How to select width of PCB trace for High Current High Frequency (50kHz)?

The discussion addresses how to determine PCB trace width for high current (15A) at high frequency (50kHz), considering skin effect implications. Skin depth for copper at 50kHz is approximately 0.3 mm, affecting current distribution primarily in the conductor's thickness rather than its width. The skin effect confines current flow near the conductor surface, but for a rectangular PCB trace, both width and thickness influence current capacity. The concept of crossover frequency, where skin depth equals half the trace thickness, helps in selecting appropriate trace dimensions to mitigate skin effect losses. References highlight that skin depth is a surface penetration measure independent of conductor shape, meaning current flows within the skin depth region from all surfaces. Consequently, PCB trace width does not need to be reduced due to skin effect; instead, trace thickness and width should be chosen to ensure the entire cross-sectional area within the skin depth carries current, preventing overheating. Thermal design guidelines for PCB traces under AC and DC currents provide further insights.
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