What Is Castellated Hole PCB?

Castellated Hole PCB generally refers to a printed circuit board that has plated holes cut along the board edge. This page explains what Castellated Hole PCB means, why it is used, common applications of castellated holes, and when you should enable this option in the online quote process.

Basic Meaning of Castellated Hole PCB

A Castellated Hole PCB usually refers to a PCB that has plated holes positioned on the board edge, so that the holes are partially cut and form half-hole style metalized connections.

This type of structure is commonly used when one PCB is intended to be soldered onto another PCB, often as a small module or daughter board.

Simple understanding: Castellated holes are plated edge holes that allow one PCB module to be soldered onto another board more easily.

Why Castellated Hole PCB Is Used

Castellated Hole PCB is commonly used in designs where compact PCB modules need to be mounted directly onto another PCB.

  • Module-to-board soldering
  • Compact PCB module connection
  • Board edge interconnection design
  • Projects where a daughter board must be soldered onto a main board

This structure can be useful when the design requires a small PCB to function as a removable or soldered-on module.

Common Applications of Castellated Hole PCB

Castellated holes are often used in compact module-style PCB applications.

Application Type General Use
Wireless modules Module PCB mounted onto a main control board
Communication modules Compact daughter board connection
Embedded sub-boards Small function board soldered to another PCB
Module-style designs Board edge plated connection for assembly integration
Note: Actual application suitability depends on the PCB design and module structure.

How Castellated Hole PCB Differs from a Standard PCB

A standard PCB does not normally include plated half-holes cut on the board edge. A Castellated Hole PCB includes this special edge-hole structure as part of the board design.

PCB Type General Difference
Standard PCB No special plated half-hole structure on the board edge
Castellated Hole PCB Includes plated edge holes intended for module or board-edge connection
Important: Castellated Hole PCB is a special PCB feature and should only be selected when the PCB design specifically requires castellated holes.

When Should You Use Castellated Hole PCB?

You should consider Castellated Hole PCB when your design includes plated edge holes and the board is intended to be soldered onto another PCB as part of the final assembly.

  • Your engineering drawing includes castellated holes
  • Your Gerber design shows plated board-edge holes
  • Your PCB is intended to function as a small soldered module
  • Your project requires board-edge plated interconnection

If your PCB does not use castellated holes as part of the design, this option should not be enabled.

How Castellated Hole PCB Works in Our Quote Process

On our website, Castellated Hole PCB is selected in the Unusual PCB Features (Option) section.

  1. Open the PCB quote page
  2. Select the required PCB Layers
  3. Go to Unusual PCB Features (Option)
  4. Change Castellated Hole PCB from No to Yes
  5. Continue the quote process
Note: Castellated Hole PCB is selected in the Unusual PCB Features (Option) section, not in the basic PCB specification section.

Need to Quote Castellated Hole PCB?

If your PCB design requires castellated holes, please follow our step-by-step guide to enable this option in the online quote form.

Castellated Hole PCB FAQ

Is Castellated Hole PCB a standard PCB option?

No. Castellated Hole PCB is generally treated as a special PCB feature rather than a standard board option.

When should I enable Castellated Hole PCB in the quote form?

You should enable it when your engineering drawing or PCB design specifically includes castellated holes.

What is Castellated Hole PCB usually used for?

It is commonly used for PCB modules or daughter boards that need to be soldered onto another PCB.

Need Help?

If you are not sure whether your PCB design requires castellated holes, please contact us before placing the quote or order.