aspect ratio (PCB) (AR)

The term aspect ratio( AR) is used in many areas of computer technology, electronics, communication technology, for display formats, projection surfaces and in various other technologies. It always refers to the length-height ratio of display surfaces, sensor formats, smart cards or printed circuit boards.

1. In computer technology, aspect ratio usually refers to the display and its aspect ratio, which is defined by the ratio between screen width and height. From the classic aspect ratio of 4:3, many demand-oriented aspect rat ios have emerged: 16:9 for HDTV, 21:9, 5:4, 15:9, 18:10 and 16:10 for widescreen, among others.
2. Graphics standards supporting the many aspect ratios were expanded for the various display formats.
3. At the same time as the display technology, the recording technology also had to be adapted. This refers to the image sensors, which are also available with different aspect ratios. In addition to the classic 4:3, there are image sensors with an aspect ratio of 16:9 but also of 3:2 or 1:1.
4. As far as electronics and thus PCB technology is concerned, for PCBs the aspect ratio refers to the ratio between the PCB thickness and the hole diameter. This ratio is also referred to as the aspect ratio. For example, if the PCB has a thickness of 0.2 mm and the hole has a diameter of 0.02 mm, then the aspect ratio is 10:1. With regard to the hole diameter, it should be noted that board developers use the so-called finished hole size (FHS) as the size for the diameter, i.e. the hole diameter from the finished hole and not the diameter of the drill.