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Tracking and layout help

Rajinder

Jan 30, 2016
568
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Jan 30, 2016
Messages
568
Hi all,
I need some advice please on a layout of PCB.
I have a power track which is for a 12V 3A supply line. I need to add a led + resistor to this line as an indicator.
My question is, do I need to make the track width for the led + resistor the same as the width of the supply line? Or can I get away with a thinner track for the led + resistor (which will operate at 15mA).

Thanks in advance
 

Rajinder

Jan 30, 2016
568
Joined
Jan 30, 2016
Messages
568
Hi all,
Thanks for the information. I have seen the online calculator, however do I need thinner or the same track width as the supply line? I am not sure, I would think it needs to be thinner?
Any advice.
 

bertus

Moderator
Nov 8, 2019
3,302
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Nov 8, 2019
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3,302
Hello,

The trace will need to have a size to be able to carry the current.
The trace for the indicator led can be much smaller that the main current track.
The indicator led will likely be in the milli amp range as the main current will be in the amps range.

Bertus
 

Rajinder

Jan 30, 2016
568
Joined
Jan 30, 2016
Messages
568
Hello,

The trace will need to have a size to be able to carry the current.
The trace for the indicator led can be much smaller that the main current track.
The indicator led will likely be in the milli amp range as the main current will be in the amps range.

Bertus
Yes, the led current is 15mA, where as the main supply is 3A. Thank you for clearing that up for me.
 
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