8 Layer PCB Stack-Up

In this guide, you will find all information you need about 8 layer PCB stack up.

So, if you have any question about 8 layer PCB stack up, you will find the answer right here.

Let’s dive right in.

What is an 8 Layer PCB Stack up?

8-layer PCB stackups are special types of printed circuit boards with 8 layers offering ample routing space.

You will use 8-layer PCB stackup for applications that require multiple power islands with signal layers of one referencing power plane.

8 layer pcb stack up

Why Should You Consider Using the Standard 8 Layer PC Stackups?

You are capable of performing basic PCB functions with either a layer or two of the PCB stack up.

As much as that will do the job, you need to understand that the three are applications that need complex circuitry.

In other words, you will have to use multiple layer stackups to make such applications work best.

You will use the 8-layer PC stackup to reduce the size of the complex appliances while increasing working speed.

It has more than 4 layers of copper or conductive materials that improve the signal traces thus increasing efficiency.

Apart from that, you can rely on the 8-layer PCB stackup to increase the signal integrity of different designs.

They have ground and power planes that help in separating the signal layers thus increasing signal integrity.

The ground and power planes on the inside will assist in the reduction of crosstalk between the signal layers.

It also has more space that you can use to place additional components on the 8-layer PCB stack up.

What is the Component Arrangement on the Standard 8 Layer PCB Stack up?

Whenever you are designing the 8-layer PCB stack up, you have to consider the arrangement of components.

In other words, you need to know the position that every layer on the layer stack up will assume.

In addition to that, you should also arrange the layers according to the application specifications.

In a typical conductive arrangement of the 8-layer PCB stack up, you will have the following design.

In this arrangement, you will notice that all the signal layers are separated by ground and power planes.

This separation will help in eliminating or reducing the susceptibility of the 8-layer printed circuit board stack up to electromagnetic interference.

You should also remember that the type of materials that you will use in the building of the stackup will affect performance.

Apart from the materials, the dimensions or thickness of the 8-layer PCB stackup also affects the impedance.

component arrangement of 8 layer stack up

What are the Significant Techniques for Standard 8 Layer PCB Stack up?

You have to understand that having the 8-layer printed circuit board will not achieve all the expectations.

Implying that, if you want better performance you have to prepare the stack up adequately through other means.

There are other practices that you can perform on the 8-layer PCB stack up to ensure maximum performance.

Here are the other techniques that you can employ in order to get maximum performance of the 8-layer PCB stack up.

Proper Routing Direction

You may have different number of layers of signal layers on the 8-layer PCB stack up depending on application requirements.

For instance, in case you have 6 signal layers, all the signal traces on the adjacent layers must have perpendicular routing.

This will help in minimization of crosstalk thus signaling the importance of having varying signal routingon the layer stackups.

Having a Return Path

You must also visualize the return path of the high-speed signals despite the location of the return path.

It is important to make the return paths as short as possible to eliminate interference with the other PCB components.

Having Ground Planes

In this case, you have to make sure that the ground planes are never split as that may lead to discontinuity of impedance.

Apart from that, the components on the outer layer must also have very low impedance.

In addition to that, the components must have connections to the inner ground planes through the vias.

Having Blind or Buried Vias

You should also consider using the buried or blind vias which will increase the space available for component routing.

It is very important to check with your manufacturer to ensure that you can have the blind vias on the stack up.

What are the Best Materials for Manufacturing the 8 Layer PCB Stackup?

Your choice of materials will also go a long way in determining the performance of the 8-layer PCB stackup.

In other words, you have to be very careful and choose the right type of materials during the manufacturing process.

On the same breath, the best types of materials that you should consider using are conductive materials and substrates.

Conductive Materials

The best conductive material that you can use in the manufacturing process of the layer stack up is copper.

You will use copper as a conductive material because of its superiority in conducting electricity and heat.

In other words, it will help in proper signal transfers while reducing the accumulation of heat on the device.

It is also a cheaper option to other conductive materials such as gold and silver which are effective but also expensive.

Substrate Materials

You will use substrate materials such as glass epoxy materials to help in the insulation of signals and heat.

It allows you to handle the 8-layer PCB stack up more appropriately even in very high temperature applications.

