4-layer stackup choice

Thread Starter

rpschultz

Joined Nov 23, 2022
812
So with a SIG/PWR/GND/SIG arrangement (PWR is green):

1758649809437.png

... couldn't I delete the ground sections like this (because of the ground layer):

1758649941826.png
 

Thread Starter

rpschultz

Joined Nov 23, 2022
812
I've got a mic project where there is GND, and there is Virtual GND.

In a 4 layer, could I do one of the inner layers as GND and the other as VGND? I tried in EasyEDA, but it thinks both planes are GND.

1760797268519.png
 

ronsimpson

Joined Oct 7, 2019
4,693
couldn't I delete the ground sections like this
Yes, you can. BUT:
VIAs are not perfect. They have some resistance and inductance. They also have some max current. Sometimes they do not connect, not often!
The point of capacitors on an IC (voltage regulator for example) is to connect the power pin back to the ground pin in a very short and direct route. (low resistance and low inductance)

I do the top picture to make all the loops short, direct and local. I like that you connect the Ground of U7 to the Ground plane with several VIAs.
This appears to be a voltage regulator, and it will produce heat. The heat gets away by copper. The more copper you add (and the more VIAs you add close) the lower the temperature.
 

Thread Starter

rpschultz

Joined Nov 23, 2022
812
What about this? related to Post 21, 23
(red top layer, green inner power layer)

1775497424614.png
1775497519054.png

Also in EasyEDA, you can make the ground pad DIRECT (IC8), instead of SPOKE (C16, C17). This should do heat dissipation better.
1775497694291.png
 

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eetech00

Joined Jun 8, 2013
4,705
I wouldn’t expect there to be traces on inner layers…just via connection. Both inner layers are planes. Top and bottom layer are signal/trace layers.
 

ronsimpson

Joined Oct 7, 2019
4,693
Also in EasyEDA, you can make the ground pad DIRECT (IC8)
I don't know EasyEDA. In most CADs you can edit options on the pad. "Spokes" at 90 degrees or 45 degrees or 2 vs 4. Try all the options. I think there is one for "no thermals". I am certain the wording will be strange. We all speak a different language.
 
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