14 Layer PCB Stackup

I know probably you have many questions about 14 layer PCB stackup.

That’s this guide will answer all your questions on these PCB stackup.

This will make it easier for to understand every aspect before starting and PCB fabrication process.

What is a 14-layer PCB Stackup?

14-layer PCB stackup is a multilayer PCB device that you will use when you need to have eight signal layers.

Apart from that, you will use the 14-layer printed circuit board stackup when you need special shield of critical nets.

 14 layer stack up

What are the Functions of the Ground Planes and Power Planes in High-Speed Digital Systems?

In any PCB stack up, you are bound to find the ground planes and the power planes between the signal layers.

It is the most important layer that you will place among the signal layers to separate them and create better performance.

Power planes are simple flat planes of copper that you will connect to a power supply on the printed circuit board.

You will use the power plane to provide a steady supply of voltage through the 14-layer PCB stackup.

Apart from that, the power planes improve decoupling between the circuits and provide shorter return paths.

In addition to that, it has a large current carrying capacity which is even higher than the tracks and traces.

Ground plane is a simple plane of copper that you will connect to the ground connection of power supply.

You will depend on the ground plane to provide the return path for current from the different components on the PCB.

Apart from that, it will allow you to ground any of the components on the PCB stackup without running more traces.

How Many Routing or Signal Layers are in the 14-layer PCB Stackups?

In a 14 – layer printed circuit board stackup, you will find 8 routing of signal layers.

The 8 routing of the signal layers will help in providing the best routes for the signal layers thus boosting performance.

Apart from that, it will carry electrical signal and power between all the components on the 14-layer printed circuit board stackup.

You have to place proper arrangements of copper planes between the signal layers fir them to work properly.

What is the Typical Arrangement of a 14-layer PCB Stackup?

Basically, the 14-layer printed circuit board stackup has 14 layers with different signal, power and ground planes.

Arrangement of 14 layer PCB stack up

In a 14-layer printed circuit board stackup, there are different modes of arranging the layers depending on the application requirements.

Here is an example of a 14-layer PCB stackup that you may come across in different applications.

How Do You Manufacture a 14-layer PCB Stack up?

You can come up with a 14-layer printed circuit board stackup by simply manufacturing it.

Despite the difficulty of manufacturing the 14-layer PCB stackup, you can sail through just fine with a plan.

In other words, you have to draw a great plan that will guide your steps through the manufacturing process.

Here is a step-by-step process that you can follow to successfully manufacture a 14-layer printed circuit board stackup.

Step One: Designing the 14-layer PCB Stackup

You will begin the whole process by coming up with a proper design of the 14-layer printed circuit board stackup.

There are plenty of design software that you can use to help you in the designing process of the 14-layer PCB stackup.

Make sure that you include all the details that you want on your stackup during the designing process of the stackup.

As soon as you complete the designing process, you will proceed to the design review.

At this point you will confirm that all the details you want on the layer stackup are in place.

You will also look at the manufacturability of the 14-layer printed circuit board stackup.

As soon as the design is clear you can proceed to the next step of the 14-layer PCB manufacturing process.

Step Two: Printing the 14-layer PCB Stackup Design

Here, you will use a plotter printer to print the 14-layer printed circuit board stackup and make a film of the design.

After printing, you will come up with a photonegative of the 14-layer printed circuit board design.

You will use two ink colors to show the layers of the printed circuit board such as:

1. Black ink will show the circuits and copper traces on the PCB stackup design
2. Clear ink will show the non-conductive part on the 14-layer PCB stackup

This is the trend on the inner layers but the trend hits a reverse on the outer parts of the PCB stackup.

You should also remember that every layer on the PCB stackup will have its own photonegative film.

Step Three: Manufacturing Process

First, you will print the design on a piece of laminate and then pre-bond or print copper on the same laminate.

This will serve as one of the layer structures on the 14-layer PCB stackup.

You must also understand that the inner layers of the stackup will need extra copper than the outer layers.

For that reason, you will proceed with the etching process that will remove the excess copper from the inside.

After that, you will perform resist stripping that will remove any form of remaining resist on the copper.

As soon as you complete that, you can proceed to inspect the layers and make adjustments if any.

You will then proceed with the post-etch punch which will align all the layers and punch holes through them.

Here, you will need registration holes to guide the whole process of punching the holes in the layers.

Step Four: Inspection Process

Here, you will perform automatic optical inspection (AOI) of the inner layers of the 14-layer PCB stackup.

In case you identify incomplete patterns, you must make necessary changes before you proceed.

After that, you will apply oxide on the inner layers that will make sure proper bonding occurs.

Step Five: Layup Process

After completing all the layers, you will lay them up using the layup process.

With the help of a lay-up machine, you will line up all the layers, heat them and bond all of them together.

