What is PCB
A printed circuit board (PCB) is a flat, thin plate made from insulating material, designed to support and connect electronic components. The term "printed circuit" refers to the technique used to apply conductive pathways directly onto the board’s surface, enabling the organized flow of electricity between components.
These boards typically include one or more layers of metal, most often copper, which act as conductors for electrical signals. This layered structure not only ensures efficient connectivity but also provides structural support for various electronic elements mounted on the board.
PCBs are integral to nearly all modern electronic devices, including computers, mobile phones, digital clocks, and household appliances. Their role is to direct the flow of electricity within a device, making them essential for proper operation. Without PCBs, most electronics would be unreliable or simply nonfunctional.
Depending on the complexity and function of the device, PCBs can be manufactured in different forms. A single-sided PCB has one layer of conductive material, while double-sided boards have conductive layers on both sides. More complex devices use multi-layer PCBs, which contain multiple layers of conductors separated by insulating material, allowing for more intricate and compact designs.
The choice of materials used in PCB manufacturing significantly affects performance and durability. Commonly used materials include various grades of flame-retardant (FR) laminates such as FR-2, FR-3, FR-4, FR-5, and FR-6. Other materials like G10 and composite epoxies such as CEM-1 through CEM-5 are also widely used. Each material offers different benefits, from basic insulation to enhanced heat resistance and mechanical strength, depending on the application.