A PCB trace is a copper conductor on the PCB that conducts signals on the surface of the PCB. Contact us to share your next PCB requirements

1. Ultimate Guide to PCB trace | Printed Circuit Boards
Canada
What is PCB Trace?
A PCB trace is a copper conductor on the PCB that conducts signals on
the surface of the PCB. It is the flat, narrow portion of the copper foil that is
left behind after etching. The electricity that flows through the copper traces
generates a significant amount of heat. Correctly calibrated PCB trace
width and thickness help minimize the buildup of heat in your board.PCB
trace is a vital part of almost every Printed Circuit Board. If PCB trace is

2. not identified or calculated accurately, fixing it can be time-consuming and
sometimes can cause errors in the system.
Printed Circuit Boards are equipped with numerous components and
knowing exactly the required parts for repairing or assembling a Printed
Circuit Board and kind of functions and formulas is very important.
What is PCB Trace Width and PCB thickness?
PCB Trace Width is the horizontal measurement of a trace and PCB
thickness is a vertical dimension of the trace.
The correctly measured PCB trace width and thickness results in the
reduced accumulation of heat on your board. Wider trace has lower current
resistance and less accumulated heat. The PCBs development starts with
a default trace width which may or may not be suitable for the required
PCB. You need to decide the trace width with regard to the current carrying
capacity of the trace. Consider the below factors while determining the right
trace width:
● Copper Layer Thickness
● Cross-sectional area of the trace
● Position of the trace
● PCB Trace Resistance
Every material has some resistance. During the PCB Designing stage, it’s
important to calculate and analyze the PCB trace resistance. Copper is one
of the widely used components in Printed Circuit Boards and it comes with
various compositions and properties. Inaccurate PCB trace resistance may
result in numerous design and implementation issues which increases with
the increased circuit complexity.

3. PCB Trace Resistance Calculation
Calculating the PCB trace resistance is quite simple, just like using the
ohm's law with the known parameters. Majority of PCB Design suits
integrate a trace resistance calculator which can predict the resistance of
final copper trace on the boards with the help of manufacturing profiles.
The PCB Trace Resistance Calculator uses a standard formula for
calculating the opposition.

4. L = Length
W= Width
T=height
α= temperature coefficient of the copper
p=resistivity of the material
R = PCB trace Resistance
This calculation can only conclude a close enough approximate value. The
physical cost after production will fall nearby the calculated range.
What is a PCB Trace Width Calculator?
The PCB trace width is very important when it comes to PCB designing.
PCB Designers need to assign a correct width in order to save it from
damages because of increased temperature determined by the current
carrying capacity of Printed Circuit Boards. The PCB traces are designed
to manage a maximum current load before they fail. When a higher amount
of current flows through a path, it produces heat. After some time if the
current load surpasses the maximum limit , the trace will simply burn out
and damage the PCBs lamination, which may also result in permanent
damage.

5. Features of Trace Width Calculator
Trace width calculator can be used to determine the trace width on the
basis of ampere capacity. You are required to provide the design
specifications in the trace width calculator including the details like
maximum current in amperage that will follow in the trace, total length if the
path, increased temperature due to the trail ‘s resistance,
After providing the specifications, the calculator will generate a calculated
width of the trace. It will provide you the minimum width that needs to be
matched with the design specifications. The calculated width will permit the
current to pass safely without creating any damage in the PCB. The
internal layers of the trace width are more extensive than the eternal layers
as they produce more heat. And the outer layers are not prone to much
heat because of convection.
Keeping safety reasons in mind, we advise you to use internal traces width
for the entire PCB.
PCB Trace width Formula
To calculate the trace width of your PCB, use the below formula for
calculating the allowable current passing through a trace, as defined under
IPC 2221.
I=k*ΔT^0.44*A^0.725
I stand for current and am taken as a constant. ΔT refers to the change in
temperature, and A represents the cross-sectional area of the trace.

6. Conclusion
PCB Crimp Circuits is one of the renowned PCB manufacturers in
Canada with an experience of more than two decades in the industry. Our
team has solid hands-on expertise in building nearly any PCB that comes
their way. Feel free to contact us to share your requirements.
Click here: https://www.crimpcircuits.com/blog/ultimate-
guide-to-pcb-trace-printed-circuit-boards-canada/