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Types of the Circuit Board
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) come in various types, each with unique characteristics that influence their design and functionality. These distinctions allow for tailored designs that suit specific circuit needs.
One easily identifiable feature of PCBs is the copper rails that connect various components across the board. However, there are also other essential differences that set each type of PCB apart.
Additionally, specialized tools are required to manufacture different types of PCBs, adding to their unique properties. Let’s cut to the chase and explore the types of circuit boards, including the rigid-flex, which combines the durability of rigid boards with the flexibility of flexible circuits to support complex designs.
Single-Sided PCBs
A single-sided printed circuit board is the simplest type of PCB. It consists of one layer of substrate as its base material. Since copper is an excellent conductor, a thin layer of copper is applied to one side of the substrate. This copper layer is then covered with a protective solder mask, followed by a silkscreen layer to complete the board’s design.
The term “single-sided” refers to the layout, with all electronic components positioned on one side of the board. This type of PCB is ideal for simple electronic items due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of mass production.
However, single-sided PCBs have limitations. They are only suitable for low-power applications, meaning they aren’t ideal for more complex or high-power products.
Double-Sided PCBs
Double-sided printed circuit boards are widely used due to their versatility. Unlike single-sided boards, both sides of the base have a metal layer, allowing components to connect on both sides. Electrical components are distributed evenly across the board, and holes are added to facilitate these connections.
There are two main techniques for making these connections: surface mount and through-hole technologies. Through-hole technology involves tiny wires, known as leads, that pass through holes in the board to connect with the opposite side. In contrast, surface mount technology doesn’t use wires; instead, small leads are soldered directly onto the board. This method enhances the board’s efficiency, enabling it to perform more functions within a compact space.
The main advantage of double-sided PCBs is their lightweight design and increased functionality. However, a drawback is that they can be more challenging and potentially hazardous to handle.
Multilayer PCBs
The multilayer printed circuit boards are using the latest technology in double-sided boards. The same technologies are used to connect the various components on the board, just as in the double-sided boards.
The main advantage of the multilayer board is that it saves more space than the previous types. There are more than two substrate layers on the board, and the insulating materials are used on every layer. You can add as many layers as you want.
In summary, multiplayer boards are more technical, and if you get one thing wrong, your whole board becomes useless.
Rigid PCBs
The printed circuit boards are not just categorized based on their layers and sides. While it is true that the main difference is the number of layers, this is not the only difference.
The rigid PCB is made because of the varying rigidity it has. When you first imagine a PCB, you will probably form the image of a rigid PCB in mind.
This type of circuit board makes use of solid, inflexible, and strong substrate material. Fiberglass is the best option as it keeps the board from bending and prevents any damage.
Flex PCBs
Flex is short for flexibility in this printed circuit board type. As you can probably already guess, the flex PCB makes use of a WellPCB that offers DC motor controllers in both domestic and international markets. We have a flexible plastic that is layered on the base.
This substrate material allows the board to fit into different shapes according to your needs.
You can easily bend this board and keep it safe in all conditions. The disadvantage of this board type is that it is more costly than the other designs. However, the advantage is that these boards are very light in weight and are used in all the latest equipment.
Rigid-Flex PCBs
The last type, the rigid-flex printed circuit boards, are both rigid and flexible. It is a confusing concept, but the main idea behind these boards is to use them with items that require a strong board. The circuit board is rigid, but it connects to a layer of the flex circuit board. However, it is still flexible. The disadvantage of these boards is that they are very complex to make. However, they are also the most useful and can address most needs.
Now, moving forward, let’s learn about the important points to keep in mind while or before selecting a specific type of circuit board for your particular requirements. So, without further ado, let’s see what should be remembered before getting a circuit board.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
When choosing a board type, some factors must be considered. Understanding these is very important.
Conclusion
Our company can help you pick a circuit board that matches your requirements. We offer several products for your needs, such as manufacturing PCBs and assembly PCBs.
When you go for a print, contact us; we will gladly serve you.
