Definition

Staggered vias are micro-vias offset horizontally from each other on successive build-up layers, rather than stacked directly above one another. Staggering allows vias to land on copper pads without requiring the lower via to be filled, reducing process complexity and cost. The offset pattern must provide sufficient capture pad area for each via. Staggered vias use more routing space than stacked vias but are adequate for many HDI applications. A mix of stacked and staggered vias is common.