Re: Running large current through vias: large vias or many small vias?

On Thu, 24 Jan 2008 08:59:31 -0800 (PST), MooseFET
<kensmith@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

On Jan 23, 9:38 am, Michael <nleah...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi there - I'm working on the layout of a PCB that will be carrying
~30A or so. I'm running some parallel traces to increase the current
carrying capacity of the PCB. I would like these traces to be
connected with vias. My question is this: Is it better to have lots of
really small vias, or just a few really large vias? Also, should these
traces be connected just at either end of the trace, or should they
have vias connecting them throughout the trace?

If there are AC currents involved, multiple vias works better and you
should join your traces here and there along the length.

With DC currents, conducting area is about all that matters.

A cute trick is to put a through hold test point pin in the design to
do the via. The soldered pin lowers the resistance of the hole.

I wouldn't put vias "here and there along the length" as the hole
reduces the width of the trace. Along the line of the test point idea,
you can use copper rivets. There are hobbiest size rivets that work
nicely.
.

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