FEDEVEL
Platform forum

jotaro , 04-15-2026, 03:18 PM

like 3v and 5v, does ground need thicker traces when there is ground plane too?

QDrives , 04-15-2026, 03:28 PM

Trace width determines R, L and C and therefor also Z0.
If possible, use wider traces for the more 'DC' power.

jotaro , 04-15-2026, 03:53 PM

i am asking for the recommended number

QDrives , 04-15-2026, 03:59 PM

Recommended for what?
A BGA? A QFP? A SOIC? or even a DIP package?
How much current flows?
How much space do you have?

QDrives , 04-15-2026, 04:00 PM

A simple rule can be 0.25mm for signals (10 mil) and 0.5mm for power (20 mil).

jotaro , 04-15-2026, 04:15 PM

aren't the only relevant kinds of traces the one for signals and power, and power is always thicker, but i just don't know the exact value

jotaro , 04-15-2026, 04:15 PM

thicker is better but how do i know if i'm using a trace too thick or too thin

QDrives , 04-15-2026, 11:18 PM

To thick (copper thickness) or to wide!
For (DC) power, I do not think there is any real reason it can be to wide.
As for to narrow, that depends on the current --> temperature rise. Use PCB toolkit (https://saturnpcb.com/saturn-pcb-toolkit/)
For signal lines, you generally want 50 Ω for 'high speed'. 0.25mm is good for production.

Robert Feranec , 04-17-2026, 07:39 AM

i made this video some time ago, may help: https://youtu.be/VGY1qFE-kC0