pcb

Calculates the minimum PCB trace width for a given current using the IPC-2221 standard formula. The IPC-2221 empirical equation relates current capacity to cross-sectional area and temperature rise: I = k * dT^0.44 * A^0.725, where k=0.048 for external layers and k=0.024 for internal layers. Supports configurable copper weight (oz/ft^2) and temperature rise. Also computes approximate DC resistance per centimeter. Essential for power delivery, high-current motor drivers, and ensuring PCB reliability. Chain from voltage_divider or impedance_match to verify trace sizing for computed currents.

post/api/trace_width

Request

  • Base URL: https://calc.engineer
  • URL: https://calc.engineer/api/trace_width
  • Auth: none declared

Request body

current_ampsnumber required

Required current capacity in amperes (A).

copper_oznumber

Copper weight in ounces per square foot. 1 oz/ft^2 = 1.37 mil (34.8 um) thickness. Common values: 0.5, 1, 2.

temp_rise_cnumber

Allowable temperature rise above ambient in degrees Celsius. IPC-2221 standard uses 10, 20, or 30 C.

layer'external' | 'internal'

PCB layer type. External layers dissipate heat better (k=0.048); internal layers use k=0.024.

Response

Computed result for trace_width

toolstring required
versionstring required
computed_atstring date-time required

Changes

No recorded changes to this operation across all 1 revision of this API.