Thermal vias act as a bridge, conducting heat from hot spots on the PCB surface to a heat sink or ground plane, where it can dissipate more effectively. By optimizing thermal via placement, you can enhance your board's reliability and lifespan. PCB Heat dissipation holes (PCB thermal vias) are a technique used to dissipate heat to the backside of a PCB by using channels (through-holes) that penetrate through the PCB. They are placed directly under or as close as possible to the heat-generating component. In this knowledge base, you'll learn about thermal via types, their role in heat dissipation, and 16 key design considerations. As electronic devices become more compact and powerful, understanding the design and placement of PCB thermal vias and other thermal management techniques is crucial.