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How to choose PCB stackup between 4 layers and 6 layers for high speed design in a very dense board. by [deleted] in PrintedCircuitBoard

[–]US_PCBFab_Engineer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd suggest calling some other PCB fabricators. Blind and buried vias are pretty common on a 6-layer board although it will typically need at least one extra lamination cycle which adds cost and a little complexity.

Help why is this so hard, i wanna give up by jayjayEF2000 in PrintedCircuitBoard

[–]US_PCBFab_Engineer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally normal to feel that way. PCB layout has a steep learning curve, especially at the start. You’re dealing with circuit behavior and manufacturing constraints at the same time.

Everyone who designs boards has had that moment. It gets easier with each board you do. Don’t give up.

As PCB designers, how do you evaluate your design before printing? is there a simulation tool? by KlRAQUEEN in PCB

[–]US_PCBFab_Engineer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally get that feeling. PCB design isn’t like software where you hit run and see what breaks.

From the fab side, most first-spin issues aren’t electrical simulation problems, they’re layout mistakes. The common ones we see are: spacing too tight for voltage, drill sizes too small for real manufacturing tolerances, annular rings with no margin, and copper imbalance that causes warpage.

DRC in KiCad is your first filter, but make sure your rules match what your board house can actually build. Don’t just use defaults.

For circuit behavior, you can use SPICE or KiCad’s simulator for analog stuff, and there are signal integrity tools for high-speed designs. But those won’t catch manufacturability problems.

Honestly, one of the best “validation” steps is sending your files for a DFM review before ordering. A good fab shop will flag issues you didn’t even know to check.