Designing with High-Density BGA Packages for Altera

Devices
2014.12.15

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As programmable logic devices (PLDs) increase in density and I/O pins, the demand for small packages
and diverse packaging options continues to grow. Ball-grid array (BGA) packages are an ideal solution
because the I/O connections are on the interior of the device, improving the ratio between pin count and
board area. Typical BGA packages contain up to twice as many connections as quad flat pack (QFP)
packages for the same area. Furthermore, BGA solder balls are considerably stronger than QFP leads,
resulting in robust packages that can tolerate rough handling.
Altera has developed high-density BGA solutions for users of high-density PLDs. These new formats
require less than half the board space of standard BGA packages.

Related Information
Packaging Specifications and Dimensions

Overview of BGA Packages

In BGA packages, the I/O connections are located on the interior of the device. Leads normally placed
along the periphery of the package are replaced with solder balls arranged in a matrix across the bottom of
the substrate. The final device is soldered directly to the PCB using assembly processes that are virtually
identical to the standard surface mount technology preferred by system designers.

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products and services at any time without notice. Altera assumes no responsibility or liability arising out of the application or use of any information, Registered
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 AN-114
2 PCB Layout Terminology 2014.12.15

Additionally, BGA packages provide the following advantages:

• Fewer damaged leads—BGA leads consist of solid solder balls, which are less likely to suffer damage
during handling.
• More leads per unit area—Lead counts are increased by moving the solder balls closer to the edges of
the package and by decreasing pitch to the following:
• 1.0 mm for flip-chip and wirebond BGAs
• 0.8 mm, 0.5 mm, and 0.4 mm for wirebond and wafer level chip scale package (WLCSP) fine pitch
BGAs.
• Less expensive surface mount equipment—BGA packages can tolerate slightly imperfect placement
during mounting, requiring less expensive surface mount equipment. The placement can be imperfect
because the BGA packages self-align during solder reflow.
• Smaller footprints—BGA packages are usually 20% to 50% smaller than QFP packages, making BGA
packages more attractive for applications that require high performance and a smaller footprint.
• Integrated circuit speed advantages—BGA packages operate well into the microwave frequency
spectrum and achieve high electrical performance by using ground planes, ground rings, and power
rings in the package construction.
• Improved heat dissipation—Because the die is located at the center of the BGA package and most
GND and VCC pins are located at the center of the package, the GND and VCC pins are located under
the die. As a result, the heat generated in the device can be transferred out through the GND and VCC
pins (i.e., the GND and VCC pins act as a heat sink).

PCB Layout Terminology

This section defines common terms used in PCB layout that you need to know to design with Altera’s
high-density BGAs.

Escape Routing
Escape routing is the method used to route each signal from a package to another element on the PCB.

Multi-Layer PCBs
The increased I/O count associated with BGA packages has made multi-layer PCBs the industry-standard
method for performing escape routing. Signals can be routed to other elements on the PCB through
various numbers of PCB layers.

Vias
Vias, or plated through holes, are used in multi-layer PCBs to transfer signals from one layer to another.
Vias are actual holes drilled through a multi-layer PCB and provide electrical connections between
various PCB layers. All vias provide layer-to-layer connections only. Device leads or other reinforcing
materials are not inserted into vias.
The following table lists the terms used to define via dimensions.

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2014.12.15 Vias 3

Table 1: Via Dimension Terms

Term Description
Aspect ratio The ratio of a via’s length or depth to its pre-plated
diameter.
Drilled hole diameter The final diameter of the actual via hole drilled in the board.
Finished via diameter The final diameter of a via hole after it has been plated.

The following table lists the three via types typically used on PCBs.

Table 2: Via Types

Type Description
Through via An interconnection between the top and the bottom layer of
a PCB. Vias also provide interconnections to inner PCB
layers.
Blind via An interconnection from the top or bottom layer to an
inner PCB layer.
Embedded via An interconnection between any number of inner PCB
layers.

The following figure shows all three via types.

