GROUND plane or nor GROUND plane

[xnihilo]

This is probably not the right place for this question bu maybe someone might want to share what he knows.
My project is 95% finished but I still don't know if I should include a ground plane on one or both sides of my PCB and if yes, what area it should cover...

[Bruce]

I always include a ground plane with the bottom layer solid copper, and each ground connection from the upper layer connected directly to the plane.

Attached is an example of an RF transmitter board. The lower layer is all copper connected to ground.

[xnihilo]

I see.
I have a ground plane on both top and bottom layer. Is that right or wrong, is there a reason why not have a ground plane also on the top layer?
I thought ground plane was used for reducing noise and acting as a heatsink.
I heard also about loops that can increase capacitance...?

[mackrackit]

I would avoid a ground plane on the top and bottom, you can make a capacitor if you have one on both sides of the PCB.

[aratti]

You can keep the ground plane on both sides providing that the electrical connection between the two grounds is done in one unique point.

Al.

[Bruce]

I've seen valid arguments for both, but it totally depends on what you have on the board,
and how you're connecting entry points to your ground plane.

In my own opinion, dual ground planes aren't necessary. Unless you're trying to save on the
cost of etching boards.

I've had over 40 boards FCC certified with only a single ground plane on the lower layer.

Edit: What AL said is good info. If you DO include a ground plane on both sides of your board
(make sure you have only 1 entry point from your power supply input) to both planes.

I.E. the ground from your power supply input connects to the entry point of the plane. There
should be NO ground traces to anywhere else on your PCB. Each IC should have a very short
trace directly to a "via" that connects directly to your ground plane. A 4-spoke thermal connection
point like the one in the attached graphic works extremely well - with single or dual planes.