Best Practices:

Working with Backdrilling

Series XL and GXL
Product Version 16.0
June 2007
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Best Practices: Working with Backdrilling
June 2007 3 Product Version 16.0
Backdrilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Net Identication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Applying the BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB Property in Constraint Manager . . . . . . 8
Stub Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Exclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Pin Plating Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Applying the BACKDRILL_MIN_PIN_PTH Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Presst Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
User Overrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Setup and Analysis User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Initially Launching the Backdrill Setup and Analysis Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Why use the Cadence Default Passes? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Set up of Custom Pass Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Analysis and Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Board Testability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
NC Drill and Legend Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Enabling Backdrill Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Legend Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Contents
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Best Practices: Working with Backdrilling
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1
Backdrilling
Today's high-speed serial I/Otechnology handling 5 Gbps or higher presents new challenges
for hardware engineers. Passing high frequency signals over a backplane requires minimizing
the effect of plated through-hole (PTH) stubs. This can be controlled in the design space by
using the full length of the barrel for signal layer transitions thus keeping stubs to a minimum
or with the use of buried or blind vias. If these options are not available, stubs can be removed
through a board-fabrication process called backdrilling, sometimes referred to as controlled
depth counter-boring. The procedural steps and best practices for a successful
implementation of backdrill setup and processing in Allegro PCB Editor are discussed in
detail.
Introduction
Backdrilling is a board fabrication process that removes the unused section of plated through
holes; typically connector pins and signal vias. A secondary, controlled depth drilling pass(s)
removes all electro-deposited plating material in the PTH ensuring signal stubs are
minimized. Stubs are the source of impedance discontinuities and signal reections which
become more critical as data rates increase. Backdrilling can be performed from either side
of the PCB and to multiple depths. Drill sizes used for backdrilling are typically 6 to 10 mils
larger than the original tooling. Fabricators must be careful not to over drill beyond the
calculated depths but also not to under drill, leaving unacceptable stubs. Tradeoffs between
signal quality and manufacturing costs must be considered.
Licensing
Backdrilling is available in Allegro PCB Editor XL and above.
Prerequisites
Cross section must contain material thickness for both conductor and dielectric layers.
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Backdrill Application Information
Menu Location Manufacturing - NC - Backdrill Setup and Analysis
Command backdrill setup
Relevant Properties BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB (net)
BACKDRILL_EXCLUDE (symbol, pin, via)
BACKDRILL_MIN_PIN_PTH (symbol, pin)
BACKDRILL_OVERRIDE (symbol, pin, via)
BACKDRILL_PRESSFIT_CONNECTOR (symbol)
Relevant Parameters Drill Legend (Include Backdrill)
NC Drill (Include Backdrill)
Associative Subclasses BACKDRILL-FLAG-TOP (violations-top)
BACKDRILL-FLAG-BOT (violations-bot)
NCBACKDRILL_LYR_LYR (legend)
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Backdrilling
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Figure 1-1 Backdrill Flow in Allegro PCB Editor
Terminology
The following terms are associated with backdrilling.
Exclusions and restrictions
Analyze and Report
Output
Assign the BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB property
Assign the BACKDRILL_MIN_PIN_PTH property to symbols
Congure
Overrides
Apply the BACKDRILL_EXCLUDE property to symbols, pins or
vias to exclude these elements from backdrill processing
minimum plating rules
to nets targeted for backdrilling [value = length]
Identify Nets
Apply the BACKDRILL_OVERRIDE property to pins or vias
for explicit From:To Layer assignments (used on test coupons
or pins to ensure backdrill depth does not violate
Assign the BACKDRILL_MIN_PIN_PTH property to symbols
minimum plating rules
connectors if backdrilling is required from both sides of the
Assign the BACKDRILL_PRESSFIT_CONNECTOR property to
board. Contact range must be known
Establish the number of passes for the From side
(top, bottom, or both)
Determine the objects to drill (pins, vias, or both)
Graphical evaluation of pass setup, add passes or increase
max stub allowance to resolve remaining violations
Review log le for violations, exclusions, overrides,
and general backdrilling statistics
NC Legend: Enable the backdrill option. Each pass is
represented by a unique legend similar to the blind/
buried via model
NC Drill: Enable the backdrill option. Each pass is
represented as a unique drill le. Drill size is nominal; the
vendor determines drill overage
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Backdrilling
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Net Identication
The rst step in the backdrill application is the identication of nets targeted for potential
backdrilling. The word potential is used, as ultimately backdrilling only affects pins and vias
on nets that violate the maximumstub rule. Although a net is identied, it may be omitted from
backdrilling if stub lengths are within margin. The net level property
BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB can be applied at the schematic level, Cadence or third
party, or within Allegro PCB Editor/Constraint Manager. The value of this property is the
maximum allowable PTH stub and is restricted to length in database units.
