Is ground plane required on top and bottom layers?

[brs]

Hi all,

I wonder is ground plane really required for free spaces around board on top and bottom layers for multi layer boards (4 layers and more)? Normally I have seperate internal gnd layers. What are your thoughts?

Thank you.

[robertferanec]

I do not pour GND into empty spaces between tracks and I have never seen any problems with that.

PS: Actually some time ago I read an article, that improper GND pour between tracks can make it worse (especially for EMC and EMI) and I think it can be truth.

[brs]

Actually I meant space around circuits, edges of the board, not between tracks. I see that most people pour gnd into all the spaces as a general behavior.

[robertferanec]

I see that most people pour gnd into all the spaces as a general behavior.

- that is what I meant ... pouring gnd into all spaces

[xddarko]

Hi,

I personally check the "Remove dead copper" icon in Altium to remove any copper which does not connect to GND or a power plane.
Also avoid copper between tracks.

Hope it helps.