Ok: here is my situation: I will be making my own PCB's using toner-transfer methods. All parts are SMDs. If I need to make a 4-layer board, I would like to make two-2-layer boards and put them together -- one atop the other with interconnecting vias using wires or pins -- no multilayer PCB fab shop costs here! So, as far as DipTrace goes, how can I manage registration among the 4 layers? More below...

If I get the 4-signal-layer version of DipTrace, then how do I split the board up so as to fab each 2-layer board individually?
How could I mount parts on 4 sides and maintain registration within DipTrace?
If I do a straight 4-layer board then DipTrace will allow me 2 layers to mount parts. How do I get around this?
Or, if I do two-2-layer boards, then how do I maintain exact registration for connecting vias betweenthe two-2-layer boards?
Do I need the 2-Signal-Layer version of DipTrace or the 4?
Can this be done? How?

It would appear to me that some trickery is needed either way I go for what I have outlined. A common board outline with feducials(sp) will only partially solve this problem -- especially if I need 4 surfaces to mount parts.

Anyone out there do their own PCB's? Anyone ever use Solder mask material in a home shop?

You can design 4-layer boards using DipTrace standard and higher versions but lower versions may be used too if internal layers are defined as plane layers. But making 4-layer boards at home seems almost impossible.

I understood that. Could you please re-read my original post? There is much more there that I am asking. Thanks.

It is getting four componant layers and having registration that is baffling me right now.

Just let me know how can you isolate internal layers if you create sandwich with two two-sided boards. How can you metalize holes? And so on.
DipTrace allows you design multilayer boards. You will get separate Gerber file for each layer as well as NC drill files. Do everything you want with them.

I don't see the point of going into my IP to answer your question. The How is my IP. The question remains: How can I get DipTrace to recognize 4 component layers? OR How do I maintain registration over 2-two-layer boards?

The difference is $200 between the 2-layer and 4-layer versions of DipTrace! Can I create some type of graphic overlay or template representing the through-vias that could transfer to the 2nd 2-layer board, without exceeding the 2-signal-layer limit? Perhaps becoming part of the PCB outline file?

Let's look at this another way. Everyone knows that 2 PCB's can be made seperately the same exact size but joined by a cable so that when folded over (one atop the other) the entire assembly is now more compact. My application is almost the same -- except I have connections between the two boards that extend beyond an edge-connector and must register properly.

I suppose it is possible by designing 2 boards based on the same board outline/vias template and then make printing for Top/Inner1 from first file and Inner2/Bottom from the second file and make hole/via plating after uniting boards. But honestly I don't think this way is good as it is time-consuming + probability of mistake is very high.

If you are hobbyist - please check Non-Profit 4 layer version for $125.
If you are commercial user and plan to make 4 layer toner-transfer boards to sell them - I would recommend to avoid that and use manufacturing method.
Notice number of plane layers is unlimited and 4 layer board with two signal layers and 2 power planes can be made by Lite license.

I've done this - kind of anyway. (if I've understood you correctly)

Clearly a 4 surface board is 2 distinct PCB's so the issue is how do you line them up so they can be connected in a reliable manner. When I did this I designed both boards (which had a differernet outline) but designated common points between them. Once made, the boards connected together using matrix pins on one board and header's on the other.

In my schematic I designated a pair of connectors - one connector belonged to one board and the other one, the other board. I designed my schematic basically in two parts - all nets belonged to their own board and were bought together at the connectors. So all I had to do was make sure the connectors lined up and all was good.

I have to say, I never used the tonar transfer method but stuck with Kinston board, light box and amonuim persulphate. Since I moved over to SMT I have pretty much all of my boards made professionally - particularly boards for comercial projects. The idea of trying to do 4 layer boards with vias etc across two boards seems like a recipie for frustration! (but best of luck with it anyway) - Just for interest, I get prototype boards made at pcbcart in China - cheap as you like and quite easy to deal with.

Why would you avoid toner-transfer method?
Thanks for the non-profit mention -- I might consider that -- as a start-up, I can use some temporary $$ relief.

-- 05 Jul 2012, 14:54 --



All my boards will be 100% SMD. Is there a costing you can share for the China PCB house?
As far as toner transfer goes, I even saw a technique where one guy was putting copper traces on a glass substrate. Reliability unknown.