You will use a copper foil layer and insulating materials between the outer and inner layers.

Typically, you must use a computer to guide the alignment because they have to be as accurate as possible.

Finally, you will laminate all the layers together and form the 14-layer stackup with effective insulation in between.

What is the Function of the Silk Screen on the 14-layer PCB Stackup?

You will use the silkscreen on the 14-layer PC stackup to link all the traces and identify the stackup components.

Apart from that, you will use the silk screen to mark the test points, warning symbols, marks and logos.

In addition to that, you will use the numbers and shapes to identify the function of every component.

You will apply the silk screen on the component or the solder side of the 14-layer printed circuit board stackup.

What is the Significance of Having a Solder Mask on the 14-layer PCB Stackup?

A solder mask is a thin layer of polymers that you will apply to copper traces of the 14-layer PCB stackup.

You will use the solder mask to protect the PCB layer stackups from oxidation and also to prevent solder bridges.

As much as it is beneficial to the PCB layer stackup, solder masks also have an effect on the impedance of the later stackups.

In other words, you must consider the effect that the solder mask has on impedance as you calculate impedance.

Solder masks usually reduce impedance of the layer stackup by 2 to 3 ohms on the thin traces of the PCB.

In case you increase the thickness of the traces, you will realize a reduction in the effect of the solder mask.

In other words, the best way of eliminating the effect of impedance on the layer stackup is to increase trace thickness.

How Many Types of Vias are there on the 14-layer PCB Stackup?

 Types of vias

You can drill different types of vias into the 14-layer PCB stackup depending on the application specifications.

Implying that, there are different types of vias that you can drill into the 14-layer PCB stackup.

Here are the main types of vias that you can drill into the 14-layer PCB stackup.

Through Hole Vias

You will drill a through hole via from the top of the stackup all the way down to the bottom of the stackup.

It is the most suitable via that you will use to connect stable components from the top layer to the bottom layer.

Blind Vias

You will drill the blind vias and make a hole from an exterior layer and end it within an interior layer.

It is suitable for connecting the exterior components of the stackup to an interior layer of the stackup.

Buried Vias

You will also have the buried vias right inside the internal layers of the 14-layer PCB stackup with no path outwards.

It is most suitable for connecting the inner layers of the stackup and you will not see them on the external parts.

Which Quality Certifications Define the 14-layer PCB stackup?

14-layer PCB stackups are among the high-quality types of printed circuit board stackups.

As a manufacturer of the 14-layer PCB stackup, you will ensure that I adhere to the international quality standards.

Some of the international quality standards to adhere to are.

• UL Quality Certifications
• CE Quality Certifications
• RoHS Quality Certifications
• International Standards Organization (ISO) Quality Certifications
• ANSI/AHRI Quality Certifications

How Do You Maintain the 14-layer PCB Stackup to Increase the Service Life?

In case you want to have a durable 14-layer PCB stackup, you must do proper maintenance on the stackup.

Here, you will proceed with the maintenance on a time basis which can either be annually or seasonally.

In annual maintenance, here are the maintenance programs that you will perform.

• Clean and dust the 14-layer printed circuit board stackup
• Replace the components that do not work well with new components
• You should also remove the dry silicone heat grease and replace it with a new one

Apart from annual maintenance, you can also perform seasonal maintenance.

You will perform seasonal maintenance by cleaning off the dust from the 14-layer PCB stackup.

It is also important to observe the 14-layer PCB stackup on a regular basis to identify potential faults.

How Do You Increase the Efficiency of the 14-layer PCB Stackup?

The most important step that you have to be very careful about in manufacturing 14-layer PCB stackups is designing process.

You need to make the most out of your design to ensure that the final 14-layer PCB stackup works efficiently.

Here are some of the things you can consider to increase efficiency of the 14-layer PCB stackup.

Making a Proper Schematic

You need to adopt the concept of doing everything by yourself when making the schematic.

It will help you identify the positions of the components on the 14-layer PCB stackup better.

Proper Component Spacing

You must also space all the components on the PCB stackup well to score a good functional value.

It will give you enough space to route and wire all the components on the stackup efficiently.

Component Placement

You have to make sure that the orientation is the same during the whole process of component placement.

It will help in making the soldering as well as the subsequent inspection process very easy.

Wiring Directions

You have to use diverse wiring directions between the layers that follow one another.

In case you use vertical orientation on the upper layer, then you can use horizontal on subsequent layers.

Create Ground Planes

You must also consider placing the ground planes in place thus maintaining the current flow throughout the stackup.

It will also help in eliminating the possibilities of current drops which is common with the resistance on traces.

Control Heat

You should also consider controlling the heat by identifying the heat spots and installing proper heat dissipators.

You will use the heat control systems to make sure that the 14-layer PCB stackup works in a cool environment.