Figure 1: Types of Vias

Through Via Blind Via Embedded Via

Connection
to Layer
PCB Layers

Blind vias and through vias are used more frequently than embedded vias. Blind vias can be more
expensive than through vias, but overall costs are reduced when signal traces are routed under a blind via,
requiring fewer PCB layers. Through vias, on the other hand, do not permit signals to be routed through
lower layers, which can increase the required number of PCB layers and overall costs.

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4 Via Capture Pad 2014.12.15

Via Capture Pad

Vias are connected electrically to PCB layers through via capture pads that surround each via.

Surface Land Pad

Surface land pads are the areas on the PCB to which the BGA solder balls adhere. The size of these pads
affects the space available for vias and for the escape routing. In general, surface land pads are available in
the following two basic designs:
• Non solder mask defined (NSMD), also known as copper defined
• Solder mask defined (SMD)
The main differences between the two surface land pad types are the size of the trace and space, the type
of vias you can use, and the shapes of the solder balls after solder reflow.
Figure 2: Side View of NSMD and SMD Land Pads

NSMD Pad SMD Pad

Solder Copper Solder Copper

Solder Mask Solder Mask
Mask Pad Mask Pad
Opening Opening

PCB

Figure 3: Side View of NSMD and SMD Solder Joints

NSMD Solder Joint SMD Solder Joint

BGA Package

BGA Solder Ball

Solder Mask
PCB
Copper Pad

Non Solder Mask Defined Pad

In the NSMD pad, the solder mask opening is larger than the copper pad. Thus, the surface land pad’s
copper surface is completely exposed, providing greater area to which the BGA solder ball can adhere.
Refer to the Side View of NSMD and SMD Land Pads figure.
Note: Altera recommends that you use a NSMD pad for most applications because it provides more
flexibility, fewer stress points, and more line-routing space between pads.

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2014.12.15 Solder Mask Defined Pad 5

Solder Mask Defined Pad

In SMD pad, the solder mask overlaps the surface land pad’s copper surface. Refer to the Side View of
NSMD and SMD Land Pads figure. This overlapping provides greater adhesion strength between the
copper pad and the PCB’s epoxy/glass laminate, which can be important under extreme bending and
during accelerated thermal cycling tests. However, the solder mask overlap reduces the amount of copper
surface available for the BGA solder ball.

Stringer
Stringers are rectangular or square interconnect segments that electrically connect via capture pads and
surface land pads. The following figure shows the connection between vias, via capture pads, surface land
pads, and stringers.
Figure 4: Via, Land Pad, Stringer, and Via Capture Pad

Stringer Via Via Capture Pad

Surface Land Pad

PCB Layout for High-Density BGA Packages

When designing a PCB for high-density BGA packages, consider the following factors:
• Surface land pad dimension
• Via capture pad layout and dimension
• Signal-line space and trace width
• Number of PCB layers
Note: Controlling dimension is calculated in millimeters for all high-density BGA figures.

Surface Land Pad Dimension

Altera has done extensive modeling simulation and experimental studies to determine the optimum land
pad design on the PCB to provide the longest solder joint fatigue life. The results of these studies show
that a pad design that provides a balanced stress on the solder joint provides the best solder joint
reliability. Since the BGA pads are solder mask defined, if SMD pads are used on the PCB, the surface land
pads should be the same size as the BGA pad to provide a balanced stress on solder joints. If non-solder
mask defined pads are used on the PCB, the land pads should be approximately 15% smaller than the
BGA pad size to achieve a balanced stress on solder joints.
The following table lists the recommended pad sizes for SMD and NSMD land patterns. You should use
NSMD pads for high-density board layouts because the smaller pad sizes allow for more space between

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6 Surface Land Pad Dimension 2014.12.15

vias and trace routing. As an example, the Via and Routing Space Available for 1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA
NSMD Land Pads figure shows the space available for vias and escape routing when you use NSMD
surface land pads for a 1.00-mm flip-chip BGA.
Figure 5: BGA Pad Dimensions

