Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) design system and method allows for PCB layouts that can be manufactured using a PCB manufacturing technology selected from multiple PCB manufacturing technologies with minimal or no modification to the PCB layout. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the PCB layout is designed to meet all design rules of a High Density Interconnect (HDI) manufacturing technology while minimizing requirements for layout changes when the PCB is manufactured using an Interstitial Via Hole (IVH) manufacturing technology. An IVH PCB includes a plurality of vias positioned within reserved via areas that form connections between at least some conductive elements on the board layers. The conductive elements and the plurality of vias form a layout such that a majority of reserved via areas, of all of the reserved via areas on the printed circuit board, are adequate to accommodate mechanically drilled vias manufactured with the HDI manufacturing technology.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) design system and method allows for PCB layouts that can be manufactured using a PCB manufacturing technology selected from multiple PCB manufacturing technologies with minimal or no modification to the PCB layout. Accordingly, a PCB layout of a PCB meets the requirements, or nearly meets the requirements, for multiple manufacturing technology design rules. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the PCB layout is designed to meet all design rules of a High Density Interconnect (HDI) manufacturing technology while minimizing requirements for layout changes when the PCB is manufactured using an Interstitial Via Hole (IVH) manufacturing technology. An IVH PCB includes a plurality of vias positioned within reserved via areas that form connections between at least some conductive elements on the board layers.