It has very good glass transition temperature that help in maintaining the solid nature of the PCB stack up.

How Does the 8 Layer PCB Stack and 6 Layer PCB Stack up Compare?

Among the multiple layer PCB stackup, you can choose to use the 6-layer or 8-layer PCB stackups.

These multiple layer stackups vary in terms of dimensions and also in terms of performance.

Just from the name, you can determine that the 6-layer PCB stackups have fewer layers.

On the other hand, 8-layer PCB stackups have additional layers which come at a higher cost.

Implying that, 8-layer PCB stackups will cost you a lot more than the 6-layer PCB stackups.

In addition to that, 8-layer PCBs exhibit better performance in comparison to the 6-layer PCB stack up.

This is because it has more layers that increase area for component mounting and reduces signal impedance.

It also has additional layers that will help in solving the problem of electromagnetic interference.

6 layer PCB stack up

What is the Difference Between the 4 Layer PCB Stackup and 8 Layer PCB Stackup?

You will note that the only similarity between 4-layer PCB stackup and 8-layer PCB stackup is the classification.

4 layer PCB stack up

You will classify both 4-layer PCB stackup and the 8-layer PCB stack as multiple layer PCB stackups.

The variation between 4-layer PC stackups and 8-layer PCB stackups begin from the same point.

8-layer PCB stackups often have more layers in comparison to the 4-layer PCB stackups.

With an increase in the number of layers, you will experience better performance from the 8-layer PCB stackup.

On top of better performance, signal interference is on the lower side in comparison to that of the 4-layer PC stackup.

Why Should You Use 8 Layer PCB Stackup Manufacturers with Experience?

You should use 8-layer PCB stackup manufacturers with experience because they understand the basic requirements.

Manufacturers with experience will provide you with the best 8-layer PCB stackups according to application requirements.

You will use them in compact devices thus making spacing of the components a very important aspect.

Apart from that, it is a complex layer stackup that manufacturers with enough experience can handle comfortably.

Due to its complexity, you may have to pay more for the manufacturing process thus limiting the waste of resources.

What are the Benefits of Using the 8 Layer PCB Stackup?

There are numerous benefits that you can derive from using the 8-layer printed circuit board stackups.

You will use them to create more complex as well as space saving applications among other benefits.

Here are the main advantages that you will experience by using the 8-layer PCB stackups.

Maximizing Functionality

It will help in maximizing the functionality and speed of the devices that depend on them.

You will have a board that is more functional and reliable in performing different functions.

Minimizing Vulnerability

You will also be in a better position to minimize device vulnerability thus increasing the overall performance.

It will help in protecting the internal layers from external noise thus reducing vulnerability to exterior forces.

Reduction of Radiation

You are also in a better position to eliminate any form of radiation that usually occur in high-speed applications.

It will also eliminate electromagnetic interference radiation in comparison to other forms of stackups.

Decrease Cost of Operation

Despite the high cost of production, you will save a lot of money when it comes to cleaning and replacements.

In other words, 8-layer PCB stackups are highly durable and will not require a lot of maintenance.

Which Methods Do You Employ in Adjusting Thickness of the 8 Layer PCB Stackup?

One of the most important factors to consider when designing or manufacturing the 8-layer PCB stackup is size.

Among the size options, we have the thickness of the materials which has a great impact on the performance of stackups.

You can, therefore, adjust the thickness of copper among other materials using the following processes.

Interlayer Offset

You will use resin recession grooves in the design of the board sides instead of using chocked flow pads.

In regards to the position of the stackup, you can use the rivet plus and hot melting plus dowel to address the situation.

Stackup Mea Sling

You will add silicon pads to the epoxy plates in order to maintain balanced pressure thus eliminating stackup measles.

Apart from that, it will help in the effective control of uniformity on the thickness of the boards.

Which Factors Should You Consider When Choosing 8 Layer PCB Stackups?

There are particular factors that you have to look at when choosing the right type of layer PCB stackups.

In the selection of the 8-layer PCB multilayer stackup, here are the things you need to look at.

Arrangement of Layers

One of the most important factors is to look at the arrangement of the layers where single layers must be close planes.

It will help in limiting quantity of signal layers to the minimum at every location thus providing room for component placement.

