ISOLA PCB / DESIGNER'S WORKBENCH
Explore the dimensions.
Prepare the right questions.
Two preliminary calculators, worked examples and a clear path to a manufacturer-reviewed construction.
Stack-up thickness calculator
Enter each copper and pressed dielectric layer from top to bottom, separated by commas. The example has six copper layers.
Arithmetic only. Geometric symmetry does not assess copper distribution or warpage. Excludes soldermask and any unentered plating, resin-flow or process allowances.
Single-ended microstrip estimate
Approximate an isolated surface trace over a continuous reference plane. All dimensions use mm.
Z₀ = 87 / √(Dk + 1.41) × ln[5.98h / (0.8w + t)]. Limited approximation: 0.1 ≤ w/h ≤ 2, t/h < 0.25, 1 < Dk ≤ 15. No soldermask, copper roughness, dispersion or differential coupling. Use a field solver and fabrication coupon for production.
READ THE RESULT / KNOW THE LIMIT
Worked examples.
1.6000 mm total
The default stack has six copper entries of 0.035 mm and five dielectric entries totalling 1.39 mm. Its arithmetic total is 1.60 mm, or approximately 62.99 mil.
This does not include unentered process allowances or validate the layer topology.
About 55.0 Ω
The default microstrip example uses w = 0.30 mm, h = 0.20 mm, t = 0.035 mm and Dk = 4. The displayed formula produces approximately 55.0 Ω.
This is an illustrative estimate, not a production impedance guarantee.
Next: engineering review
Record your inputs and target. Ask the fabricator to confirm the material construction, trace geometry, reference plane and verification method.
Review the handoff checklist →COMMON QUESTIONS
Before your next design review
Does the thickness tool design a stack-up?
No. It adds the entered dimensions and checks geometric symmetry. It does not select materials or assess copper balance, resin flow, warpage or signal return paths.
Can the microstrip tool calculate a differential pair?
No. It approximates an isolated single-ended surface trace. Differential coupling, stripline structures and production modelling require an appropriate solver and fabricator review.
Why does a result disappear when I change an input?
The old result is cleared so it cannot be confused with the new input. Recalculate after completing your changes.
CONTINUE YOUR DESIGN