Patent ID: 7069646

Claim:
A method for reducing the number of layers in a multilayer signal routing device, the multilayer signal routing device having a plurality of electrically conductive signal path layers for routing a plurality of electrical signals thereon, the method comprising: forming a plurality of electrically conductive vias in the multilayer signal routing device for electrically connecting at least two of the plurality of electrically conductive signal path layers, the plurality of electrically conductive vias being arranged so as to form at least one channel in at least one other of the plurality of electrically conductive signal path layers, wherein the plurality of electrically conductive vias form a part of an array of a plurality of electrically conductive contacts, wherein the at least one channel is at least partially formed beneath at least some of the plurality of electrically conductive vias and traverses the array; and grouping at least a portion of the plurality of electrical signals based at least in part upon their proximity to the at least one channel so that they may be efficiently routed therein.