BGA Substrate

BGA Pad

Solder Ball

Table 3: Recommended Pad Sizes for SMD and NSMD Pads

BGA Pad Pitch BGA Pad Solder Ball Recommended Recommended NSMD
Opening (A) Diameter (B) SMD Pad Size Pad Size (mm)
(mm) (mm) (mm)
1.27 mm (Plastic Ball Grid Array 0.60 0.75 0.60 0.51
(PBGA))
1.27 mm (Super Ball Grid Array 0.60 0.75 0.60 0.51
(SBGA))
1.27 mm (Tape Ball Grid Array 0.60 0.75 0.60 0.51
(TBGA))
1.27 mm (flip-chip) (1) 0.65 0.75 0.65 0.55
1.00 mm (wirebond) (1) 0.45 0.63 0.45 0.38
1.00 mm (flip-chip) (1) 0.55 0.63 0.55 0.47
1.00 mm (flip-chip) (1) APEX 0.60 0.65 0.60 0.51
20KE

(1)
Fineline BGA packages that use flip-chip technology are marked "Thermally Enhanced FineLine BGA" and
wirebond packages are marked "Non-Thermally Enhanced FineLine BGA" in the Altera Device Package
Information Datasheet.

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2014.12.15 Surface Land Pad Dimension 7

BGA Pad Pitch BGA Pad Solder Ball Recommended Recommended NSMD
Opening (A) Diameter (B) SMD Pad Size Pad Size (mm)
(mm) (mm) (mm)
0.80 mm UBGA (BT Substrate) 0.40 0.55 0.40 0.34
0.80 mm UBGA (EPC16U88) 0.40 0.45 0.40 0.34
0.50 mm MBGA 0.40 0.30 0.27 0.26

The following table lists the PCB design guidelines for WLCSP 0.4-mm ball pitch.

Table 4: Recommended Pad Sizes for WLCSP

BGA Pad Pitch PCB Cu Pad Solder Mack PCB Cu Pad Solder Mack Opening
Size NSMD Opening NSMD Size SMD (mm) SMD (mm)
(mm) (mm)
0.4 mm WLCSP 0.22 0.32 0.32 0.22

Figure 6: Via and Routing Space Available for 1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA NSMD Land Pads

1.00 mm
(39.37 mil)

0.53 mm
(21.20 mil)

0.53 mm 0.94 mm 1.00 mm

(21.20 mil) (37.60 mil) (39.37 mil)

0.47 mm
(18.80 mil)

Surface Land Pads

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8 Surface Land Pad Dimension 2014.12.15

Figure 7: Via and Routing Space Available for 0.80-mm UBGA (BT Substrate) NSMD Land Pads

0.80 mm
(31.50 mil)

0.46 mm
(18.11 mil)

0.46 mm 0.79 mm 0.80 mm

(18.11 mil) (31.16 mil) (31.50 mil)

0.34 mm
(13.39 mil)

Surface Land Pads

Figure 8: Via and Routing Space Available for 0.50-mm MBGA NSMD Land Pads

0.50 mm
(19.69 mil)

0.24 mm
(9.45mil)

0.24 mm 0.45 mm 0.50 mm

(9.45 mil) (17.72 mil) (19.69 mil)

0.26 mm
(10.24 mil)

Surface Land Pads

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2014.12.15 Via Capture Pad Layout and Dimension 9

Via Capture Pad Layout and Dimension

The size and layout of via capture pads affect the amount of space available for escape routing. In general,
you can lay out via capture pads in the following two ways:
• In-line with the surface land pads
• Diagonal to the surface land pads
The decision to place the via capture pads diagonally or in-line with the surface land pads is based on the
following factors:
• Diameter of the via capture pad
• Stringer length
• Clearance between via capture pad and surface land pad
The following figure shows both layouts for 1.00-mm flip-chip BGA NSMD land pads.
Figure 9: Placement of Via Capture Pad for 1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA NSMD Land Pads

In Line Diagonally
Surface land pad
1.00 mm 1.00 mm
Via capture pad
(39.37 mil) (39.37 mil)
Vias
a c
Stringer b

a Stringer length a
b

b Stringer width
f d
c Minimum clearance between via
capture pad and surface land pad 0.53 mm 1.00 mm g
e d c
(21.20 mil) (39.37 mil) 0.47 mm
d Via capture pad diameter
0.47 mm f (18.80 mil)
e Trace width (18.80 mil) f
f Space width e g
g Area for escape routing f
(This area is on a different
PCB layer than the surface
land pads.)

