For rigid boards, either IPC-6012 or IPC-A-600 will normally be used for qualifying fabricated rigid PCBs. These additional standards are meant to be largely consistent with the IPC-2221 standards for generic PCBs. However, IPC-2221 is not typically the qualification standard used to assess product reliability or manufacturing yield/defects. For example, the IPC-6012 and IPC-6018 provide design specifications on rigid PCBs and high-frequency PCBs, respectively. Some of the design guidelines are superseded by more specific design standards. Some examples include design requirements on materials (including substrates and plating), testability, thermal management and thermal reliefs, and annular rings, to name a few. IPC-2221 (Revision B effective 2012) is a generally accepted industry standard that defines a multitude of PCB design aspects. When your design software includes these specifications as automated design rules, you can remain productive and avoid making layout mistakes as you build your board. For high voltage PCBs, an IPC-2221 calculator can help you quickly determine appropriate spacing requirements between conductive elements on your PCB, which helps ensure your next high voltage board will remain safe at its operating voltage. Many important design aspects are summarized in this design standard, some of which boil down to simple mathematical formulas. In high voltage PCB design, the important generic standard for PCB design is IPC-2221. With standardization comes the tools for compliance, such as calculators for certain design aspects, processes for auditing and inspection, and much more. Instead, they’re there to help create uniform expectations of product designs and performance across multiple industries. PCB design and assembly standards aren’t there to constrain your productivity. Unsure of your conductor spacing requirements in high voltage PCBs? An IPC-2221 calculator can help.

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