In this article, we shall cover the basics of PCB Boards. We shall also look into the various types and how they are used in diverse industries.
What is a Printed Circuit Board?
The nervous system of any modern electronics is arguably its PCB. When you come across a modern PCB, it is a flat board that serves as a support for different components. Besides, the board also connects the components electrically. Most of the time, these are designed from a non-conductive substrate with layers of copper circuits. The electrical pathways between the components are then created by copper traces. These are nothing but thin lines of metal with good conductivity.
This modern definition has come a long way from when the PCB was first patented, back in 1903 by German Inventor Albert Hanson who described it as a flat, foil conductor on an insulating board with multiple layers.
As with most technology, over the past 120 years the PCB has evolved and now takes shape in many different forms – which we will cover in this blog.
Types of Printed Circuit Boards
While PCBs are available in different sizes, the selection can depend on the cost. Professionals may also choose the circuit boards based on the applications. Now,let’s check out the types and the applications below.
1. Single-Sided PCB
This is the simplest form of circuit board. It usually has a single layer of the substrate and the layer of conductive material. When you observe the board closely, you will come across the connections and the components on one side. As far as the application is concerned, the boards are used in simple consumer electronics and calculators.
2. Double-Sided PCB
As the name implies, such PCB boards have conductive layers on both sides. In addition, the components are fixed on both sides. While connecting the circuits between both the sides, professionals use vias (holes). Such boards are widely used in power amplifiers, UPS systems, and industrial controls.
3. Multilayer PCB
Such types of pcb boards feature more than 2 layers of conductive material. These are normally separated by insulating layers. Based on the complexity of the board, the layers may vary from 4 to 50. These are used in devices which need to perform pretty well. They include smartphones, medical equipment, and servers.
4. Rigid PCB
Developed from a solid and inflexible substrate, rigid printed circuit board design can’t be bent. The substrate used for developing such boards is usually fiberglass. Moreover, these PCBs are used where flexibility is not important. So, the circuit boards are used in radios, televisions, and desktop computers.
5. Flexible PCB (Flex PCB)
While designing flexible PCBs, these are designed from polyimide. So, while using the boards, these can be bent to the desired shape. But, when you observe such boards, they can be single-sided or double-sided. Owing to the flexibility, these are used in cameras, wearable devices, and smartphones.
6. Rigid-Flex PCB
As you can observe by the name, these printed circuit board designs are made from flexible and rigid substrates. This means that some parts are rigid while others can be bent. Therefore, these are ideal for medical devices, aerospace systems, and military equipment.
7. High-Frequency PCB
These circuit boards are primarily designed for circuits that run at frequencies above 1 GHz. During the development phase, many professionals use materials like Rogers. This helps to reduce interference and signal loss. So, such PCBs are used in satellites, telecommunications, and radar systems.
8. Aluminum-Backed PCB
Such a type of circuit board radiates heat efficiently. This is because when professionals develop the board they use a metal as the core. In addition, they also consider Aluminum as the base material. Mostly, these boards are used in LED lighting systems, and power supplies. You may also find its application in devices which need to dissipate high amounts of heat.
9. HDI PCB (High-Density Interconnect PCB)
These PCBs are known for high wiring density. As compared to the usual PCBs, these also have buried and small vias. Thus, the PCBs are used while designing cell phones, tablets, and small electronic items.
10. LED PCB
Such PCBs are designed with LED components. As the designers mount the components, they are backed by Aluminium. This helps for dissipating heat to a great extent. Mostly, the PCBs are used in automotive lighting, display panels, and LED lighting systems.
Types of PCB assembly process
Rigid-Flex Printed Circuit Board Assembly
These have both flexible and rigid PCBs in just one assembly. As some sections are flexible, they can be bent. Once individuals use the assembly, it reduces the interconnections. Complex designs can also be thought of in compact spaces. So, these are used in devices where weight and space are critical. While some may use the assembly in medical devices, others may use it in portable electronics.
Mixed Assembly
This type of pcb assembly is based on the Through-Hole Technology (THT) and the Surface Mount Technology (SMT). So, you will come across components that are interconnected with small SMT parts. The assembly also offers flexibility in the overall design. So, this assembly is used in industrial equipment and computers.
Through-Hole Assembly
While professionals develop this assembly, the components are led through holes. Later, they are soldered or fixed from the opposite side. So, it’s always easy to assemble everything with ease. These are thus used often in audio equipment and power supplies.