To decide how to lay out your PCB, use the information shown in the Placement of Via Capture Pad for
1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA NSMD Land Pads figure and the Formula for Via Layouts for 1.00-mm Flip-
Chip BGA NSMD Land Pads table. If your PCB design guidelines do not conform to either equation in
the following table, contact Altera Support for further assistance.

Table 5: Formula for Via Layouts for 1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA NSMD Land Pads

Layout Formula
In-line a + c + d <= 0.53 mm
Diagonally a + c + d <= 0.94 mm

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10 Via Capture Pad Layout and Dimension 2014.12.15

The Formula for Via Layouts for 1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA NSMD Land Pads table shows that you can
place a larger via capture pad diagonally than in-line with the surface land pads.
The following figure shows both layouts for 0.80-mm UBGA(BT Substrate) NSMD land pads.
Figure 10: Placement of Via Capture Pad for 0.80-mm UBGA (BT Substrate) NSMD Land Pads

In Line Diagonally
Surface land pad
0.80 mm 0.80 mm
Via capture pad
(31.50 mil) (31.50 mil)
Vias
a c
Stringer b

a Stringer length a
b

b Stringer width
f d
c Minimum clearance between via
capture pad and surface land pad 0.46 mm 0.80 mm g
e d c
(18.11 mil) (31.50 mil) 0.34 mm
d Via capture pad diameter
0.34 mm f (13.39 mil)
e Trace width (13.39 mil) f
f Space width e g
g Area for escape routing f
(This area is on a different
PCB layer than the surface
land pads.)

To decide how to lay out your PCB, use the information shown in the Placement of Via Capture Pad for
0.80-mm UBGA (BT Substrate) NSMD Land Pads figure and the Formula for Via Layouts for 0.80-mm
UBGA (BT Substrate) NSMD Land Pads table. If your PCB design guidelines do not conform to either
equation in the following table, contact Altera Support for further assistance.

Table 6: Formula for Via Layouts for 0.80-mm UBGA (BT Substrate) NSMD Land Pads

Layout Formula
In-line a + c + d <= 0.46 mm
Diagonally a + c + d <= 0.68 mm

The Formula for Via Layouts for 0.80-mm UBGA (BT Substrate) NSMD Land Pads table shows that you
can place a larger via capture pad diagonally than in-line with the surface land pads.
The following figure shows the layout for 0.5-mm MBGA land pads.

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2014.12.15 Via Capture Pad Layout and Dimension 11

Figure 11: Placement of Via Capture Pad for 0.5-mm MBGA Land Pads

In Line
d 0.50 mm
(19.685 mil)

Surface land pad

Via capture pad

Vias

d Via capture pad diameter 0.25 mm

(9.84 mil)

0.25 mm
(9.84 mil)

For 0.5-mm pitch, Altera recommends you to use microvia technology of 0.10-mm via drill in the pad,
and route trace in the inner layers.
The following figure shows the layout for 0.4-mm VBGA land pads.

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12 Via Capture Pad Layout and Dimension 2014.12.15

Figure 12: Placement of Via Capture Pad for 0.4-mm VBGA Land Pads

In Line
d 0.40 mm
(15.75 mil)

Surface land pad

Via capture pad

Vias

d Via capture pad diameter 0.15 mm

(5.90 mil)

0.25 mm
(9.84 mil)

For 0.4-mm pitch, Altera recommends you to use microvia technology of 0.10-mm via drill in the pad,
and route trace in the inner layers.
Via capture pad size also affects how many traces can be routed on a PCB. The Typical and Premium Via
Capture Pad Sizes for a 1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA figure shows sample layouts of typical and premium via
capture pads. The typical layout shows a via capture pad size of 0.660 mm, a via size of 0.254 mm, and an
inner space and trace of 0.102 mm. With this layout, only one trace can be routed between the vias. If
more traces are required, you must reduce the via capture pad size or the space and trace size.
The premium layout shows a via capture pad size of 0.508 mm, a via size of 0.203 mm, and an inner space
and trace of 0.076 mm. This layout provides enough space to route two traces between the vias.