Applying the BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB Property in Constraint
Manager
The BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB property can be easily assigned to nets in Constraint
Manager or by using Edit Property in Allegro PCB Editor. The Constraint Manager
Process steps are as follows:
1. Open the General Properties worksheet located in the Net Workbook.
2. Scroll across the worksheet to the Backdrill Column.
3. Select relevant cells where backdrill property is to be applied.
4. RMB Change.
5. Enter the maximum stub value, or enter 0 if no stub is allowed.
Backdrill Secondary drilling process that removes the unused section of
plated through holes
Counter-bore Alternative term for backdrilling
Gbps Giga Bits per Second
PTH Plated through hole
Press t Connector whose pins are forced (spring loaded) in PCB, not
soldered
Allegro PCB Editor XL Formally known as Expert or 610 series
RMB Right mouse button
Stub Unused section of a plated through hole resulting in signal
quality issues (reections, impedance discontinuity)
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Backdrilling
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6. Click OK.
Figure 1-2 Applying BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB in Constraint Manager
Tip
All backdrill application properties begin with a 'backdrill' prex.
Stub Calculation
A stub is calculated from either the top or bottom side of the board to the adjacent dielectric
layer of where the trace enters the PTH. It is a prerequisite that all information pertaining to
conductor and dielectric thickness be entered in the Cross Section form for stub analysis to
be performed. The following example illustrates how a stub is calculated in Allegro PCB
Editor.
Property BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB
Purpose Identication of nets targeted for backdrilling
Usage Required
Value Max allowable stub in length (database units)
Objects Nets
Backdrill analysis ag S
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For example, a trace enters a pin on Layer_5, resulting in a stub fromboth the top and bottom
side. The top side stub includes the thickness of conductor layers Top, Layer_2P, Layer_3,
and Layer_4P in addition to the four dielectric layers, which includes the dielectric layer
adjacent to Layer_5. The bottom side stub in calculated in a similar manner, utilizing layers
Bottom, Layer_9_P, Layer_8, Layer_7_P, Layer_6 and the ve dielectric layers. Each side
based stub, not the accumulated total, is compared individually against the
BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB property value.
Figure 1-3 Example: Stub calculation
Exclusions
It may be necessary to exclude certain objects from backdrilling even though stub violations
are present. The BACKDRILL_EXCLUDE property can be applied to symbols, pins or vias at
both the library and design level using Edit Property. Common examples might include
solder tail connectors or a dense pin escape pattern in BGA areas. The PCB designer should
consult with a manufacturing engineer before assuming all pin/via objects are suitable for
backdrilling.
Property BACKDRILL_EXCLUDE
Purpose Excludes objects from backdrilling even though stub may be
present
Usage Optional
Value Boolean (true/false)
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Pin Plating Restrictions
If soldered connectors are to be backdrilled, the manufacturer may specify a minimumplating
depth to ensure its pins are fastened to the PCB properly. If pins on a connector with this
restriction are to be backdrilled, the minimum pin plating depth into the PCB cannot be
compromised.
For example, consider the extreme case where backdrill passes are set up to remove the
entire stub (BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB = 0). A trace connects two pins on layer TOP.
When backdrilling is performed fromthe bottomside of the PCB, it will remove the entire stub
by drilling beyond Layer 2, stopping in the dielectric material before Layer Top. The remaining
plating thickness after backdrilling is the conductor thickness of layer TOP (approximately 2
mils) plus a portion of the adjacent dielectric layer. The sum of these thicknesses is unlikely
to meet minimum plating requirements for the connector.
Applying the BACKDRILL_MIN_PIN_PTH Property
The BACKDRILL_MIN_PIN_PTH property can be applied to symbols or pins using Edit
Property. Backdrill passes are prevented from removing a stub on objects within this depth
range. If a pass falls within the range of the minimumpin plating depth, the backdrill analysis
code ags that location with a "P" symbol, indicating a stub does exist, but the pin will not be
backdrilled due to the plating restriction. The backdrill code will not automatically 'back-off' to
a depth where the minimumplating requirement is satised but results in a stub violation. The
PCB designer, when assessing P code violations, is advised to:
I Consider rerouting the signals on other layers to reduce the stub length while maintaining
minimum pin plating requirements.
Objects Symbols, pins, vias
Backdrill analysis ag X
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I Consult with engineering and discuss the possibility of increasing the value of the
BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB property on the affected nets.
I Create a new backdrill pass set to accommodate the targeted layer to backdrill to.
I Apply the BACKDRILL_OVERRIDE property to a layer that satises the min pin plating
requirement; treat stub violations as acceptable.
Presst Connectors
The backdrill code under normal circumstances will not backdrill pins from the same side a
connector is placed on. The exception to this rule may apply to your presst connectors.
