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Quick Start: Standalone PCB Stackup Designer

Short written version of the standalone stackup generator workflow. For a 5-minute video walkthrough, see the tutorial video link below (when published).

What it is

The standalone PCB Stackup Designer lets you define multi-layer PCB stackups—layer count, materials, thickness, and impedance—without using the full 5-phase RF Module Designer. Use it when you only need stackup design.

How to open it

  1. Open the app (landing page or /app/projects).
  2. In the top navigation, click PCB Stackup Designer.
  3. The URL becomes /app/pcb-stackup and the stackup form and tabs load.

Form and first stackup

  1. Application & power (optional but recommended):
  2. Application: for example WiFi/WLAN, 5G Cellular, Automotive. Thermal validation class is derived from this (single source).
  3. Target output power (dBm): for example 30.
  4. Optionally set Max operating temperature (°C).
  5. Stackup parameters:
  6. Frequency (GHz).
  7. Number of layers (even, for example 4, 6, 8).
  8. Target finished thickness (mils, for example 62).
  9. DC current (A).
  10. If you set application and power, the tool may suggest layers and materials; adjust as needed.
  11. Click Generate Stackup.

Result table

After generation you see:

  • Layer table: type, material, thickness, impedance per layer.
  • Edit: change dielectric material or thickness from the row dropdowns; total thickness and impedance update.
  • Save / Load: use the file menu row to save a stackup configuration or load a previously saved one.

Build types

Tabs at the top are build types:

  • Single Lamination: standard boards (through-hole).
  • HDI-1 through HDI-4: designs with microvias (progressively more complex).

Switch to another build type and click Generate Stackup again to see a different stackup style.

Tool tabs

After you have a stackup, use the tool tabs:

  • Impedance Calculator: target impedance or trace width; get the other and dielectric height.
  • Via Padstack Technology: via types and sizes.
  • DFM Validation: manufacturability checks (pass/fail).
  • Thermal: thermal analysis.
  • Export PDF / Export ADS / Export KiCAD / Export ODB++: export stackup or design data.

Tutorial video

A 5-minute tutorial video walks through the same steps with the live UI. When published, the link will be added here and in the PCB Stackup Designer User Manual.

Script and shot list (for recording/editing): STANDALONE_STACKUP_TUTORIAL_SCRIPT.md.

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