What is impedance control PCBs?

It refers to the management of impedance experienced in PCBs especially where alternating current with high speed is used. Such boards experience inconsistencies in voltage. In such cases controlling the impedance values is imperative, as it helps to maintain the efficiency of the PCB. In the absence of this, signal integrity will be compromised and board functionality impaired.

How can you measure controlled impedance in PCB?

Common approaches to impedance measurement include using a network analyzer and a test system for controlled impedance. However, commonly a time-domain reflectometer is used.

Can a lack of impedance control in PCBs interfere with signal integrity?

Yes, absolutely. Mismatched impedance can result in signal integrity issues. In matching impedance, the input value of the impedance should correspond with the output value. In its absence there can be over and under-shooting.

What approaches are used for Impedance matching in PCBs?

The two common approaches include series and parallel termination matching. These ensure that the quality of signals is not compromised.

What is single-ended Impedance on a PCB?

It refers to the impedance taken for a determined track length. The major determinants of this include: - Conductive path requirements - Layer count - Material composition

What is a Test Coupon in Impedance Control of PCBs?

It refers to a clone PCB that is used for impedance testing. Carrying out an impedance test on each manufactured PCB can turn out to be costly. A test coupon, which is modeled on the actual PCB, is a far more cost-effective solution.

What are the benefits of using test coupons in Impedance Control PCB?

There are several benefits that include: - Controlled impedance traces aren’t easily accessible for testing. - Planes aren’t interconnected on the main PCB; you could therefore get inaccurate measurements. - Actual PCB trace is often shorter than 150 mm that leads to inconsistencies in testing. - Actual PCB traces could have vias that make accurate measurement difficult. On account of all the above reasons, test coupons offer a viable alternative. Among other advantages they are known for the following: - It offers easy layer access - It eliminates vias - It offers straight tracks

Do you have design experts that can help us from the impedance control PCB design stage itself?

Totally. Our experienced design experts work with your team at the PCB design stage itself. Among other things we help you select the right material as well as layer stack up. Going forward, we offer strict Incoming Inspection (IQC) for raw materials.

Can you offer different types of impedance control PCBs?

Sure, from single layer board to multi layered ones, from flex PCB to rigid flex PCB, we can offer complete controlled impedance PCB solutions.

Can we count on you for quick turnaround of impedance control PCB?

Yes, absolutely. With us, timelines are sacrosanct.

Are your prices competitive?

Rest assured, our prices are extremely cost-effective.

What about your customer support?

We have a robust customer support team that you can count upon.

What about your testing protocols?

We have robust testing protocols that involve using TDR-coupons.

How does one get a quote for impedance control PCBs from Mer-Mar Electronics?

To inquiry about impedance control printed circuit boards or assembly, fill up the PCB fabrication quote form with required details and submit it. We will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also send your PCB requirements via email at sales@mermarinc.com or call us at (760) 244-6149.

Impedance Control PCB – Mer-Mar Electronics

Leading the way for over 40 years

Impedance Control PCB

As the requirements for quick signal speeds in circuit boards rise, there is an added need to work on ensuring the best signal integrity. One of the areas that require focus in design is impedance control in PCB. There needs to be a carefully created trace structure that ensures there aren’t any differences in impedance that can distort the signal. Matching the impedance of PCB traces is important because it helps to maintain data integrity as well as signal clarity.

What is Impedance Control In PCB?

Essentially, impedance control refers to the matching of substrate material properties with trace dimensions and locations. This ensures that the impedance of a trace’s signal is within an acceptable range.

Controlled impedance boards offer high frequency performance. If, on the other hand, the impedance of the PCB trace connecting two components does not match the components’ characteristic impedance then there may be an increase in switching times within the device or the circuit.

Typically, PCB trace impedance can range from 25 to 125 ohms. The impedance value generated from the PCB structure is determined by the following factors:

Width and thickness of the copper signal trace.
Thickness of the core or prepreg material.
Dielectric constant of the core and prepreg material.
Distance from other copper features.

At Mer-Mar Electronics, we have over 40 years of experience in offering high quality PCBs. with help of our experienced professionals and industry best practices, we ensure that the trace impedances and their tolerances are checked early on in the design since uncontrolled impedance is difficult to analyze once the components are mounted on the circuit.

Our controlled impedance PCB design and manufacturing services ensure that you do not have to face any issues when it comes to signal integrity. We work with your team at the PCB design stage itself to help you control impedance by selecting the right material as well as layer stack up.

Our controlled Impedance PCBs are manufactured using the latest material as well as technology. We also undertake stringent Incoming Inspection for laminates, prepreg and copper foil.

