Patent ID: 7256354

Claim:
A method for reducing the number of layers in a multilayer circuit board, the multilayer circuit board having a plurality of electrically conductive signal path layers for routing electrical signals to and from at least one electronic component mounted on a surface of the multilayer circuit board, the method comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of electrically conductive vias in the multilayer circuit board extending from the surface of the multilayer circuit board to at least one of the plurality of electrically conductive signal layers; arranging the surface such that a set of at least two power/ground pins is electrically connected to a via that extends only partially through the multilayer circuit board so as to create at least a portion of a channel on at least a first of the plurality of electrically conductive signal layers, the portion of the channel being located substantially beneath at least one of the at least two power/ground pins and adjacent to the via; and routing at least one electrical signal through the portion of the channel on the first of the plurality of electrically conductive signal layers.