Presst connector pins are spring loaded or forced into the PCB making contact with the
barrel of the hole in a specic range. A stub can result from both sides of the board up to but
not including either the trace and/or the contact range.
The illustration below shows an actual presst pin and how a trace entering just above the
contact range results in stubs from both the top and bottom side of the PCB.
Property BACKDRILL_MIN_PIN_PTH
Purpose Ensures minimum pin plating depth is not compromised
Usage Optional
Value Length
Objects Symbols, pins
Backdrill analysis ag P
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If backdrilling is required from both sides, the property
BACKDRILL_PRESSFIT_CONNECTOR must be applied to the symbol. Backdrilling will not
be permitted into the dened contact range.
After some investigation, the contact ranges may not be specied on the actual connector
specications. Inquiries to the manufacturer may be required to obtain this information.
Property BACKDRILL_PRESSFIT_CONNECTOR
Purpose Use on presst connectors to permit backdrilling from both
sides of the board. Backdrill depth will not protrude into contact
range as dened by the property string.
Usage Optional
Value <value1:value2> where values = pin contact range; this value
must be obtained from the manufacturer
Objects Symbols
Backdrill analysis ag n/a
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Tip
Develop a plan to incorporate the following properties at the library level:
BACKDRILL_MIN_PIN_PTH, BACKDRILL_EXCLUDE, and
BACKDRILL_PRESSFIT_CONNECTOR.
User Overrides
In most cases, the backdrill layer ranges dened in the Backdrill Setup and Analysis user
interface satisfy your requirements to manage stubs. The BACKDRILL_OVERRIDE property
allows user-specied control of layer ranges for any pin or via and fromether side of the board
or both. This is done regardless of violations that may result, such as testpoint conicts or
backdrilling through a connection. The override property was considered for the design of test
coupons where the OEM wishes to evaluate the performance of the board fabricator with
respect to the adherence of depth ranges. The designer may override the "to" layer to
effectively drill out the layer where the trace connects the pin/via. The expected usage of this
property is limited; please exercise caution to prevent accidental over-drilling.
Setup and Analysis User Interface
The heart of the backdrill application is the Backdrill Setup and Analysis user interface located
in the Manufacturing NC menu of Allegro PCB Editor. This controls the side of the board
to be backdrilled from, object types, and number of passes per side. Analysis in the form of
graphical violations and a detail log le is provided when Analyze is performed. The UI is
facilitates experimentation by editing pass sets. The actual pass sets to effectively remove
stubs into their margin range may require some trial runs before a nal assessment is made.
Property BACKDRILL_OVERRIDE
Purpose User-specied backdrill range
Usage Optional: special circumstances
Value TOP:<layer_name>:BOTTOM:<layer_name>
Objects Pins, Vias
Backdrill analysis ag O or W (warning)
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Initially Launching the Backdrill Setup and Analysis Dialog Box
Upon invocation, you see two pre-seeded rows enabling backdrilling to be performed on all
objects, from either side of the board, and to all layers necessary to completely remove the
entire stub regardless of the value assigned to the BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB property.
Essentially if using the Cadence default passes, you allow the software unlimited bandwidth
to completely remove the entire stub of nets assigned the BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB
property. In Figure 1-4, note the number 21 in the Passes column. This number is derived
from the total layer count of the PCB, which 22. Backdrilling in this case would be allowed to
drill any of 21 combinations of layer ranges fromeach side of the board but never fromTop to
Bottom or Bottom to Top.
Figure 1-4 Backdrill Setup and Analysis Dialog Box
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Why use the Cadence Default Passes?
These passes can provide quick and valuable feedback as to the actual layer ranges required
to backdrill out all stubs. This of course can be a very expensive approach to backdrilling and
for most is probably not within the realms of possibilities at this time. This setting, however,
could be the standard in years to come as signal rates continue to increase. After running
Analyze, view the log le and note information in the General Analysis Section. This may give
you an idea how to plan your strategy for your pass setup and also
BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_STUB values.
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Tip
The Backdrill Setup and Analysis dialog box can be used to experiment with different
pass set strategies. The Cadence-supplied pass sets provide quick means to
evaluate the steps required to remove all stubs on nets identied with the
BACKDRILL_MAX_PTH_PROPERTY.
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Backdrilling
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Set up of Custom Pass Sets
In all likelihood, the hardware or SI Engineer has provided some tolerance with respect to
stub lengths. The use of the Cadence default pass sets would be too aggressive and
expensive of an approach to backdrilling if margins or error are permitted. The following are
the steps required to add user dened passes.
1. Disable default rows: After opening the dialog box, disable the two default rows as shown
below.
2. Insert new Pass Set: Hover over an existing row, then click Right Mouse Button (RMB)
New Pass Set to add the third row.
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Backdrilling
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3. Enter side and object Information: The drop-downs provide Boolean options for side of
board (top or bottom) and objects (pin, vias, pins&vias).
