What is a PCB

A Printed Circuit Board is a module of electronic components that are interconnected in a self-contained structure. The board itself serves as a mechanical support while the multi-layered design connects electrical and electronic components together in various forms such as conductive tracks, pads, and other features.

An important concept associated with PCB is PCB Assembly, which is also known as PCBA. The process is essentially to assembly the electronic component to the bare printed circuit board.

The direct current passes through the network pathway made from copper. This network is either attached or soldered—commonly termed “printed”–across the surface of an insulated board, also called the substrate.

Surface-mount, the latest technology in PCB manufacturing is widely used in a multitude of industries today. It is cheaper to produce, smaller components can be used, and has a faster production process.

Types of PCB

There are three main types of boards currently used today in PCB manufacturing.

Single-sided PCB – Considered the first generation of PCB, these boards are used for simple digital devices. They are made of an R4 base and have rigid laminate made of woven glass epoxy material. During PCB fabrication phase, a layer of copper of varying thickness is applied.

Double-sided PCB – These boards possess the same base as single-sided boards. The main difference between them is that copper of varying thickness covers both sides of the board.

Multi-layered PCB – This type of board uses copper foil instead of coating. The foil is made into layers that alternate between the copper foil and base material. Multi-layered PCB fabrication and assembly is the current trend nowadays as products requiring PCBs are getting more complex.