Behind the technological marvels of the 21 st century, the HDI PCB is certainly one of the greatest contributing factors to our increasingly digitized world. A byproduct of the drive towards miniaturization, the HDI PCB is used in everything from smart devices to rocket ships. It has also made these much cheaper to manufacture and assemble.
What is a HDI PCB, and what differentiates it from standard printed circuit boards? In this blog, we cover the basics and benefits of HDI printed circuit boards, and the manufacturing capabilities to create HDI PCBs in short order.
A high-density interconnector (HDI) PCB is a circuit board with a higher wiring density per unit area compared to more conventional boards. They are constructed out of a number of layers of conducting materials that are separated by a dielectric material, which are glued together by adhesives and linked by microvias. By definition, these constitute any printed circuit board with an average of 120-160 pins per square inch.
HDI PCBs have finer spaces between lines, higher connection pad density, and more parts assembled onto a smaller surface. They rely on microvias in order to function. With many layers that must communicate with each other in order to properly function, the condensation of parts relies on extremely small parts delivering electrical signals from one layer to another. Microvias are a specialized type of via with a hole diameter of 150 microns or less that allow this kind of printed circuit board to function.
The primary benefit to using an HDI PCB comes from the push towards miniaturization. Prior to their invention and popularization, electronic devices were limited by the size of the printed circuit boards directing them. This is most clearly seen in early mobile phones, devices about the size of a brick with substantially diminished functionality compared to the smartphones of today.
With the demand for more real estate on the surface of a circuit board, HDI PCBs were able to make much greater use out of limited surface area. An HDI PCB offers benefits such as:
Special manufacturing techniques are required to fabricate and manufacture HDI PCBs. Finding a manufacturer that meets these standards, as well as the ability to do so on a quick-turn basis, are crucial for implementation. This includes:
At Imagineering, Inc., we have the tools and capabilities to quickly produce and deliver HDI printed circuit boards for a variety of applications. Our specialization in rigid and flex double-sided and multilayered PCBs makes us suitable for any number of PCB fabrication and assembly needs. Trust your fabrication and assembly needs with state-of-the-art production capabilities that offer aerospace quality and standard prices. Our capabilities include:
Do you have a HDI PCB project you need completed now? Contact us today for more information about our services.