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2014.12.15 Via Capture Pad Layout and Dimension 13

Figure 13: Typical and Premium Via Capture Pad Sizes for a 1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA

Typical Premium
39.37 mil 39.37 mil
(1.0 mm) (1.0 mm) Via
Via Capture Pad
Space
Trace

10.00 mil 4 mil 8.00 mil 3 mil

(0.254 mm) (0.102 mm) (0.203 mm) (0.203 mm)
26.00 mil 20.00 mil 15.00 mil
(0.660 mm) (0.508 mm) (0.381 mm)

The following table shows the typical and premium layout specifications for a 1.00 mm Flip-Chip BGA
used by most PCB vendors.

Table 7: PCB Vendor Specifications for a 1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA

Specification Typical (mm) Premium (mm) PCB Premium (mm) PCB Thickness <=
Thickness >1.5 mm 1.5 mm
Trace and space width 0.1/0.1 0.076/0.076 0.076/0.076
Drilled hole diameter 0.305 0.254 0.150
Finished via diameter 0.254 0.203 0.100
Via capture pad 0.660 0.508 0.275
Aspect ratio 7:1 10:1 10:1

The Typical and Premium Via Capture Pad Sizes for a 0.80-mm UBGA (BT Substrate) figure shows
sample layouts of typical and premium via capture pads. The typical layout shows a via capture pad size of
0.495 mm, a via size of 0.254 mm, and an inner space and trace of 0.102 mm. With this layout, only one
trace can be routed between the vias. If more traces are required, you must reduce the via capture pad size
or the space and trace size.
The premium layout shows a via capture pad size of 0.419 mm, a via size of 0.165 mm, and an inner space
and trace of 0.076 mm. This layout provides enough space to route two traces between the vias.

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14 Via Capture Pad Layout and Dimension 2014.12.15

Figure 14: Typical and Premium Via Capture Pad Sizes for a 0.80-mm UBGA (BT Substrate)

Typical Premium
31.50 mil 31.50 mil
(0.8 mm) (0.8 mm) Via
Via Capture Pad
Space
Trace

10.00 mil 4 mil 6.50 mil 3 mil

(0.254 mm) (0.102 mm) (0.165 mm) (0.076 mm)
19.50 mil 16.50 mil
(0.495 mm) (0.419 mm)

The following table lists the typical and premium layout specifications for a 0.80 mm UBGA (BT
Substrate) used by most PCB vendors.

Table 8: PCB Vendor Specifications for a 0.80-mm UBGA (BT Substrate)

Specification Typical (mm) Premium (mm) PCB Premium (mm) PCB Thickness <=
Thickness >1.5 mm 1.5 mm
Trace and space width 0.1/0.1 0.076/0.076 0.076/0.076
Drilled hole diameter 0.381 0.330 0.254
Finished via diameter 0.254 0.165 0.127
Via capture pad 0.495 0.419 0.381
Aspect ratio 8:1 25:1 12:1

The Typical Via Capture Pad Sizes for a 0.50-mm MBGA figure shows sample layout of typical via
capture pad. The typical layout shows a via capture pad size of 0.25 mm, a via size of 0.10 mm, and an
inner space and trace of 0.068 mm.

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2014.12.15 Via Capture Pad Layout and Dimension 15

Figure 15: Typical Via Capture Pad Size for a 0.50-mm MBGA

Typical Via
19.685 mil Via Capture Pad
(0.5 mm)
Space
Trace

4 mil 3.4 mil

(0.10 mm) (0.086 mm)
9.84 mil
(0.25 mm)

The following table lists the typical layout specifications for a 0.50-mm MBGA used by most PCB
vendors.

Table 9: PCB Vendor Specification for a 0.50-mm MBGA

Specification Typical (mm)

Trace and space width 0.086
Finished via diameter 0.10
Via capture pad 0.25

The Typical Via Capture Pad Sizes for a 0.40-mm VBGA figure shows sample layout of typical via capture
pad. The typical layout shows a via capture pad size of 0.25 mm and a via size of 0.10 mm. For the 0.40-
mm pitch, there is not enough space to route trace in the component layer, because the minimum trace
width is 0.075 mm and the minimum gap between the trace and pad is 0.086 mm.

