1
\$\begingroup\$

I am doing my first PCB on Eagle by using dual layer PCB (top and bottom). I route all the through hole components on the bottom and used the top part of the board to provide ground plane. I am going to send the layout to PCB manufacturing and they are providing a free plating for all the holes (all holes are plated by default). My question here is does it effect the circuit when the bottom traces holes are plated? Since the whole top part of the PCB is a ground plane. Do I need to tell them that the holes does not need to be plated?

I know that the ground holes needs to be plated to be connected to the top part but if the whole bottom traces holes are plated, will the whole circuit be grounded? (No signals).

Thank you for helping, Excuse my bad english explanation.

\$\endgroup\$
2
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ it's not a problem, Eagle wont connect the signals to ground on the top side \$\endgroup\$
    – Taniwha
    Commented Oct 8, 2017 at 8:11
  • \$\begingroup\$ Unplated holes require a second drilling operation and may increase your cost. \$\endgroup\$
    – Spehro 'speff' Pefhany
    Commented Oct 8, 2017 at 10:08

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4
\$\begingroup\$

You really want the through-hole plating on all holes. They will be electrically isolated from the ground plane, but they provide significant additional mechanical strength for the traces that connect to the pins and allow the solder to flow through the hole and provide a mechanical connection on both sides of the board. This reduces the possibility that the pad on the bottom will separate from the board because of mechanical stress or thermal cycling.

\$\endgroup\$
3
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Minor addition : "They will be electrically isolated from the ground plane" ... provided the PCB layout went correctly. Check the Gerber plots for each layer before sending them off, you should be able to see a ring around each (non-Ground) pad to provide that isolation. Ground pads should have a similar ring but with bridges across it, for "thermal relief" when soldering, to stop the ground plane sucking all the heat away and making bad joints. \$\endgroup\$
    – user16324
    Commented Oct 8, 2017 at 10:59
  • \$\begingroup\$ Alright thank you very much, very helpful!! Thanks \$\endgroup\$
    – Richu
    Commented Oct 8, 2017 at 11:25
  • \$\begingroup\$ BTW, you should always run ERC and DRC in eagle and understand and resolve all issues before ordering the board. Many board houses will provide a rule set for Eagle that enforces their design rules. \$\endgroup\$
    – Dean Franks
    Commented Oct 9, 2017 at 2:09

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.