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PCB Layer Stack Editor

IDA-STEP PCB Layer Stack Editor - PCB build-up technology with 6 layers Click to enlarge

The PCB Layer Stack Editor is a tool for the specification of PCB technologies independent of particular PCB designs. The tool supports a wide range of technologies, including the ones defined in IPC-2226 Sectional Design Standard for High Density Interconnect (HDI) Printed Boards. The main advantages of using the IDA-STEP PCB Layer Stack Editor are:

  • Efficient and successful coordination among PCB designer, fabricator and the intermediate procurement process
  • Precise, formal and standardized information avoids communication errors
  • Enables formal checking of the given PCB technology information for completeness and consistency

In addition the results of the PCB Layer Stack Editor can be used to complete the output of PCB-CAD systems, either by associating it with the delivered GERBER files or by directly linking it with native design data.

Evaluation license - limited offer

The PCB Layer Stack Editor is currently in a beta stage, therefore, as a limited time offer, we offer a 90 days full-featured evaluation license for the PCB Layer Stack Editor. The evaluation can be extended to a full year if we receive feedback about your usage.

Get free evaluation license for the PCB Layer Stack Editor here.

Standardized data exchange

Data created by the PCB Layer Stack Editor can be used in other tools. IDA-STEP v4 is based on international standard ISO 10303 (STEP) and the PCB Layer Stack Editor can be exported as a STEP file according to Application Protocol 210 (AP210) of this standard (ISO 10303-210 Electronic assembly, interconnect and packaging design). Thus the data can also be used as input for simulation tools such as warpage, producibility and reliability.

The free IDA-STEP Viewer is able to display data created by the PCB Layer Stack Editor. IDA-STEP v4 can open STEP files, therefore PCB Layer Stack Editor can edit data created by other tools.

Combination with other IDA-STEP v4 components

Due to the component-based nature of IDA-STEP, the PCB Layer Stack Editor can be combined with other IDA-STEP v4 components to achieve great results. For example, using available PCB-CAD import components it is possible to integrate a PCB design with PCB technology data for a complete PCB product specification.

View available IDA-STEP v4 import components here.

PCB Layer Stack Editor features

The PCB Layer Stack Editor can create and manage layers and other stratums, passages, design stack models and other PCB data. The changes are immediately reflected in a graphical layer stack representation. Moreover, various properties of stratums and passages are managed using this tools. The following table lists the purposes and characteristics of stratums and passages.

Layers and other stratums Passages
Purposes: Purposes:
  • Dielectric: core, build-up material
  • Electrical: signal, power/ground, lands only
  • Finish coating (lands)
  • Core material, build-up material
  • Paste mask, solder mask, solder paste
  • Glue, glue-mask
  • Silkscreen
  • Others: generic, embedded passive (resistor or capacitor/dielectric)
  • Via (for vertical connections only)
  • Through via
  • Blind via
  • Buried via
  • Micro via
  • Through hole for wired components
  • Others such as mounting holes
  • Outline and cutout edge
Characteristics: Characteristics:
  • Material identification
  • Thickness (min, max, nom, plus/minus)
  • Stiffness class: stiff, fluid-like, fluid like with constant thickness
  • Min. and max. feature size
  • Min. feature spacing
  • User defined properties
  • Plating with material identification
  • Filling with material identification
  • Min. hole diameter
  • Max. aspect ratio
  • Orientation (up/down), needed for micro via
  • Straight or tapered
  • Annular ring for each layer
  • Terminus condition (bond or removal)
  • User defined properties

PCB Layer Stack Library

IDA-STEP PCB Layer Stack Editor - PCB Layer Library Click to enlarge

The PCB Layer Stack Library is used to manage stratum and passage technologies. A named macro can be created describing a type of stratum or passage with the indicated properties, related materials, etc. This macro can later be used to easily set properties of stratum or passage.

The main features of PCB Layer Stack Library:

  • Management of layer stack families sharing identical passages and stratums
  • Creation, storage and reuse of macros - named passages and stratum technologies with related materials

PCB Layer Stack Editor brochure

The PCB Layer Stack Editor brochure is available with quick information about IDA-STEP PCB Layer Stack Editor as a PDF file.

Download PCB Layer Stack Editor brochure (694 kB) here.

Help and tutorials

A simple tutorial on how to create basic data using the PCB Layer Stack Editor is available at the Help section. Read/watch the tutorial to get first impressions how to use this tool.

View help for the PCB Layer Stack Editor here.

Moreover, additional help information is available in IDA-STEP v4 (Help ยป Help Contents).