Types of PCB Vias
San Francisco Circuits

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July 11, 2025 - San Mateo, California - San Francisco Circuits has published a comprehensive guide on the 8 most essential types of PCB vias, helping designers, engineers, and procurement teams navigate the challenges of modern board manufacturing.

This is a guide to the 8 different via types. As electronic devices continue to shrink in size while increasing in complexity, PCB vias play a critical role in enabling multi-layer interconnections, high-speed signal integrity, and thermal performance.

The 8 Main Types of PCB Vias

Each via type serves a specific function depending on the board’s structure, component density, and electrical requirements:

• Through-Hole Vias – Standard, full-depth vias that connect all PCB layers.
• Blind Vias – Connect outer layers to select inner layers without penetrating the entire board.
  
• Buried Vias – Connect internal layers only; invisible from the outer surfaces.
  
• Microvias – Laser-drilled vias (≤150 µm), ideal for HDI and miniaturized designs.
  
• Stacked Vias – Vertically aligned blind/microvias for dense multi-layer connections.
  
• Staggered Vias – Offset vias that reduce stress and improve reliability.
  
• Tented Vias – Covered with solder mask for protection and isolation.
  
• Via-in-Pad (VIP) – Placed beneath component pads, critical for BGA and thermal performance.

Why It Matters: Performance, Reliability & Manufacturability

• Space Optimization – Use blind, buried, or microvias to increase routing density.
  
• Thermal Management – Leverage thermal vias for heat dissipation beneath power devices.

San Francisco Circuits - Your Expert in Advanced Via Technology

With expertise in fabricating complex multilayer and HDI PCBs, San Francisco Circuits offers advanced via capabilities, including:

• Laser-drilled microvias
• Sequential lamination for stacked & buried vias
• Via-in-pad filling and capping
• Thermal via optimization for heat-sensitive components

Our engineering team can help optimize your stack-up and via strategy to meet stringent performance, size, and reliability requirements.

Read more including the full breakdown on the Types of PCB Vias on the San Francisco Circuits website.

About San Francisco Circuits

San Francisco Circuits is a provider of PCB fabrication and assembly, has a dedicated team specializing in simple and complex PCB fabrication and assembly technologies. They can produce elaborate and high-quality PCBs in a number of custom and common layouts. From basic to intricate PCBs–their engineers will meet your PCB fabrication & assembly needs. The company provides a rare balance between technical expertise and competitive pricing. And they not only provide high-quality products but also high-quality customer service at the same time. San Francisco Circuits has been voted by National Television as the "world's greatest in PCBs" and has demonstrated experience as a power player in PCB fabrication and assembly.

If you are looking to discuss PCB projects of any size or scope, feel free to reach out to them via our website (see below).

Contact

Victor Bilandzic
San Francisco Circuits, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-732-5143

Web:  www.sfcircuits.com