Microvia PWBs: do they cost more?

Microvia technology can allow lower manufacturing cost while offering higher interconnect density. Critical hurdles in actually achieving lower cost depend on design and manufacturing capability. With regard to designs, the degree to which PWB designers take advantage of microvia technology directly translates into cost savings particularly if area reduction can be maximized. Manufacturing capability also impacts the likelihood of cost reduction. Specifically, how panel size is traded off with manufacturing yield has great influence on board cost. This article shows a design case study to show how the tradeoff can be made.