# IPC 2221 vs. 2152: The Truth About PCB Trace Current Ratings

- Show: [OnTrack](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack)
- Published: 2026-03-24
- Length: 59m
- Episode: 337
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-03-24-ipc-2221-vs-2152-the-truth-about-pcb-trace-current-ratings
- Listen: https://podcast.altium.com/e/ipc-2221-vs-2152-the-truth-about-pcb-trace-current-ratings/

## Summary

Mike Jouppi, formerly of the IPC 2152 Task Force, joins host Zach Peterson to explain why the IPC 2221 standard’s internal trace charts are misleading because they were derived from traces removed from the board and tested in free air, not in-board. Jouppi argues that designers should focus on power loss budgets rather than a static 10°C temperature rise, as adding copper planes allows for higher current but significantly increases total power dissipation. He highlights that modern simulation tools often lack the necessary baselines to validate complex current flows, such as those around high-current connectors, and calls for more industry involvement in updating standards like IPC 2152 to address parallel conductors and transient currents.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-03-24-ipc-2221-vs-2152-the-truth-about-pcb-trace-current-ratings#t=0) Introduction: Mike Jouppi and the IPC 2152 Task Force
- [1:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-03-24-ipc-2221-vs-2152-the-truth-about-pcb-trace-current-ratings#t=103) The Flawed History of IPC 2221 Internal Trace Data
- [8:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-03-24-ipc-2221-vs-2152-the-truth-about-pcb-trace-current-ratings#t=491) Why 10°C Rise Fails: Power Loss vs. Temperature
- [19:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-03-24-ipc-2221-vs-2152-the-truth-about-pcb-trace-current-ratings#t=1153) Limitations of Modern Thermal Simulation Tools
- [26:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-03-24-ipc-2221-vs-2152-the-truth-about-pcb-trace-current-ratings#t=1609) The Need for Industry Involvement in Standards
- [30:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-03-24-ipc-2221-vs-2152-the-truth-about-pcb-trace-current-ratings#t=1810) IPC 2152 Testing Constraints and High Current Issues
- [42:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-03-24-ipc-2221-vs-2152-the-truth-about-pcb-trace-current-ratings#t=2549) Comparing IPC 2221 Formulas to 2152 Test Data
- [53:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-03-24-ipc-2221-vs-2152-the-truth-about-pcb-trace-current-ratings#t=3201) Technology-Specific Design Charts and Conclusion

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Certification & compliance](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/certification-and-compliance)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- IPC 2221 (other)
- IPC 2152 (other)
- Saturn (other)
- Keysight (company)
- CST (company)
- Ansys (company)
- Solaria PCB (other)

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## Citing this page

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