RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

What is Buried Via PCB ?

Introduction

In printed circuit boards (PCBs), vias provide electrical connections

between layers of the multilayer board. While basic vias span the entire

board thickness, advanced PCB technologies enable creating buried vias

that connect only between internal layers without reaching the outer

surfaces. This article provides an in-depth look at buried vias, discussing

their definition, fabrication methods, key benefits, design considerations,

reliability factors, and differences from other via types.

What is a Buried Via?

A buried via is a conductive hole formed entirely within the inner layers of

a multilayer PCB to create interconnects between two or more internal

layers without connecting to the top or bottom surfaces. For example, a

buried via could join the first and second internal layers.

Key characteristics of buried vias:

 Connect only internal layers together

 Fully encapsulated within the PCB

 Often used for ground and power planes

 Do not require plating or drilling

 Require advanced PCB processes

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

 Provide isolation from external layers

Buried vias enable connections inaccessible with through-hole vias. They

are distinct from blind vias open to the outer surfaces.

Request HDI PCB Manufacturing Quote

PCB Fabrication Methods

Blind Via and Buried Via

Specialized PCB manufacturing processes are needed to produce buried

vias:

Sequential Lamination

Individual laminated layers with pre-formed vias are precisely aligned and

bonded together into a multilayer board.

Laser Ablation

Lasers can selectively ablate dielectric coatings to create via openings

between metal layers.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Plasma Etching

Plasma etching can selectively remove thin dielectric layers to open buried

vias.

Photo-Imageable Dielectrics

Photo-via tenting processes use patterned photoimageable dielectrics to

create selective openings for buried vias.

These methods require advanced equipment, materials, and process

controls compared to standard PCB fabrication.

Benefits of Buried Vias

Compared to basic through-hole vias, key advantages of buried vias

include:

 Higher routing density – Removing unused via lengths increases

routing channels.

 Better electrical performance – Shorter vias reduce inductance,

resistance, and crosstalk.

 Lower layer counts – Fewer layers may be needed to route a given

density of signals.

 Reduced costs – Potentially fewer layers and better yields reduce

overall fabrication costs.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

 Superior isolation – Signals can be completely isolated from other

layers.

 No stub connections – Avoiding stubs provides better impedance

control.

 Simplified rework – Small laser ablated vias allow easier rework.

 Improved reliability – Removing non-functional via sections reduces

thermal stresses.

Key Applications of Buried Vias

Typical uses of buried vias include:

 Grounding vias from inner layers to ground planes without stubs.

 Power plane partitioning for separating analog and digital supplies.

 RF shielding vias around critical high frequency circuits.

 Inter-layer connections in high density interconnect (HDI)

technologies.

 Board-to-board connections in stacked module assemblies.

 High speed signal return path vias minimizing loop inductance.

 Mixed signal isolation between critical analog and digital routes.

Design Considerations for Buried Vias

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

When working with buried vias in PCB layout, important factors include:

Via Size – Buried vias allow very small microvias if needed. Ensure

adequate annular ring.

Routing – Account for buried vias when routing internal layers to prevent

creating stubs.

Thermal Management – Assess impact on heat dissipation without plated

through-hole vias.

Layer Planning – Arrange internal layers to group associated signals

needing interconnects.

Manufacturer Capability – Confirm capabilities and follow their specific

design rules.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Test Access – Provide test points or additional access vias for probing

buried nets.

Rework Considerations – Repair may be impossible for buried nets

without complete board disassembly.

Cost Analysis – Weigh benefits vs. added cost when determining use of

buried vias.

Reliability Factors for Buried Vias

For robust quality and reliability with buried vias:

Sequential Lamination – Multiple lamination interfaces

increase delamination risks.

Laser Alignment – Tight registration is required for laser ablated and

tented buried vias.

Plating Coverage – Full plating of blind openings is critical,

requiring x-ray inspection.

Via Filling – Filling buried vias improves assembly yield and long-term

reliability.

Stress Analysis – Assess thermal cycling stress concentrations at buried

vias.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Inspection – Microsectioning or x-ray imaging helps verify buried features.

Rework Limitations – Buried nets cannot be accessed without complete

disassembly.

Request HDI PCB Manufacturing Quote

Comparison Between Via Types

Through-Hole Vias

 Lowest complexity and cost

 Highest inductance/resistance

 Requires plating process

 Large diameters/pads can be used

Blind Vias

 Moderate complexity, some cost increase

 Lower inductance, resistance, stubs

 Often requires plating, drilling, tenting

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

 Small to moderate diameters

Buried Vias

 Highest complexity, greatest cost impact

 Lowest inductance, resistance, crosstalk

 No drilling or plating

 Very small microvias feasible

Conclusion

In summary, buried vias provide many benefits over basic through-hole

vias like improved routing density, electrical performance, reduced layer

counts, enhanced isolation, and simplified rework. However, buried vias

require advanced PCB processes and careful design for manufacturability,

thermal management, test access, and reliability. When applied

appropriately, buried vias enable superior interconnect solutions for

cutting-edge applications in fields ranging from aerospace to consumer

electronics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do buried vias differ from blind vias?

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Buried vias only connect internal layers together, while blind vias connect

from an outer layer to an adjacent inner layer. Buried vias are fully

encapsulated within the PCB.

What kind of PCB technology allows creation of buried vias?

Sequential lamination, laser direct imaging, plasma etching, and photo-via

tenting processes permit selectively forming buried vias during multilayer

board fabrication.

What are the main advantages of using buried vias?

Key advantages are higher routing density, better electrical performance,

reduced layer counts, lower fabrication costs, superior isolation, no stub

connections, and improved reliability.

When would buried vias be used instead of through-hole vias?

For interconnects needed entirely internally between layers, buried vias

avoid stubs to external layers. This provides the highest level of isolation

for critical signals.

What are important design considerations for buried vias?

Critical factors are via size, layer planning, thermal analysis, manufacturer

capabilities, test access, rework limitations, reliability studies, and

cost-benefit analysis before using buried vias.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/
 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Related Posts:

1. Nelco N4000-29 BC Buried Capacitance Multifunctional Epoxy

2. Nelco N4000-11 BC Buried Capacitance Epoxy Laminate and

Prepreg

3. Nelco N4000-13 BC Buried Capacitance, High-Speed Multifunctional

Epoxy Laminate and Prepreg

4. What are Blind Vias and Buried Vias in PCBs?

https://www.raypcb.com/buried-via-pcb/

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/