Different Types Of Printed Circuit Boards
The density of electric and electronic devices keeps increasing day by day. Wide usage and more functionality options put a strain on electronics. Whether it’s communication chips, SOC, or power chips, data density has increased. The trend seems to prevail in the future too. With the increase in density, it becomes essential that the size of the device also increases. However, portability and storage can be major problems with big electronic devices. You want a slimmer option to resolve these downsides. It’s here PCBs or printed circuit boards come into play. Let’s find the various types of PCBs and their merits.
What are PCBs or printed circuit boards?
A PCB is a thin board made of composite fiberglass, epoxy, or other laminate materials. You could find PCBs in many electrical components such as computer systems, radios, beepers, and radars. Based on applications, different types of PCBs are used. Here is a list of the popular ones.
Single-sided PCBs
They’re the most basic type of board. These boards contain one layer of substrate or base material. A thin metallic layer covers the circuit base’s layer. Such PCBs also feature a protective solder mask included on the top of the layer with a screen coat.
These basic PCBs are extremely cost-effective. Also, they’re ideal for volume production that requires simple usage. Electronic toys, power sensors, and relays use single-sided circuit boards.
Double-sided PCBs
They encompass both the sides of the substrate or base having a metal conductive layer. The holes in the circuit board allow the metal parts to connect from one side to the other. These printed circuit boards attach the circuits on each of their sides by any of the two mounting schemes – through-hole technology and surface mount technology.
The through-hole technology involves the insertion of lead components through the pre-drilled holes resting on the circuit board. These pre-drilled holes are soldered on the opposite sides to the pads. On the other side, the surface mount technology involves the direct placement of electrical components on the surface of the circuit board.
Surface mounting allows more circuits to link to the board as opposed to the through-hole mounting technology. Such PCBs are widely used today. You may find them in power monitoring, test equipment, mobile phone systems, and other areas.
Multi-layer PCBs
These are printed circuit boards that contain more than two copper layers. They expand the technology associated with double-sided PCBs. Many layers of a base (substrate) board and insulating materials separate the layers in multi-layer PCBs.
Multi-layered PCBs present a higher level of design flexibility. They’re compact-sized, carry less weight, and occupy less space. They play a vital role in high-speed circuits and provide more space for conductor pattern and power.
Concluding words
The demand for printed circuit boards manufactured by the top PCB experts is increasing in various industrial sectors. To match the needs of users, many manufacturers offer different types of PCBs. You could even order customized PCBs matching your needs. Just ensure you turn to a reliable brand to bag the best PCB.
