PCB tracks for high current application

[Prasad]

Hi,

I'm using PCB mountable ECO-PAC diode modules from Powersem for a
rectification application where the current is about 180A rms. The
size of my circuit limits the PCB size to about 35mm x 60mm. The
length of each track is about 20-25mm. My PCB fabricator has
recommended to use tracks of 150 micron thickness. I have designed my
PCB such that most of the area is covered by the current track. Also,
i have used a PTH, double-sided PCB.

My doubt is:
(1) Will my PCB carry the required 180A current.
(2) If not, what changes can i make to my design (given the limited
space available) to pass the 180A through the tracks.
(3) Is there any thumb-rule or formula to calculate the track
thickness for the required current.

Any help will be appreciated.

- Prasad.

 

[Fritz Schlunder]

"Prasad" <prasaad_@rediffmail.com> wrote in message
news:71951d93.0407210504.314613c6@posting.google.com...

Hi,

I'm using PCB mountable ECO-PAC diode modules from Powersem for a
rectification application where the current is about 180A rms. The
size of my circuit limits the PCB size to about 35mm x 60mm. The
length of each track is about 20-25mm. My PCB fabricator has
recommended to use tracks of 150 micron thickness. I have designed my
PCB such that most of the area is covered by the current track. Also,
i have used a PTH, double-sided PCB.

My doubt is:
(1) Will my PCB carry the required 180A current.
(2) If not, what changes can i make to my design (given the limited
space available) to pass the 180A through the tracks.
(3) Is there any thumb-rule or formula to calculate the track
thickness for the required current.

For answering these types of questions in my own designs I have found this
PCB trace width calculator to be quite indispensable...

http://www.desmith.net/NMdS/Electronics/TraceWidth.html

 

[Gordon Youd]

If the PCB cannot be made bigger try soldering copper wire along the tracks
that are carrying the heavy current.

As long as there are large lands where the module enters the PCB.

Regards, Gordon.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------
"Fritz Schlunder" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
news:2m8p0sFk3beeU1@uni-berlin.de...

"Prasad" <prasaad_@rediffmail.com> wrote in message
news:71951d93.0407210504.314613c6@posting.google.com...
Hi,

I'm using PCB mountable ECO-PAC diode modules from Powersem for a
rectification application where the current is about 180A rms. The
size of my circuit limits the PCB size to about 35mm x 60mm. The
length of each track is about 20-25mm. My PCB fabricator has
recommended to use tracks of 150 micron thickness. I have designed my
PCB such that most of the area is covered by the current track. Also,
i have used a PTH, double-sided PCB.

My doubt is:
(1) Will my PCB carry the required 180A current.
(2) If not, what changes can i make to my design (given the limited
space available) to pass the 180A through the tracks.
(3) Is there any thumb-rule or formula to calculate the track
thickness for the required current.


For answering these types of questions in my own designs I have found this
PCB trace width calculator to be quite indispensable...

http://www.desmith.net/NMdS/Electronics/TraceWidth.html