Harlan, The first enhancement that changed the printed wiring board (PWB) from a passive interconnect to an active component within the printed wiring assembly (PWA) was the introduction of matched impedance (controlled/differential/broadside) traces on various signal layers of a PWB. Embedding components within the structure of a PWB--to open up trace routing channels (reduce layer count), reduce path length (increase signal speed), reduce via hole count and free up external layer component mounting space--is gaining increased acceptance also. Typical "embedded" components are decoupling capacitance cores, resistors on both internal and external layers, and inductor/transformer coils (planar magnetics) built with up to 6 oz. (0.0084" thick) foils. The specifics of how this is done varies among PWB fabricators. Please contact me outside of the TechNet (commercial sensitivity) and I will gladly share with you what HADCO Corporation has to offer. Dave Wolf/Field Engineer Voice: 612/893-1466 E-Mail: [log in to unmask] ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: FAB: Embedded Components Author: [log in to unmask] at SMTPLINK-HADCO Date: 5/17/96 12:38 PM I think I've seen this topic before on TechNet but I can't find it in my archives. We are considering Embedded Components or Printed Components(I'm not sure of the proper name) on a new project. Is there anyone (experts) that knows of a company doing this either at the PWB fabrication level or at the final CCA level? Thanks in advance - Harlan