PCBs (printed circuit boards) are without a doubt a key feature in the manufacturing and development of most electronic components and equipment. You can find PCBs in just about every type of electronic device. Most people have accepted the fact that PCBs are here to stay, but have you wondered what exactly a PCB is? If you have, then keep on reading to find out the answer.
PCBs
The PCB is actually a board that as pads and lines that connected at various junctures together. The PCBs have paths that trace the electrical connection between components and connectors and with each other. A printed circuit board allows power and signal to be properly routed between physical devices. In this instance, solder is the metal that allows for the electrical connections between electronic components and the surface of the PCB. As it is metal, the solder also acts as a very strong mechanical adhesive.
Composition of PCBs
PCBs are layered and each layer is made up of a different component. In a typical PCB, the layering would be as follows:
- Silk Screen: The white silkscreen layer is applied on top of the soldermask layer.
- Soldermask: The layer on top of the copper foil is called the soldermask layer.
- Copper: A thin copper foil is laminated to the board with heat and adhesive.
- Substrate (FR4): While not inexpensive, the FR4 is incredibly durable.
Types of Construction Methods
Basically speaking there are three major types of PCBs construction:
- Single sided printed circuit boards
- Double sided printed circuit boards
- Multi layered printed circuit boards
Component Connection Methods
The components printed on a circuit board are connected electrically to the circuits by two very distinctive methods.
- Through hole technology (also commonly referred to as the older technology)
- Surface mount technology (also commonly referred to as the newer technology)
Types of Circuit Assemblies
- Integrated Circuit
And integrated circuit (IC), also known as microchip, performs similar functions to a PCB. That is except for the fact the integrated circuit contains significantly more circuits and components that are electrochemically ‘grown’ on the surface of a very small chip of silicon.
- Hybrid Circuit
As the name pretty much implies, the hybrid circuit resembles a printed circuit board, but has some components that are ‘grown’ onto the surface of the substrate as opposed to being placed on the surface and then being soldered.
One of the most interesting things about PCBs is that if you have interest in the field, then with the aid of computer aided design (CAD) system, you can design your own PCBs. But it would be best if you leave the process of PCB fabrication to professionals such as Super PCB. You can send us your design and once it has been verified by our experts, we will have your PCB prototype create in next to no time. You can contact us anytime or you can email us directly at info@superpcb.com