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AncientNord , 10-24-2024, 11:12 AM

How can I calculate what current I can pass through 6 vias?
1. this default vias in kicad
2. default order pcb jlcpcb

QDrives , 10-24-2024, 07:02 PM

A "default" rule I use is 1A per via.

Robert Feranec , 10-25-2024, 04:28 AM

I use Saturn PCB Toolkit, it's free and has many useful calculators, including via current https://saturnpcb.com/saturn-pcb-toolkit/

AncientNord , 10-25-2024, 10:07 AM

Thanks for the answer. if I have 6 such vias - does the current add up? that is, there will be 10A

Robert Feranec , 10-25-2024, 10:35 AM

to keep it simple, yes, that is how I do that. Of course due current distribution, there will be different currents through different vias, but to be honest, currents through vias can be quite high. once I did some experiments if you like you can watch this video: https://youtu.be/LQ20GBonRmA?si=qYqpTsT6q5H9NmJ2&t=2192

QDrives , 10-26-2024, 12:07 AM

Do note that that is a single via that has a whole board that it can use as a heat sink.
Placing many (6) vias close together is another story.
Not that it will not be able to carry 10A, but the temperature rise will be more 20°C as set in Saturn PCB toolkit.

The current carrying capability of vias also largely depends on the connected copper. If it is a plane, the via will use that as a heatsink.