In PCB design, via refers to a pad with a plated hole that connects copper tracks from one layer of the board to other layer(s). High-density multi-layer PCBs may have blind vias, which are visible only on one surface, or buried vias, which are visible on neither, normally referred to as micro vias. The advent and extensive use of finer pitch devices and requirements for smaller size PCBs creates new challenges. An exciting solution to these challenges uses a recent, but common PCB manufacturing technology with self descriptive name, “via in pad”.
Via in pad helps to reduce inductance, increase density and employ finer pitch array packages. The via in pad approach places a via directly under the device’s contact pads. This allows higher component density and improved routing. Consequently, via in pad provides the designer significant PCB space savings. For example, traditional fan-out places four components, whereas with via in pad, six components can be placed within the same board outline.