What Does HDI Stand For in PCB?
PCBs have changed the outlook of technology. We have evolved from huge computers to handheld devices that can easily manage your business on the go. The more complex functionality your device has, the smaller it is. How? Because of HDI PCBs.
PCBs were developed around the 1960s and have since been used in almost all electronic devices and gadgets like medical equipment, smartphones, automobiles, and more. HDI PCBs are an upgrade from normal PCBs in which the circuit board has further miniaturized and holds the capacity to add smaller components on it without space restrictions.
To better understand what HDI PCB is, let’s discuss its advantages and applications in detail. Let’s get started!
So, What Does HDI Stand For in PCB?
HDI stands for High-Density Interconnector. It is a PCB type with a higher wiring density per unit area. This is one of the primary reasons for its popularity and increasing demand. Nowadays, the technology trend is to miniaturize devices and add complex functionality to them, and that’s precisely what an HDI PCB does.
HDI PCBs use micro vias, finer lines, and spaces and offer strong signal integrity by increasing connection pad density. HDI PCBs are ideal for projects or devices requiring higher signal density because of their controlled impedance, high-frequency transmission capacity, etc.
All of these capabilities paired with a smaller board that can easily be fitted anywhere make HDI PCBs extremely popular and useful. However, the design and manufacturing process of HDI PCBs is highly complex and requires the skills and expertise of professional manufacturers to get the job done.
Difference Between Traditional PCBs and HDI PCBs
To get a clearer view of why HDI PCBs are more beneficial than a traditional PCB, you need to compare them. The major difference is that HDI PCB can pack more components on a smaller, lighter board without affecting signal integrity and performance.
HDI PCBs offer better signal routing and integrity even with fewer layers and lighter boards. In contrast, traditional PCBs are heavier and unsuitable for many compact devices we use nowadays. We have mentioned some common and major differences between the two below:
• HDI PCB boards are smaller and have more functionality; traditional PCBs are heavier and larger.
• For HDI PCBs, laser drilling technology is used, whereas, for traditional PCBs, a mechanical drilling method is used.
• HDI PCBs are useful for devices with higher pin counts and fine pitch. In contrast, traditional PCBs may not be compatible with these devices.
• These two also differ in the types of via used. For example, in HDI PCBs, blind, buried, and micro vias are used, whereas in traditional PCBs, blind, through-hole, and buried vias are used.
• HDI PCBs have a higher component density per square inch than traditional PCBs.
As you can see, HDI PCBs are the new and improved version of traditional PCBs. HDI PCBs are used for smaller devices and require advanced functionality.
Let’s look at its advantages and disadvantages in detail.
Advantages and Disadvantages of HDI PCBs
Advantages
Low Power Consumption
The best advantage of HDI PCBs and why it is so in demand nowadays is the low power consumption. The power consumption is surprisingly less for the amount of functionality packed on the small circuit boards, and the battery life lasts long.
Better Design
HDI PCBs are far more efficient than traditional PCBs due to their new and improved design. The ability to pack more components on a smaller board using micro vias, finer lines, and spaces on one or both sides of the layers helps increase the signal integrity by reducing the signal path.
Improved Signal Integrity
As mentioned above, the compact design of HDI PCBs is beneficial for many purposes besides being used for smaller devices. The improved laser drilling technology and via in pad technology also reduce the number of layers required, thus reducing the signal route and increasing data transmission speed.
Cost-Effective
You can create an HDI PCB with fewer layers, new material, smaller board area without affecting the quality and performance. The less material used means the design and manufacturing process is more cost-effective.
Disadvantages
Despite having so many advantages, there are a few drawbacks to using HDI PCBs.
• If proper materials are not used, such as materials that can withstand high heat, the PCB layer will delaminate.
• The more complex the functionality, the more expensive the manufacturing cost is.
• Many requirements need to be met, such as component layout, aspect ratio, etc. An error in any of these can cause inefficiency.
• Choosing the right stackup and via type can be challenging and thus requires professional expertise.
• Complicated design and manufacturing process.
Applications of HDI PCBs
Smartphones
Nowadays, smartphones and tablets are getting smaller and smaller, and this is due to HDI PCBs. The compact design is made possible because of the ability of HDI PCBs to add more components on a smaller board area. Similarly, HDI PCBs are used in almost all electronic consumer products like home appliances, laptops, computers, etc.
Automotive
Electric cars are the future, and HDI PCBs make the idea more achievable. The integration of HDI PCBs in automotive means manufacturers have more space to work with and can manufacture cars with limitless features and capabilities.
Aerospace
HDI PCBs also greatly benefit the aerospace industry. Due to improved signal routing, it is used in defense systems and other military equipment such as tracking devices.
Medical Equipment
The healthcare industry has benefitted the most from HDI PCB technology. HDI PCBs are used in lab equipment. They are also used in miniaturized cameras for surgery and diagnostic purposes to help patients get the best care possible.
Now that you know what High-Density Interconnector is and how it improves our day-to-day life, it might be hard to ignore its benefits. Despite the complex design layout and manufacturing, HDI PCBs are worth the trouble and can help create devices with limitless capabilities.