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16 Signal Line Space and Trace Width 2014.12.15

Figure 16: Typical Via Capture Pad Size for a 0.40-mm VBGA

Typical Via
15.75 mil Via Capture Pad
(0.40 mm)

4 mil
(0.10 mm)
9.84 mil
(0.25 mm)

For detailed information on drill sizes, via sizes, space and trace sizes, or via capture pad sizes, contact
your PCB vendor directly.

Signal Line Space and Trace Width

The ability to perform escape routing is defined by the width of the trace and the minimum space
required between traces. The minimum area for signal routing is the smallest area that the signal must be
routed through (i.e., the distance between two vias, or g in the Escape Routing for Double and Single
Traces for 1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA figure). This area is calculated using the following formula:
g = (BGA pitch) – d
The number of traces that can be routed through this area is based on the permitted line trace and space
widths. You can use the following table to determine the total number of traces that can be routed
through g.

Table 10: Number of Traces

Number of Traces Formula

1 g >= [2 x (space width)] + trace width
2 g >= [3 x (space width)] + [2 x (trace width)]
3 g >= [5 x (space width)] + [3 x (trace width)]

The following figures show that by reducing the trace and space size, you can route more traces through g.
Increasing the number of traces reduces the required number of PCB layers and decreases the overall cost.

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2014.12.15 Signal Line Space and Trace Width 17

Figure 17: Escape Routing for Double and Single Traces for 1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA

Double Trace Routing Single Trace Routing

Via Capture Pad

4.2 mil 18.80 mil 7.07 mil 18.80 mil
Space
(0.10 mm) (0.47 mm) (0.18 mm) (0.47 mm)
Trace
21.20 mil 21.20 mil
(0.53 mm) (0.53 mm)

18.80 mil 18.80 mil

(0.47 mm) (0.47 mm)

Figure 18: Escape Routing for Double and Single Traces for 0.80-mm UBGA (BT Substrate)

Double Trace Routing Single Trace Routing

Via Capture Pad

3.6 mil 13.39 mil 6.0 mil 13.39 mil
Space
(0.09 mm) (0.34 mm) (0.15 mm) (0.34 mm)
Trace
18.11 mil 18.11 mil
(0.46 mm) (0.46 mm)

13.39 mil 13.39 mil

(0.34 mm) (0.34 mm)

Figure 19: Escape Routing for Single Trace for 0.5-mm MBGA

Single Trace Routing

Via Capture Pad
3 mil 10 mil
Space
(0.075 mm) (0.25 mm)
Trace
10 mil
(0.25 mm)

10 mil
(0.25 mm)

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18 Number of PCB Layers 2014.12.15

Number of PCB Layers

In general, the number of PCB layers required to route signals is inversely proportional to the number of
traces between vias (i.e., the more traces used, the fewer PCB layers required). You can estimate the
number of layers your PCB requires by first determining:
• Trace and space size
• Number of traces routed between the via capture pads
• Type of vias used
Using fewer I/O pins than the maximum can reduce the required number of layers. The via type selected
can also reduce the number of layers required. To see how the via type can affect the required number of
PCB layers, consider the sample layouts shown in the following figures.

Sample PCB Layout for 1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA and 0.80-mm UBGA (BT Substrate)
The blind via layout in the following figures require only two PCB layers. The signals from the first two
balls can be routed directly through the first layer. The signals from the third and fourth balls can be
routed through a via and out the second layer, and the signal from the fifth ball can be routed under the
vias for the third and fourth balls and out the second layer. Together, only two PCB layers are required.
In contrast, the through via layout in the following figures require three PCB layers, because signals
cannot be routed under through vias. The signals from the third and fourth balls can still be routed
through a via and out the second layer, but the signal from the fifth ball must be routed through a via and
out the third layer. Using blind vias rather than through vias in this example, saves one PCB layer.

