Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1309864
44 PCB007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2020 As most people know, component holes are still highly necessary for components that re- quire them, and clean lead-through-holes (vias) have increased in necessity over the last 30 years. They have dominated the types of holes used in a PCB. The diameter of vias has gone one way, and the complexity around via holes has generally increased. With a continuous component hole, copper plating is not a problem; however, it requires good process control. The challenges with small- er diameter vias, perhaps depth-controlled, have increased and are, in some cases, challenging for those who produce PCBs and have to assem- ble and handle solder components. Via Types Via holes in the PCB are highly necessary to be able to carry out the number of connections required. In general, the via holes of today can be briefly summarized as follows: • Through: Mechanically drilled holes • Blind: Mechanical depth-controlled drilled holes • Blind: Laser vias • Buried: Mechanically drilled vias • Buried: Laser vias • Back-drilled via holes • Half/castellated holes So Much More Than Just Through Vias The PCB Norsemen Ferature Column by John Steinar Johnsen, ELMATICA