Patent ID: 8885357

Claim:
A multi-layer printed circuit board, comprising: a multi-layer board having a number of conductive traces for carrying signals and one or more ground planes that are connected by a number of conductive grounding vias; wherein the printed circuit board includes a series of conductive landing pads on an outer layer of the printed board that are configured to electrically engage contacts of a socket connector mounted on the printed circuit board and further includes one or more micro vias positioned between landing pads associated with different signals, wherein each micro via is electrically connected to a ground plane on the outer layer of the printed circuit board and a ground plane on an inner layer of the printed circuit board, wherein signals are carried differentially on a pair of traces, such that there are two landing pads for each signal that is electrically coupled to the connector, and wherein each micro via is positioned between the two landing pads associated with different signals, wherein the landing pads are aligned and the micro vias are symmetrically placed between the landing pads associated with different signals.