The use of LDI (laser direct imaging) equipment eliminates any variances in trace width. The etch process is smoothly managed to make sure that we meet the impedance tolerance limits.

You can rest assured that we conduct robust tests to ensure that we achieve the desired impedance using TDR coupons.

Looking for an Instant PCB Quote?Get PCB Assembly Quote Now

Why We Are Reliable Partner for
Controlled Impedance PCBs

Superior Facility –

We have state-of-the-art facilities that ensure that controlled impedance PCBs are manufactured using the latest material and technology.

Experienced Personnel –

Our trained personnel are fully equipped with industry best practices to ensure that the impedance tolerance limits are adhered to. We offer both design and manufacturing expertise when it comes to Controlled Impedance PCBs.

Quick Turnaround –

At Mer-Mar Electronics, we ensure that we offer fast turnaround without compromising on the controlled impedance tolerances.

Desired Quantities –

You can count on us to offer the quantities desired by you. What that means is that you do not have to worry either about minimum orders or large production runs.

Certifications

What Our Customer Says

“It was a very pleasant experience working with Mermar’s representatives… Read More Buyer’s Testimonial

BuyerMajor Aerospace Components Supplier.

“Overall performance for Mermar is better than expected for a supplier”… Read More Buyer/Spares Manager’s Testimonial

Buyer/Spares ManagerMajor First Responder Electronics Manufacturer

“Many thanks for another year of superior performance”

Operations ManagerInternational Aerospace Electronics Company

View all Testimonials

Impedance Control PCB

Impedance Control PCB Services

Impedance Control PCB Design

Impedance-controlled routing begins with the schematic. While design engineers specify their controlled impedance signals’ values and types, we use your design data and manufacturing drawings, as well as our DFM tools and experience, to validate your design against the requested board materials. We work with you to ensure that the target impedance values are within the specified range.

To ensure that the same impedance values are maintained throughout the length of a controlled trace, we take into account the following parameters:

Trace geometry
Signal spacing
Dielectric material

Impedance Control PCB Fabrication & Testing

Having validated the design, we manufacture the board, getting as close as possible to the target impedance. We also undertake extensive TDR testing to determine that the impedance is within the specified limits. Essentially, a TDR applies a quick electrical step signal to the coupon via a controlled impedance cable and a specialized probe to connect to the pads. If there is a change in impedance value, part of the signal power is reflected back to the TDR instrument. The time delay between the transmitted pulse and the receipt of the reflected signal is proportional to the distance of the discontinuity.

Types of Impedance Control PCB

Single Sided, double sided impedance control PCB
multi layered controlled impedance PCB
8-layer, 6 layer, ENIG impedance control PCB, 4-layer, 6-layer, 8-layer OSP impedance control PCB, and more.

– 01

Impedance Control PCB Capabilities

With an experienced engineering staff, we analyze your design holistically. We take into account a wide range of factors when it comes to the design of controlled impedance PCBs. These include:

Inductance
Capacitive Resistance
Conductance

Additionally, you can count on us for the following:

Stack-up and impedance control calculation suggestions
Routing single-ended and differential pair traces.
Placing components, vias, coupling capacitors.
Calculating effective dielectric constant.
Delivering the required impedance tolerance.
Impedance Control PCB Prototype services
No minimum controlled impedance PCB order requirement.

– 02

Impedance Control PCB Process

Count on our experts to guide you on parameters such as the following, to achieve the required impedance:

Track width
Copper layer spacing
Copper weights
Base material

We use industry-leading software to assist with impedance calculations as well as the selection of appropriate PCB construction.

Additionally, we design suitable test coupons to verify calculated impedance with actual product outcomes using TDR measurement instruments.

– 03

Impedance Control PCB Applications

Increasingly more and more PCBs used in fast digital applications need to be impedance controlled. These include:

Telecommunications
Video Signal Processing
Real time graphic processing
High Speed digital processing

You will find numerous applications of the above in:

Routers
Satellite TVs
Personal Computers
Laser Printers
GPS navigation tools, and more

Impedance Control PCB FAQs

Are you looking for impedance control PCB from Mer-Mar Electronics? Send us inquiry to Get a quick impedance control PCB quote based on your custom requirements.

If you have any queries regarding impedance control PCB, controlled impedance printed circuit board assembly, custom impedance control PCB assembly, industrial PCB fabrication, or need an urgent assistance, then please don’t hesitate to contact our team of skilled personnel. Send us an email with your queries at sales@mermarinc.com or call us at (760) 244-6149. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Impedance Control PCB

What is Impedance Control In PCB?