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2014.12.15 Sample PCB Layout for 1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA and 0.80-mm UBGA (BT Substrate) 19

Figure 20: Sample PCB Layout for 1.00-mm Flip-Chip BGA

Blind Via The signal from Ball 5

is routed under the via
and out the second layer .
18.80-mil Surface
Land Pad Ball 5 Ball 4 Ball 3 Ball 2 Ball 1

26-mil Via
Capture Pad
10-mil Via

5-mil Trace

The signal from Ball 5

Through Via
is routed through the via
and out the third layer .

Ball 5 Ball 4 Ball 3 Ball 2 Ball 1

Signal travels out
through first layer

Signal travels out

through second layer

Signal travels out

through third layer

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20 Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.5-mm 100-pin and 256-pin MBGAs 2014.12.15

Figure 21: Sample PCB Layout for 0.80-mm UBGA (BT Substrate)

Blind Via The signal from Ball 5

is routed under the via
and out the second layer .
13.39-mil Surface
Land Pad Ball 5 Ball 4 Ball 3 Ball 2 Ball 1

26-mil Via
Capture Pad
10-mil Via

5-mil Trace

The signal from Ball 5

Through Via is routed through the via
and out the third layer
.

Ball 5 Ball 4 Ball 3 Ball 2 Ball 1

Signal travels out
through first layer
Signal travels out
through second layer
Signal travels out
through third layer

Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.5-mm 100-pin and 256-pin MBGAs
In 2006, Altera introduced 0.5-mm pitch Micro FineLine BGA® (MBGA) packages into the MAX® II
device family. The size and weight of these packages make them suitable for portable applications or any
application that has board space and/or power constraints. The pin layout and the pin assignments have
been designed so that the signals from solder pads can be routed in 2 layers using through-hole vias.
Examples of layout schemes for routing on 2 layers is demonstrated in the following figures for the 100-
pin and 256-pin MBGAs, respectively. This layout type is suitable for PCB thickness smaller than or equal
to 1.5 mm. For PCB thickness greater than 1.5 mm, application of blind vias may be more suitable for
escape routing.
In this section, sample PCB routing schemes use VCCN and VSS. In the pin table, VCCN and VSS
correspond to VCCIO and GND, respectively.

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2014.12.15 Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.5-mm 100-pin and 256-pin MBGAs 21

Figure 22: A Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.5-mm 100-pin MBGA

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22 Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.5-mm 68-pin MBGA 2014.12.15

Figure 23: A Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.5-mm 256-pin MBGA

Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.5-mm 68-pin MBGA

In 2007, Altera introduced 68-pin and 144-pin MBGA packages into the MAX IIZ device family.
Examples of layout schemes for routing are demonstrated for 68-pin MBGA packages in the following
figures. The 68-pin package is routed in 2-layers.

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2014.12.15 Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.5-mm 68-pin MBGA 23

Figure 24: A Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.5-mm 68-pin MBGA (Separate VCCN Banks)

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24 Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 4 Layers for 0.5-mm 144-pin MBGA 2014.12.15

Figure 25: A Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.5-mm 68-pin MBGA (Common VCCN Bank)

Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 4 Layers for 0.5-mm 144-pin MBGA

Example of layout scheme for routing is demonstrated for the 144-pin MBGA package in the following
figure. The 144-pin package is routed in 4-layers.

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2014.12.15 Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.5-mm 153-pin MBGA 25

Figure 26: A Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 4 Layers for 0.5-mm 144-pin MBGA

Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.5-mm 153-pin MBGA

In 2014, Altera introduced M153 package into the MAX 10 device family. It has de-populated ball array
with 0.5-mm ball pitch. Example of PCB routing scheme on 2 layers for 0.5-mm 153-pin MBGA is shown
in the following figure.

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26 Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 4 Layers for 0.4-mm 81-pin VBGA 2014.12.15

Figure 27: A Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.5-mm 153-pin MBGA

Top PCB Layer Routing Bottom PCB Layer Routing

(Top View) (Bottom View)
A1 Corner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 A1 Corner

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J
K
L
M
N
P
R

Routing Assumptions
1. Line width/space - 3 mils/3 mils
2. Hole drill size - 6 mils
3. Via land size - 11 mils
4. Via land to line space - 3 mils

Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 4 Layers for 0.4-mm 81-pin VBGA

The MAX 10 device family also introduced Altera first WLCSP for 81-pin and 36-pin VBGA packages.
The following figure is the example of PCB routing scheme on 4 layers for 0.4-mm 81-pin VBGA package.