Coupling of Signal Layers

You have to make sure that the coupling if the signal layers are tight on the adjacent planes.

Signal Return Path

You must also make sure that you have the return path of the signals which can either be on the power or ground plane.

The return path signals must also have a path that will provide the least form of inductance on the closet plane.

Budget

You should also make sure that you are working on a particular budget so as to get the best deals.

Having a budget will help in the estimation of the materials you need and how you will use the materials.

How Much Does the 8 Layer PC Stackup Cost?

You can get a piece of the 8-layer PCB stack up for about 0.2 to 3 US dollars.

The prices vary in terms of size, quality and quantity of the 8-layer PCB stackups you need.

In other words, an increase in size, quality and quantity of 8-layer PCB stackups results into increased costs.

What is the Effect of Solder Masks on the Impedance of 8 Layer PCB Stackups?

On every stackup, you will have the solder mask on the top layer thus the importance in calculation of the impedance.

Usually, you will realize that the solder mask usually reduces impedance by about 2 ohms or 3 ohms.

This is true especially when you are dealing with the thin traces on the 8-layer PCB stackups.

An increase in the thickness of the 8-layer PCB stackup will definitely reduce effect of solder mask impedance.

If you want to reduce impedance from the solder masks, you will have to increase thickness of the materials.

Which Types of Surface Finishes Do You Apply on the 8 Layer PCB Stackups?

The surface finish on the layer PCB stackups play very huge and important roles in the performance of PCBs.

It will improve the image of the layer PCB stackups and help in improving the signal connection of the conducting materials.

Here are some of the PCB surface finishes that you can opt for on the 8-layer PCB stackups.

• Hot Air Solder Level (HASL) Surface Finishes
• Lead-Free Hot Air Solder Level (HASL) Surface Finish
• Organic Solder Ability 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

Which Types of Vias can you use in 8 Layer PCB Stackup?

Different types of vias

You will also need vias on the 8-layer printed circuit board stackups to help in component mounting.

The vias will also help in c0mpleting the connections between different types of circuits.

Here are some of the vias that you can use in the 8-layer PCB stackup.

Through Hole Vias

You can opt for the through hole vias which run from the top layer all the way to the bottom layer.

Blind Vias

You may also decide to settle on the vias that run from the external layers and end inside the inner layers.

Buried Vias

There are options of using the buried vias which are covered inside the internal layers of the stackup.

Microvans

These are the very small vias on the 8-layer PCB stack up that may not be visible to the naked eyes.

Vias in Pads

You can opt to use the vias in pads in case you are working with pads on the 8-layer PCB stackups.

What are the Functions of Power and Ground Planes in 8 Layer PCB Stackups?

In the 8-layer printed circuit board stackups, you will have ground planes and power planes within the layers.

It is important to have ground planes and power planes as part of the layers because of the functions they perform.

Here are some of the functions that you can perform using the power planes and the ground planes.

Improve Stability

You will use the ground planes and the power planes to improve stability of the reference voltages.

This will come in handy in the stabilization of the process of digital signal exchanging process.

Power Distribution

You will also need the ground planes and the power planes to help in the distribution of power through the board.

They are the most important layers on the PCB stackups that you will use for distribution of low inductance power.

Control of Crosstalk

You will also have the ground plane and power planes in place to control crosstalk between the signals.

What is the Process of Designing an 8 Layer PCB Stackup?

The first step in coming up with a good 8-layer PCB stackup is coming up with a good working design.

In other words, you should know the type of 8-layer PCB stackup that you want to use.

Apart from that, you must also know the application requirements of the 8-layer PCB stackup.

Here is a step-by-step process that you can follow to come up with a up with a good stackup.

Step One: Formulation of Idea

The first thing that you have to do is come up with the type of 8-layer PCB stackup that you need.

You should brainstorm and come up with the best way of ensuring that the PCB stackup will work.

After that, you will choose a designing software that will help you in the designing process.

As soon as the idea is at hand, you will proceed to create a schematic which is the blueprint of the PCB.

You will develop the schematic and include every single detail that you want on the 8-layer PCB stackup.

On top of the schematic, you will begin the designing process with a blank page on the design software.

