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Plated through holes (PTHs) are a type of hole used in printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are plated with metal to create a connection between different layers of the board. PTHs are used to connect the top and bottom copper layers of the board to the inner layers, allowing components on different layers to be electrically connected.

The process of creating a plated through hole involves drilling a hole through the entire thickness of the PCB, and then plating the inside of the hole with a conductive material such as copper. This creates a metal lining that connects the different layers of the board, and allows electrical signals to pass through the hole.

PTHs are commonly used in multilayer PCBs, where there are multiple layers of copper separated by layers of insulating material. By connecting the different layers of copper using PTHs, components on different layers can be connected to each other, and the overall circuit can be more compact and efficient.

In addition to providing electrical connectivity, PTHs can also be used for mechanical support and to aid in the assembly process. For example, they can be used to mount components or to connect the PCB to a larger system.

Overall, plated through holes are an important feature of modern PCBs, allowing for complex and compact circuit designs that can be used in a wide range of electronic applications.