Plated Through Hole (PTH) or vias on a Printed Circuit Board: An Insight
In the realm of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology, Plated Through Hole (PTH), also widely recognized as “vias”, is a technique that establishes an electrical linkage between layers by filling or plating conductive material, typically copper or a copper alloy, into the holes of the PCB board.
There are two primary applications of vias in PCB design. The first is as component plug-in holes, often referred to as “plug holes”. The component legs are inserted into these holes and subsequently soldered at the opposite end of the hole, thereby securing the components and establishing their electrical connection to the PCB.
The second application is as vias, also known as “jumper holes” or “routing holes”. Their main function is to facilitate electrical connections between layers in the PCB, enabling complex circuit routing. For instance, they can connect a component’s leg on the top layer to another component on the bottom layer.
Despite the increasing popularity of Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) due to the trend towards miniaturization and high density in electronic devices, via technology continues to be widely employed in modern PCB design. It retains its unique advantages and application scenarios. For example, through-hole mounting remains the preferred choice for some large or heavy components, such as high-power transformers, capacitors, or inductors, due to their need for stronger mechanical fixation.
Through-hole mounting is also suitable for components that require heat dissipation through the PCB. Additionally, vias serve as test points, allowing for convenient electrical testing during the production and testing phases of the PCB. There are also certain special design requirements where through-hole mounting is often chosen, such as when large-current transmission is required or when there is a need to prevent electromagnetic interference.
In conclusion, while surface-mount technology has become the mainstream in many applications, via technology remains indispensable in numerous specific applications.
Consider contacting us today for your PCB needs and feel free to share your PCB/PCBA requirements with us in order to provide you with a detailed Pcb quote for your project.
