Please enter all required values.
RESULTS
Input Parameters Specification
Maximum CurrentEnter the highest current expected through the embedded stripline trace. Higher current requires a larger PCB conductor width to keep heating under control.
Output Width UnitSelect the unit used for the calculated stripline width result, such as mil, mm, cm, µm or inch.
Trace ThicknessEnter copper thickness used for the internal PCB layer. Thicker copper increases cross-sectional area and reduces resistance.
Temperature RiseSelect allowed heating above ambient temperature. Lower allowed temperature rise usually requires a wider trace.
Ambient TemperatureEnter board operating ambient temperature in °C, K or °F. This combines with temperature rise to estimate final trace temperature.
Trace LengthEnter conductor length used for resistance, voltage drop and power dissipation calculation.
Practical Operational Examples
PCB Current Capacity
Find required embedded stripline width for a target current and copper thickness in power boards, motor controllers and DC distribution PCBs.
Voltage Drop Check
Estimate trace resistance, voltage drop and power dissipation so the load receives proper voltage across the internal PCB current path.
Internal Layer Routing
Use this calculator when a high-current net is routed as a stripline between reference planes instead of an external PCB trace.
Thermal Margin
Compare 10 °C, 20 °C, 30 °C and 45 °C rise options to choose a practical trace width for long-term board reliability.
Diagrams & Theory
A stripline trace is embedded between dielectric layers and reference planes. Wider and thicker copper reduces resistance, voltage drop and heating. Because the conductor is inside the PCB stack-up, thermal behavior is different from an external trace, so temperature rise selection is important.
Formulas & Mathematical Logic
Step 1: Convert current to amperes, thickness to mils, ambient temperature to Celsius and length to centimeters.
Step 2: Cross section is estimated using the selected temperature rise and current polynomial from the original calculator logic.
Step 3: Trace width = cross section / thickness / selected output width unit.
Step 4: Trace temperature = temperature rise + ambient temperature.
Step 5: Resistance = abs(17e-7 × length_cm / cross_section_cm² × (1 + 0.0039 × (trace_temperature - 25))).
Step 6: Voltage drop = resistance × current.
Step 7: Power dissipation = voltage drop × current.
Practical meaning: higher current or lower allowed temperature rise increases required stripline width, while longer traces increase resistance, voltage drop and power loss.
Step-by-Step Example
Example: maximum current = 2 A, trace thickness = 1 mil, temperature rise = 10 °C, ambient temperature = 25 °C, trace length = 2 inch.
The calculator first converts current, copper thickness, ambient temperature and trace length into the units used by the original calculation logic.
The selected 10 °C temperature rise is used to estimate the needed copper cross section for an internal stripline trace.
Trace width is calculated from cross section divided by copper thickness.
Trace temperature is calculated as ambient temperature plus selected temperature rise.
Resistance, voltage drop and power dissipation are calculated from the estimated stripline geometry and current.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the maximum current expected through the stripline trace.
Choose the output unit for the calculated trace width.
Enter copper thickness and select the correct thickness unit.
Select the allowed temperature rise for the internal PCB trace.
Enter ambient temperature in °C, K or °F.
Enter trace length, then click Calculate to see width, temperature, resistance, voltage drop and power loss.
About This Calculator
Size embedded PCB traces for current, heat and voltage drop.
The CalcBoy Stripline Trace Width Calculator estimates internal PCB trace width, trace temperature, resistance, voltage drop and power dissipation from current, copper thickness, temperature rise and trace length.
In multilayer PCB design, a stripline trace is routed inside the board between reference planes. This structure is common in controlled-impedance layouts, power distribution, compact embedded electronics and high-reliability PCB routing. Even though the trace is made from copper, it still has resistance, and that resistance can create heating, voltage loss and power dissipation when current flows through it.
This calculator is useful when checking internal PCB current paths for power supplies, motor drivers, LED drivers, battery circuits, embedded controllers and industrial electronics. A trace that works on the surface layer may not behave the same when placed inside the stack-up because heat spreads differently. That is why temperature rise and copper thickness are important inputs.
Use the result as an early design guide before final PCB review. For high-current designs, also check via current, connector rating, copper pours, thermal reliefs, manufacturing limits and IPC-style design margins.
Best UseInternal stripline width checks for multilayer PCB current paths.
Supported OutputsTrace width, temperature, resistance, voltage drop and power dissipation.
Helpful ForSMPS boards, motor controllers, LED drivers, battery circuits and embedded power routing.
Design ReminderLower temperature rise and higher current usually require wider copper.
Tip: For production PCBs, keep enough design margin. Internal traces can be harder to cool than external copper, especially when high-current nets are surrounded by dielectric material.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a stripline trace?
A stripline trace is a PCB conductor embedded inside the board between dielectric layers and reference planes.
Why is stripline width important?
Trace width affects current capacity, resistance, voltage drop and copper heating. A narrow stripline may run hotter at the same current.
Does copper thickness reduce required width?
Yes. Thicker copper increases cross-sectional area, so the same current can often be carried with less width.
Why does temperature rise matter?
Temperature rise defines how much heating is allowed above ambient temperature. Lower temperature rise usually needs a wider trace.
Can this replace PCB manufacturer rules?
No. It is a design calculator, but final PCB layout should also follow manufacturer limits, IPC guidance, via capacity and safety margin.
What outputs does this calculator provide?
It provides stripline trace width, final trace temperature, resistance, voltage drop and power dissipation.
Related Calculators
PCB Trace Width CalculatorEstimate external PCB trace width for current and temperature rise.
Trace Resistance CalculatorCalculate PCB copper trace resistance from width, length, thickness and temperature.
Voltage Drop CalculatorCheck voltage loss across conductors and copper paths.
Ohm’s Law CalculatorCalculate voltage, current, resistance and power in circuits.