rspinks1 said:
What are the typical methods for determining how many layers a PCB board is.
Like after you take something apart and see the PCB ... how can you tell if
it's multi layer and how many layers it is. I tried looking at the side
profile of the board ... it's FR4 but that's all I can tell by just looking
at it.
Not particularly easy to tell just from looking. The most reliable
method is to contact the manufacturer of the board, and find out how
many layers they used.
Assuming you know the thickness of each layer, you could try
measuring the overall thickness of the board with a digital caliper or
micrometer.
As a rule of thumb: If you hold the board in question up to a
brightl light, and you cannot see said light through non-plated areas of
the board, you're dealing with at least a four-layer piece, possibly
more. I will add that you may see light around (or through) some of the
vias or unused component holes. Don't assume that the board is only two-
layer as a result. Check the unplated areas.
I hope that helps. Keep the peace(es).
--
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(Known to some as Bruce Lane, ARS KC7GR,
kyrrin (a/t) bluefeathertech[d=o=t]calm --
www.bluefeathertech.com
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