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brandon , 06-09-2026, 01:23 PM

Hi Everyone

I am new to PCB design and have been binging a lot of Robert's content to learn as much as I can.
I just completed Robert's latest tutorial on YT (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0bmmF1wTEs).
I was wondering why you would pick two ground planes in this scenario rather than having a ground and a power plane? Is there like a standard that you typically follow (such as try route everything on top and only if it won't work then reach for the planes?)

, 06-09-2026, 01:33 PM

🤖 In the meantime, here’s a response from the [FEDEVEL AI HW Assistant]().
It helps to find relevant resources for your question, but it may make mistakes as it’s still in early development.

This is the response from the AI Assistant:
The choice between using dual ground planes versus ground+power planes comes down to managing return currents and minimizing noise. Here's the key reasoning from experts in the field:

1. **Return Path Control**: When signals switch layers (through vias), their return currents must find a path between reference planes. If you use adjacent ground planes, you can add "stitching vias" to create low-impedance paths for return currents. This dramatically reduces crosstalk and ground bounce noise. With different voltage planes, you lose this ability. [Source 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdCJxdR7L_I&t=2655)

2. **Signal Integrity Priority**: While power planes can technically serve as reference planes, they're only ideal when they match the signal's voltage. Ground planes provide a universal reference and avoid the complexity of managing multiple voltage domains. As Eric Bogatin notes: "If you can't articulate a strong reason to use a power plane, make it ground." [Source 6](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdCJxdR7L_I&t=1768)

3. **EMI Reduction**: Ground planes help contain electromagnetic fields better than split power planes. Simulations show routing over discontinuous power planes increases radiated emissions, even if voltages match. Solid ground planes create cleaner field containment. [Source 14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yptbPYe1BL0&t=2950)

4.

, 06-09-2026, 01:33 PM

**Practical Risk Management**: For new designers, dual ground planes are safer:
- Avoids complex cavity resonance issues between different voltage planes
- Eliminates need for perfect decoupling between power/ground
- Reduces dependency on advanced simulation tools
[Source 12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdCJxdR7L_I&t=1465)

**When to Use Power Planes**: Reserve them for high-current distribution (>10A) or when you need ultra-low impedance power delivery. Even then, experts recommend sandwiching power planes between ground layers in a 3-plane stackup for better field containment. [Source 15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdCJxdR7L_I&t=1345)

The standard approach for most digital boards is:
1. Route signals on outer layers first
2. Use inner ground planes for return paths
3. Distribute power with traces/polygons unless current demands require planes
4. Only use power planes when absolutely necessary, and pair them with adjacent ground layers

You can continue chatting with the AI Assistant here:
https://fedevel.com/hw-assistant

brandon , 06-09-2026, 02:01 PM

Wow wicked AI, great job! This Eric Bogatin video is golden!

Robert Feranec , 06-09-2026, 02:07 PM

it's easier to use GND stitching VIAs between two ground layers than trying to keep good path for return currents between GND and POWER planes (that may require stitching capacitors). Also, I need to add - this specific design is super simple - there was no need for power plane inside of PCB.

brandon , 06-09-2026, 02:08 PM

@Robert Feranec thank you very much for the explanation and everything you do.
I tried to reach out to you on LinkedIn to see if you would consult on a PCB review for a product I am trying to make?

Robert Feranec , 06-09-2026, 02:12 PM

Thank you. About review: the best is to send email to info@fedevel.com, Marcela will answer how this usually works.