I entered a 65 amp current requirement and it returned a track width that must be incorrect. Use at your own risk Trace Width Calculator FAQs QUESTION: Very cool PCB width tool I would like to know its limits though. I will not be held responsible for any mishap or loss, either direct or consequential, that may occur as a result of relying on the figures herein. Trace width calculations in transmission line design always start from the perspective of stackup design and selecting a transmission line geometry. These calculations are believed to be correct, but not guaranteed. With this information and knowledge of the amount of current that will be flowing, you can now calculate the trace widths that you need. This calculator can help you find the size you need for high-power traces.ĭisclaimer:The figures returned by this calculator are to be taken as a guide only. Those traces may need to be a little wider than the normal traces used for standard signals. When making PCBs you sometimes needs a trace that will handle a lot of current. Rather donate hardware directly? Then click here. Douglas Brooks, "Temperature Rise in PCB Traces", 1998ĭisclaimer: The information and this tool are provided with no liability of any kind whatsoever, use at your own risk.And use any of my projects or libraries, and would like to encourage further development you can donate through PayPal here:.Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology (ISBN 978-1-85617-770-2).The Calculator calculates the required PCB trace. A wider trace will have higher current carrying capacity.
If we keep increasing the current, a point will come where it will be unsafe or undesirable for the temperature to increase. Thats why you need to determine the PCB trace width and calculate its current when you design a PCB. PCB Trace Width Calculator As the current in the PCB traces rises, the wires carrying the current gets hotter.
Advanced Circuits is MIL-PRF-31032, MIL-PRF-55110G, AS9100C, ISO 9001:2008 Certified, IPC 6012 Class 2, 3 and 3A Qualified, and ITAR Registered. We specialize in both Small quantity, Quckturn, and Production printed circuit board Quantities. Outer trace values are the results for a trace that is exposed to the air, normally on the top or bottom layers of a circuit.įactors that influence the trace width calculation include:-Ī_\ (internal trace width) If the PCB traces are not designed for current ratings required by the components, there could be burned-out traces, high voltage drops, and even risk of fire due to heat generation in the traces. Advanced Circuits has been the leading PCB quick turn manufacturer since 1989. You can then check this PCB trace width against the IPC 2152 nomograph to determine the maximum. For a 1 inch trace, this value would have a total inductance of 7.5 nH, which is consistent with typical trace inductance values.
Internal trace values are the results for a trace within a multilayer, although outer traces that are potted or insulated should also use internal values. With t 0.035 mm, we have a PCB trace width of w 0.510 mm, or 20 mils, and the minimum inductance is 292 nH/m. To ensure a trace can carry a given current capacity (I), this tool calculates the trace width required.