Step Two: Component Inclusion

On the blank page, you will begin the whole process of designing by putting in all the details you need on the stackup.

Here, you will specify the number of layers which is definitely 8 layers in this particular case.

Apart from that, you will also specify the shape of the stackupa you detail it with all the dimensions.

It is the part where you will ink all the information on the schematic with the information on the blank page.

Make sure that you review all details that you have on the design and make the necessary changes at this point.

After that, you will define all the designing rules and ensure that they are followed in your designing process.

Make sure that none of the rules is not taken for granted as it might affect the overall performance of the stackup.

Step Three: Component Placement

This is the stage where you will decide where all the other components of the PCB stackup will go.

You will also decide on how you will arrange the layers on the PCB stackup and the position of drill holes.

After that, you will position all the route traces on the PCB stackup and then ass the identifiers and labels.

With all this in place, you will generate the design and then make a prototype that you can test.

What are the Main Objectives When Designing the 8 Layer PCB Stackup?

In the designing process, you must have goals that you would like to achieve in the long run.

You can, therefore, proceed very carefully and ensure that you come up with all the design objectives.

Some of the objectives that you should keep in mind during the designing process are:

• You should aim at completing the ground planes and power planes and coupling them as close as possible.
• You must also aim at placing all the signal layers in positions adjacent to the planes
• Yu should aim at routing the high-speed signals through the buried layers between the planes thus containing radiation.
• You should also aim at lowering impedance by including multiple planes on the design.

Which Other Factors Should You Consider When Creating the 8 Layer PCB Stackup?

In addition to the above factors, you have to consider a number of factors that will enhance the stackup performance.

Here are the things that you should consider fixing as you design and manufacture the 8-layer PCB stackup.

Interlayer Offset

During the manufacturing process, there are possibilities of offsetting the internal layers of the PCB stackups.

You can prevent this by using hot melting or rivet dowels methods for the board sign designs.

Stackup Measling

You may also be a victim of delamination in the form of measling thus affecting the manufacturing process.

The best mode of preventing this is the addition of pads with epoxy plates as you arrange all the boards together.

Core Materials

The most common core materials that you can use in the production of 8-layer PCB stackups is extremely difficult to manufacture.

You should look for an easier material to manufacture or opt not to have core materials in multilayer stackups.

Consistency of Materials

Here, you should consider using the same materials in manufacturing the core as well as the substrate of the stackup.

In case you use different materials from other manufacturers, you might have inconsistency problems.

Bow and Twist

You may have the bow and twist problem especially when you have uneven distribution of copper.

The best solution to this problem is designing and manufacturing the layer stackups in the most symmetrical manner.

What is an 8 Layer PCB Stackup Prototype?

You should have the 8-layer PCB stackup as the blue print or foundation of making the other 8-layer stackups.

In other words, it will serve you as the main reference point when manufacturing the other layer stackups.

You can also perform various tests on the prototype to ensure it is working well before commencing production.

8 layer PCB protype stack up

Do You Have Custom 8 Layer PCB Stackups?

Yes, we do have the custom 8-layer PCB stackups that you can develop according to your application needs.

Here, you will arrange all the layers and place all the components on the stackup in accordance to application needs.

How Do You Test the 8 Layer PCB Stackups?

After manufacturing the 8-layer PCB stackup, you have to make sure that it passes all the functional and quality tests.

In terms of quality, you will do tests on the stackup in reference to the international quality certifications.

In terms of performance, you can conduct the flying probe test and the integrated circuit tests.

These tests will undergo different testing procedures and yield different results according to the procedure.

You will compare the results to the standard results that you ought to have thus determining proper functionality.

What are the Typical Applications of the 8 Layer PCB stackup?

You can use the 8-layer PCB stackup in a number of applications.

It is the most common type of 8-layer PCB stackup that you will easily find in most appliances.

Here are the main applications of the 8-layer PCB stackups.

• Automotive or Automobile Industry
• Medical Industry to make some of the medical equipment
• Chemical Processing Industries
• Manufacturing Industries
• Space Exploration and Aviation Industries

At Venture Electronics, we help you get the best 8 layer PCB stack up depending on your unique needs and requirements.

For any inquiries about 8 layer PCB stack up, contact Venture Electronics engineers now.