Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/how-to-design-high-power-pcbs-for-better-fabrication-and-assembly/
Designing high-power PCBs with fabrication and assembly in mind will make your manufacturer glad to work with you. Clearly communicating your requirements in the fab and assembly notes might even make you their favorite customer. PCB designers can make this process easier by designing within the CM’s capabilities and accounting for process limitations from the start. Highlights: Include copper weights, stack-up details, plating requirements, and via filling specifications in fab notes. Use a symmetric, copper-balanced build-up and confirm sequential lamination parameters during the DFM review. Incorporate thermal relief pads for component leads connected to large copper planes. Optimize pad design,…