Paschen curve for a PCB trace in low vacuum

TL;DR

This study estimates the electrical breakdown voltage of a PCB trace in low vacuum conditions using a simplified model and experimentally measures the Paschen curve across a range of pressures from 2x10^-3 mbar to 25 mbar.

Contribution

It provides both a theoretical estimation and experimental measurement of Paschen curves for PCB traces in low vacuum environments, which is novel for this application.

Findings

Estimated breakdown voltage using simplified geometrical model.

Experimental Paschen curve measured across specified pressure range.

Results inform PCB design for low vacuum applications.

Abstract

For one PCB trace region, where bare high voltage trace goes near GND pad, we estimated an electrical breakdown voltage in low vacuum using simplified geometrical model under some assumptions. Experimental measurement of Paschen curve for the PCB board considered was proceed in pressure range from 2x10-3 mbar to 25 mbar.