HDI cards. Smaller vias can be placed much closer to each other and provide the designer with additional space for components. In addition, microvias are smaller and have higher reliability compared to regular vias. Since the smaller and more functional products are required in the semiconductor and electronics market, HDI designs can meet the demands of engineers. In the electronics sector, being able to shorten the distances between devices and paths, as well as placing a large number of semiconductors, provides higher performances. Complex HDI PCBs provide better electrical performance and lower power consumption. By shortening the distances between connections, they improve signal integrity due to lower power consumption. The performance improvement compared to traditional PCBs includes stable voltage, lower RFI/EMI, closer ground connection and distributed capacitance value.

The Benefits of HDI PCB

HDI PCBs are small, complex and have high electrical performance. The advantages of using HDI PCBs are as follows:

Cost Advantage
When planned properly, the overall costs are reduced, since they are used in smaller numbers compared to standard PCBs.
Speeding up the marketing time
Due to the easy placement of components and cables, as well as the electrical performance, the design and testing process for HDI PCBs takes a shorter time. This efficiency in design shortens the marketing time of the product.
Better reliability
Microvias are more reliable due to the use of better materials and having a smaller aspect ratio. Since the microvias are more reliable, HDI PCBs show higher performance with better materials and parts.

“Instead of using several PCBs in one product, the same functionality can be achieved by using one HDI PCB.”

The Disadvantages of HDI PCB

Although HDIs are extremely useful when applied on small devices, it is necessary to consider the specific needs of the electronic product. Some information should be obtained before designing your HDI card. The design should be discussed with the manufacturing and assembly workshop in advance, and checked whether it is within its capabilities. Careful planning and consideration of the design and manufacturing process is very important to ensure that you ultimately get exactly what you need. For this reason, not knowing which components will be needed and missing what needs to be done slows down the design process. It will be quite difficult to change the completed design and parts afterwards. Making constant changes to already completed hardware costs much more than a design that has been planned properly the first time.