8-Layer PCB
8-Layer PCB
For Serious Hardware
When your FPGA, SoC, or multi-radio design outgrows 6 layers. Full impedance control, multiple reference planes, and room to route without compromise.
Recommended 8-Layer Stackup
8-Layer Specifications
Standard 8-Layer PCB Stackup
The most widely used 8-layer PCB stackup follows a signal-ground-signal-power-ground-signal-ground-signal (S/G/S/P/G/S/G/S) arrangement. Placing a ground plane directly beside every routing layer gives each signal a tight, continuous return path, which is what keeps impedance predictable and crosstalk low on high-speed nets.
The buried power plane (L4) pairs with the adjacent ground on L5 to form a low-inductance power distribution network, while the outer signal layers (L1 and L8) stay free for BGA breakout and component placement. This is the same reference-plane discipline used in our recommended stackup above — every high-speed trace routes against a solid plane.
When routing density or additional power domains outgrow eight layers, a 10-layer stackup extends the same principle: you add another signal/ground pair rather than reshuffling references, preserving signal integrity as complexity grows. The engineering logic behind an 8-layer PCB stackup scales cleanly to 10 layers and beyond.
FAQs
8-Layer Questions
When should I go to 8 layers?
When you need: 4+ signal layers with continuous reference planes, FPGA/SoC with 400+ pins, DDR4 with matched lengths, or multiple power domains requiring isolated planes.
How much does 8-layer cost?
Roughly 2x the cost of 4-layer for similar board size. Exact pricing depends on your specs — use our instant quote for precise numbers.
Can you do blind vias on 8-layer?
Yes. L1-L2 and L7-L8 blind vias are standard. Buried vias (L2-L7, L3-L6) also available. This approaches HDI territory — contact us for complex via structures.
What material do you recommend?
FR-4 TG170 for most applications. For high-speed (PCIe Gen4+, 10G+ Ethernet), we recommend low-loss FR-4 or Megtron 4. Our engineers can advise based on your signal speeds.
Ready for 8-layer?
Instant pricing. Full impedance control. Engineering review on every order.
Related: 4-Layer PCB · 6-Layer PCB · Stackup Calculator