The main generic standard for the PCB design, regardless of materials, is
IPC-2221A. Whether a printed circuit board is single-sided, double-sided or multilayer
, this standard provides rules for manufacturability and quality such as requirements
for material properties, criteria for surface plating, conductor thickness, component
placement, dimensioning and tolerance rules, and more.
For a specific technology, a designer can then choose an appropriate sectional standard from the IPC-2220
series. For power conversion designs, additional parameters are recommended by
IPC-9592A.
The width and thickness of the conductors should be chosen based on maximum allowable temperature rise
at the rated current per IPC-2152 and an acceptable impedance. Depending on circuit voltage, 4 mil is the
minimum spacing and 6/6 mils is more common. The manufacturing capabilities of your fabricator also play
a key roll in defining trace width and spacing.
Depending on the application and product end use, other standards may also apply. For example, for mains
-powered or battery-powered information technology equipment, the creepage and clearance requirements
of IEC/UL 60950-1 take precedence over IPC.
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