How Much Does the 14-layer PCB Stackup Cost?

The cost of the 14-layer PCB stackup will vary between 0.50 to 25 US dollars depending on the type.

There are special types of 14-layer PCB stackups that you can use and will attract very high prices.

Apart from the specialty, you will also look at the price from the quality and quantity point of view.

An increase in quality and quantity of the 14-layer PCB stackup means an increase in the overall cost.

Implying that, the more PCBs you purchase, the higher the amount of money you will pay.

Apart from that, an increase in the quality of the PCB stackup will translate to an increase in cost.

What are the Material Dimensions on the layers of the 14-layer PCB Stackup?

You can customize the 14-layer PCB stackup and have dimensions that will fit your application specifications.

Despite that, you can also opt for the standard dimensions of the 14-layer PCB stackup.

Here are the standard dimensions that you can opt for on a 14-layer PCB stackup.

How Many Types of Surface Finishes Can You Have on the 14-layer PCB Stackup?

You will use the surface finish on the 14-layer PCB stackup to preserve the copper that is exposed.

Apart from that, you will depend on the 14-layer PCB to provide a solderable surface for component soldering.

In addition to that, you will use the surface finish to improve the image of the 14-layer PCB stackup.

Here are the different types of PCB surface finishes that you can have on the 14-layer PCB stackup.

• Hot Air Solder Level (HASL) Surface Finish
• Lead-Free Hot Air Solder Level Surface Finish
• Organic Solderability Preservative (OSP) Surface Finish
• Immersion Silver (Au) Surface Finish
• Immersion Tin (Sn) Surface Finish
• Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG) Surface Finish
• Electroless Nickel Electroless Palladium Immersion Gold (ENEPIG) Surface Finish
• Electrolytic Wire Bondable Gold Surface Finish

How Do You Control Overheating on the 14-layer PCB Stackup?

14-layer PCB stackups have special features on them that will help in controlling overheating.

In case the temperatures rise higher than normal, the efficiency of the stackup usually reduces considerably.

Here are some of the practices that you can apply to control overheating on the 14-layer PCB stackup.

• Placing the traces deeper into the stackup thus allowing the stackup to absorb heat and spread it to thermal vias.
• You can also perform the heat pipe integration which will provide you will effective thermal integration through the system.
• You can also install thermal interface materials that will fill the gap between the surfaces and dissipate more heat.
• You can also use active cooling integration where you will install fans on the device to cool it off.

What are the Advantages of Stackup Planners on 14-layer PCB Stackups?

During the designing face, it is important to plan on the type of stackup that you need.

You can do effective planning by using a stackup planner to place every detail in order.

It will provide you with unprecedented simulation speed that will ease the accuracy and use at affordable prices.

You will also use its wide array if features to create a 14-layer PCB stackup plan that will definitely work.

Which Dielectric Materials Do You Use in Manufacturing 14-layer PCB Stackups?

The most common type of dielectric material that you can use the FR-4 materials that are flame retardant.

You can use the FR-4 materials in the form of prepreg or pre-impregnated materials or in the form of a core.

The core materials that you can use are thin dielectric materials cured fiberglass epoxy resins with copper foil bonds.

The prepreg material is a dielectric of thin sheet fiberglass that is impregnated with uncured epoxy resins.

Which Industries Do 14-layer PCB Stackups Come in Handy?

You can use the 14-layer PCB stackup in manufacturing appliances that you will use in quite a number of high-speed applications.

Here are some of the applications where the 14-layer PCB stackup will come in handy.

• Medical Industry to manufacture medical scanning machines
• Communication Industry to manufacture communication equipment such as mobile phones
• Processing industry where you will use the machines to control different industrial processes
• Aviation and aerospace industry
• Automotive industry

How Does Melting Point and Glass Transition Temperature of 14-layer PCBs Compare?

14-layer PCB stackups have temperature limits which you should respect and never cross.

In case you go beyond the maximum working temperature, the materials will change in state.

Implying that, if you go beyond the glass transition temperature, the materials will change from solid to rubber-like state.

On the other hand, if you exceed the melting point, the materials will change from solid state to liquid state.

How DO You Compare the 14-layer PCB Stackup to the 12-layer PCB Stackup?

Well, the main difference between the 14-layer and the 12-layer PCB stackup is the number of layers.

12 layer PCB stack up

The 14-layer PCB stackup has more layers in comparison to the 12-layer PCB stackup.

Apart from that, the 14-layer PCB stackup will perform better than the 12-layer PCB stackup.

14-layer PCB stackups have more surface area for component placement and circuitry than the 12-layer PCB stackup.

In that breath, more components on the stackup means better performance and minima signal interferences.

With this information, you can make an informed decision when choosing 14 layer PCB stackup.

However, in case you have any question, feel free to contact Venture Electronics team.