Calculation of current-carrying capacity

Reliable management of high currents..

Construction spaces keep getting smaller while currents keep getting larger. It is our mission to continue increasing the capacity of the assembly. With our customised and software-based calculation tool, we can provide you with targeted support that allows you to optimise the current carrying capacity of your PCB. Together, we will find the right technology for your application while avoiding critical limits. It’s important to ensure that the flow of current from A to B is managed in an optimal way.

We take the following aspects into consideration in our calculations:

  • Temperature conditions
  • PCB technology
  • Layer structure
  • Number and layout of high-current tracks

The result: a stable and reliable performer.

Detailed view of a KSG printed circuit board

Layer structure as influencing factor

Graphic showing insufficient indirect heat spread
Thermal image showing too low indirect heat spread
Graphic showing too high indirect heat spread
Thermal image showing too high indirect heat spread

High-current calculator

The dimensioning of the conductors is subject to a standard set of rules. Therefore, use our practical high-current calculator for your initial calculations. This tool offers you a simple and quick way to calculate the necessary conductor width for high-current conductors on an FR4 PCB. Please enter the following values: :

°C
°C
A

The result gives a recommendation for the design track width of a single high current conductor for various PCB technologies.*

Heatspreading capacity inside the PCB 160 mm x 100 mm x 1.6 mm
NoneLowHighVery high
Fig. noneFig. lowFig. goodFig. very good
Total copper thicknessRecommended track width
500 µm
HSMtec®
mm
mm
mm
mm
400 µm
Thick copper
mm
mm
mm
mm
210 µm
Thick copper
mm
mm
mm
mm
105 µm
Multilayer
mm
mm
mm
mm
70 µm
Multilayer
mm
mm
mm
mm

*Calculation provides a guide value based on a test layout 160 mm x 100 mm; Thickness 1,6 mm; Base material circuit board FR4 (λ = 0,25 W/mK); No convection (λ = 0,025 W/mK); Room temperature 20 ⁰C.

We’d love to hear from you.

 

Do you have any questions or are you looking for technical advice? We are happy to support you at any stage of your project. Just get in touch with our team of experts.

Make an enquiry

KSG technical support staff during a customer phone call

The KSG support line

 

Use this direct line to get in touch with the experienced PCB experts on our technical support team.

+49 3721 266-555

ts@ksg-pcb.com

KSG PCB Design Compass for download

Design guidelines for PCBs

 

Which important parameters do you need to successfully create a layout for a project? We’ve combined all of the parameters for you in our PCB Design Compass

  • Conductor pattern criteria
  • Design rules for all technologies
  • Practical tips and examples

PCB Design Compass Location Gornsdorf (notifiable)
PCB Design Compass Location Gars (notifiable)