4. Enter number of Passes: Estimate the number of pass sets you need to meet stub
requirements. Enter an integer in the Passes cell.
5. The value entered automatically expands the pass set to that number of rows. The next
step is to map the bottom side to user-selected layers.
6. Select To layers from the dropdowns: The To Layer represents a signal or plane layer.
The depth calculated includes the dielectric layer adjacent to it.
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7. The log le provides the layout cross section and depths from either side. The depth
includes the adjacent dielectric layer. For example:
Layer Top to Top = .700 + 6.000 = 6.7000.
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8. Enable one or more of the pass sets: To enable all, use RMB Enable Pass Set.
9. Adding new row to pass set: Hover over any existing row in the pass set, then RMB -
Insert. The new row is added below the row the cursor is on.
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10. Is Backdrilling required from the Top Side? If so, hover over any row, then RMB New
Pass Set.
11. Enter Top in the From Side cell, then enter object type and number of passes similar to
the method used for Bottom side entry.
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Backdrilling
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Analysis and Reporting
The complete removal of all stubs to within their specied margins is expected to be a
recursive process. It may be necessary to adjust your pass sets or max stub values to resolve
the violations that are generated after Analyze is executed. When the Analyze button is
selected, violations and exclusions are graphically represented on subclasses BACKDRILL-
FLAG-TOP or BOTTOMas well as listed in the log le. The violations are not DRCs, but rather
character-based codes that provide information as to remaining stubs or objects tagged as
exclusions.
The following table outlines the violation codes and suggests actions to take when
considering resolution:
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Backdrilling
June 2007 25 Product Version 16.0
Board Testability
The decision to backdrill may impact your in-circuit test strategy. Any pin or via tagged as a
testprobe will not be backdrilled fromthat side. This could cause a signicant reduction in test
coverage as most testprobes are placed on pin and via objects. Take advantage of adding
testprobes directly on outer layer traces where feasible to do so.
Code Description User Action
S Maximum Stub Length Violation Add new pass, increase max stub value on
net, reroute trace to reduce stub length
P Minimum Pin PTH Length
Violation
Increase max stub value on net, re-assess
pass-set
C Pin is on component side Create new pass set from other side of
board
T Pin/Via is a testpoint on the side
being backdrilled
Discuss with ATE, move testprobe to another
object. A tradeoff may be necessary. Know
your strategy before you get to this point.
X Pin/Via excluded from
backdrilling
Review stub violations with EE/SI. Reroute if
possible to reduce stub length.
R Pin/Via has no routed
connection
Remove backdrill_max_pth_stub property
from net assuming net may be a 1 pin net.
O Pin/Via has user override
property applied dening from:to
layer
Check log le for warning codes; over-drilling
into or beyond etch layer possible.
W Pin/Via has user override
property applied, warning
detected as depth exceeds etch
layer making contact to pin/via
Check each location carefully to ensure this
is your intent
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Backdrilling
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NC Drill and Legend Output
The output of backdrill data can be compared to the way buried/blind via data is output.
Separate Legends and NC Drill les are created for each backdrill pass. While dielectric
layers are used in analysis calculations, the NC Drill output will be based on conductor layers
only. It is assumed fabricators will control the stop depth somewhere in the dielectric layer
adjacent to the conductor layer listed in the NC output. Drill sizes listed are nished sizes.
Allegro PCB Editor makes no attempt to list actual drill bits used for backdrilling.
Enabling Backdrill Output
The output of backdrill data is controlled by the parameter Include backdrill located in both
the NC Drill and NC Legend dialog boxes.
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Backdrilling
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NC Legend
Similar to the standard NC Legend, the backdrill legend provides a symbolic representation
of the sites to be backdrilled. The legend table lists nished size, not oversized tooling, along
with Cadence supplied notes:
1. Drill sizes listed in Legend are considered nished.
2. Vendor is required to select tooling for overdrilling.
3. Legend does not specify depth into adjacent dielectric layer.
In Figure1-5, the NC Drill Legend accounts for all sites to be backdrilled fromthe Bottomside
through Layer_6 into the dielectric layer between Layer_6 and Layer_5. The actual depth
range into the dielectric material may vary from vendor to vendor, hence Cadence makes no
effort to supply controlled depth data.
Tip
Backdrill notes are supplied in the default .dlt le and can be edited to
accommodate your process requirements.
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Figure 1-5 Backdrill Legend
Legend Customization
The gure above shows the total drill count as well as separate unit columns for Inches and
Metric. Total Quantity is enabled by editing the ?ShowTotalQuantity variable.
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The additional Metric columns were added in two parts.
1. AlternateUnits variable is set to millimeters
2. ColumnDenitions holesize2 and tolerance2 dened
Best Practices: Working with Backdrilling
Backdrilling
June 2007 30 Product Version 16.0