Designer Insight: High pin density with smart BGA optimization

#2 High pin density without HDI smart BGA optimization

👤 About the Author

Frank R., CID

📍 Germany
🎯 Specialist in high-density FPGA layouts

“Sometimes the best HDI strategy is not using HDI at all.”

📦 Project Snapshot

FPGA module for video signals

📏Limited installation space
🔄 Replacement board
💰 Goal: cost-efficient, production-ready solution

⚙️ Technical Challenge

💡 Situation:

At the time of prototyping, partial HDI pool production was not yet available.

The objective:

• Use standard PCB technology
• Keep costs low
• Remaining layers fully available for length matching
• Still achieve high pin density

Classic trade-off: density vs. cost vs. manufacturability

🧩 Engineering Workaround

🔬 Optimizing the BGA instead of using HDI

Component used: 0.4mm pitch BGA, 6×6 (BGA36C40P6X6)

Key design decision:

• Unused pads in the outer rows were intentionally removed
• This opened routing channels on the outer layer
• Inner pads became accessible without HDI

Result: High connection density achieved with a standard 4-layer buildup.

🏭 Eurocircuits Contribution

🚀 4-layer pooled production in standard technology

• Cost-efficient prototypes
• Production-capable solution
• No HDI process required

🔍 Design Review in the PCB Visualizer

• Deviations from the expected footprint were detected
• Reviewed with the designer
• Confirmed as intentional design strategy

👉 No correction needed – but full transparency ensured.

📊 Result & Benefit

✅ Production-ready solution
✅ Fast prototype turnaround
✅ Cost-efficient implementation
✅ High pin density without HDI

💬 Designer's Opinion

“The Eurocircuits HDI pool solution was not yet available at the time. Therefore, a manufacturable solution using standard technology was developed.”

🔎What Other Designers Can Learn

💡 HDI is not always required

💡 Component strategy can replace process complexity

💡 Removing unused pads can unlock routing space

💡 Design reviews validate even unconventional approaches

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