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PCB Stack-Up for 4-Layer Boards

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checkmate

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4 layer pcb stack up

I've read recommended stack-up configurations, mostly using S-G-P-S configurations. There are some which use the more unconventional S-P-G-S stack-up, the reason being components have taken up much of the routing space on the toplayer.

Am I right to say that the ground plane should be closest to the signal plane with a higher routing density?

Another question unrelated to stack-ups. Given the choice, is it better to "snake" a route through IC pads, or switch layers and route through another plane? Is there a general guideline on which option to choose?
 

4 layer pcb stackup

The placement of planes is determined by which arrangement will give you the shortest return path for the signal. You have remember that a signal path is not one sided - it is a loop. In general, the smaller the signal loop, the less crosstalk and noise coupling there will be.

You are correct that, in general, placing a continuous ground plane closest to the more dense signal routing layer will provide the best oveall results. In a properly bypassed board, the power plane can also act as a return layer - but the ground plane is generally the preferred return layer.

Recalling what I said in the first paragraph, the best signal routing is the most direct path - including the most direct return path. Routing through IC pins often gives the most direct signal path - provided the return path (on a plane) is free to follow directly under the signal trace. This is because the path of least inductance for the signal is for the return current to flow on the copper layer directly under the signal trace. If, for some reason, the ground plane cannot be continuous under the signal trace, then the signal trace should be routed such that it has the most direct path over the continuous ground copper. That way, the return current doesn't create a loop through the return path(s) of other signals. Such a loop acts as a coupler from one signal path to another and causes what we call 'noise'.

So... a short answer is - yes, the ground next to the bottom layer for your example seems to be the best choice, and routing though the IC pins would probably be the best choice. There is no rule of thumb - each routing case has to be analyzed for the best solution.

There is an advanced discussion of signal return paths in a presentation at:
**broken link removed**
 

    checkmate

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pcb stack 4 layer

I think it would depend on what is on the layer also.. for eg, if you have a clock signal, you would want that on the layer closest to GND, correct?
 

4-layer pcb stackup

I think it would depend on what is on the layer also.. for eg, if you have a clock signal, you would want that on the layer closest to GND, correct?

In general, that would be correct. It does depend on the type of clock generator in use, and which edge of the clock is used. You are correct that a rule of thumb for a hobby project could be to put the higher speed signals adjacent to ground. In more advanced applications, each signal return has to be considered individually with regard to source and load. In some high frequency cases, neither plane would be preferrable over a separate return trace, or perhaps a coplanar waveguide structure with the plane voided under the waveguide.

So.. the short answer is - it depends. For general hobby use, ground plane is good. For more advanced applications, there may be a better way to return the signal.
 

4 layer pcb stack up structure

best layerstacking is
Signal 1
GND 2
Power 3
Signal 4

u can swap GND/Power depending upon the critical signal routing and on which area more component placed
 

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