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2014.12.15 Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.4-mm 36-pin VBGA 27

Figure 28: A Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 4 Layers for 0.4-mm 81-pin VBGA

Top PCB Layer Routing PCB Layer 2 Routing PCB Layer 3 Routing Bottom PCB Layer Routing
(Top View) (Top View) (Bottom View) (Bottom View)
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 A1 Corner A1 Corner A1 Corner A1 Corner

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J

Routing Assumptions
1. Line width/space – 75 µm/85 µm
2. Neck width/space (at layer 2 and 3) – 50 µm/50 µm
3. Hole drill size – 100 µm
4. Via land size – 230 µm
5. BGA solder pad diameter – 230 µm
6. BGA solder mask opening – 330 µm

Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.4-mm 36-pin VBGA

The following figure is the example of PCB routing scheme on 2 layers for 0.4-mm 36- pin VBGA
package.
Figure 29: A Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers for 0.4-mm 36-pin VBGA

Top PCB Layer Routing Bottom PCB Layer Routing

(Top View) (Bottom View)
6 5 4 3 2 1 A1 Corner

A
B
C
D
E
F

Routing Assumptions
1. Line width/space – 75 µm/85 µm
2. Neck width/space – 50 µm/50 µm
3. Hole drill size – 100 µm
4. Via land size – 230 µm
5. BGA solder pad diameter – 230 µm
6. BGA solder mask opening – 330 µm

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 AN-114
28 Document Revision History 2014.12.15

Document Revision History

Date Version Changes
December 2014 2014.12.15 • Added the Recommended Pad Sizes for
WLCSP table.
• Added the Formula for Via Layouts for
0.5-mm MBGA Land Pads table.
• Added the Formula for Via Layouts for
0.4-mm VBGA Land Pads table.
• Added the PCB Vendor Specification for a
0.50-mm MBGA table.
• Added the PCB Vendor Specification for a
0.40-mm VBGA table.
• Added the Via and Routing Space
Available for 0.50-mm MBGA NSMD
Land Pads figure.
• Added the Placement of Via Capture Pad
for 0.5-mm MBGA Land Pads figure.
• Added the Placement of Via Capture Pad
for 0.4-mm VBGA Land Pads figure.
• Added the Typical Via Capture Pad Size
for a 0.50-mm MBGA figure.
• Added the Typical Via Capture Pad Size
for a 0.40-mm VBGA figure.
• Added the Escape Routing for Single
Trace for 0.5-mm MBGA figure.
• Updated the Via and Routing Space
Available for 0.80-mm UBGA (BT
Substrate) NSMD Land Pads figure.

September 2014 5.3 • Dimensions in mm are added to

respective figures.
• PCB Vendor Specifications for 0.80-mm
UBGA (BT Substrate) were updated.
• Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers
for 0.5mm 153-pin MBGA was added.
• Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 4 Layers
for 0.4mm 81-pin VBGA was added.
• Sample PCB Routing Scheme on 2 Layers
for 0.4mm 36-pin VBGA was added.

January 2014 5.2 0.80-mm UBGA (BT Substrate) package was

added.
December 2007 5.1 Additional samples were added in “Number
of PCB Layers” on page 15.

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2014.12.15 Document Revision History 29

Date Version Changes

May 2007 5.0 • Updated Table 3 to include pad
recommendations for 0.5 mm MBGA.
• Updated Table 6 to reflect the current
PCB vendor capability.
• Added the MBGA update to “Number of
PCB Layers” on page 15 section.
• Added Figures 16 and 17.

February 2006 4.0 Changed name of document to Designing

With High-Density BGA Packages for Altera
Devices from Designing With FineLine BGA
Packages for APEX, FLEX, ACEX, MAX 7000
& MAX 3000 Devices.

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