BGA Assembly (Ball Grid Array Assembly)
This assembly has many solder balls beneath a surface-mount packaging. They serve the purpose of connecting the chip to the PCB. A reflow process helps in melting the solder balls effectively. Now, when you use this assembly, you can perceive improved electrical performance. There’s also a high pin count with a compact size. So, these are used in complicated digital circuits and microprocessors.
SMT Assembly (Surface Mount Technology Assembly)
This assembly basically involves mounting electronic components on the PCB’s surface. But, while professionals mount the parts, they don’t drill holes. The components are also light in weight and small. Higher component density is one of the major advantages of using this assembly. In the electronics sector, these are extensively used in telecommunications and automotive applications.
Types of PCB materials
There are many types of PCB materials available in the market. Let’s check these out one after the other.
FR (Flame Retardant) -4
This material is the most commonly used in PCBs. While material is made from epoxy resin and fiberglass cloth, it is resistant to fire. So, high mechanical strength and good insulation are some properties of FR-4. They are used in the telecommunications sector and during the development of consumer electronics.
High-Temperature Materials
Such materials are developed to sustain high temperatures. When the temperature is high, these don’t degrade. Among such materials, you will come across specialized polymers and polyimide. So, the materials are characterized by good chemical resistance and thermal stability. Further ahead, these are used in the automotive and aerospace sector.
Flexible Materials
These materials, used for flexible PCB, are made from polyester or polyimide. Professionals can also aim at building complex shapes with the materials. Apart from being light in weight, the materials have good electrical insulation and flexibility. Thus, they are used on portable electronics, and smartphones. Professionals use them when they have to save space while designing.
Top 10 Applications for PCBs
Now, let’s check out the applications of PCBs.
1. Medical Devices
PCBs are used while developing medical equipment. These include patient monitoring systems, and diagnostic devices. So, the circuit boards are used when accuracy is required for gauging the patient’s condition.
2. LEDs
When developers are designing LED lighting systems, they use PCBs. These help to dissipate heat and connect parts electrically. The use of the PCBs can also manage heat and enhance the efficiency of LED products.
3. Consumer Electronics
Apart from the above applications, PCBs are also used in numerous devices. These can be laptops, televisions, tablets, and smartphones. So, the circuit boards are vital when complex electronic systems have to function well.
4. Industrial Equipment
PCBs are often used in diverse applications along with robotics, and control systems. They enhance overall productivity by enhancing the efficiency of operational activities.
5. Automotive Components
Such printed circuit boards are used in infotainment systems, and engine control units. You can also find its application in anti-locking braking systems and airbags. They are critical when performance and safety is expected from vehicles.
6. Aerospace Components
PCB boards play an important role in the aerospace domain. While these are used in navigation systems, designers may use it in communication devices. So, within an aerospace environment, the circuit boards help to enhance performance.
7. Maritime Applications
In the maritime industry, PCBs are used in diverse electronic products. Apart from different control systems, these are used in communication devices. But, before incorporating the boards, they should withstand high moisture and temperatures.
8. Security Equipment
When surveillance cameras or access control systems are designed, the team uses PCBs. This enhances the overall functionality of the systems in diverse environments.
9. Telecommunications Equipment
PCBs are essentially used in devices like mobile base stations, and routers. Thus, they support the complex circuit when data has to be transmitted at high speeds.
10. Military & Defense Applications
When used in the military sector, PCBs are incorporated in weapon control and navigation systems. So, the use of the boards enhance performance and reliability.
Conclusion
Finally, we would like to state that PCBs always empower electrical connections. But, the overall design can vary depending on how they are built. Whether the board is rigid, flexible or double-sided, each one is suitable for certain applications. Beyond this, there’s a need for adaptability when different assembly processes are considered. The right choice of PCB materials can also assure high performance.
Now, with regards to the applications, PCBs are used in various sectors. They may either be used in automotive parts, the maritime industry or the aerospace sector. But, as technology keeps evolving, the importance of PCBs will drive innovation. Electronic devices will also not bring in issues once the functionality is enhanced. Ultimately, engineers must comprehend the types, and assembly processes to develop efficient systems.
If you’re running a business and you need PCBs, then how about connecting with Elemental Electronics? While we have been into electronics design since 2015, we are adept at assembling PCBs. Testing is also carried out in diverse environments to ensure that the PCBs are running smoothly.