These can be 2 layer PCB, 4 layer PCB, and so forth. While you may hear a PCB being referred to as a “single layer PCB” and think of it in terms as in reality, even a single layer PCB contains multiple layers of material in order to operate correctly. In printed circuit boards, you will hear the term “layers” quite a bit. Typically, solder is used to adhere items to the surface of the pad, but there are many choices for both pad design and methods of establishing connections. Pads are areas on the printed circuit board that have exposed metal in order to connect components to the PCB. The silkscreen layer is typically white, but can be other colors, and serves as a reference guide and sometimes contains decorative graphics. PCB Basics: TerminologiesĪ layer of protection for leads that prevents oxidation and sometimes acts as a safeguard against solder bridges and shorts when solder pads and/or traces are especially close together. While the fundamentals of printed circuit boards seem simple at first, once you begin to design your own circuit boards the complexities are noticed quickly.
Components and layers can then be added to engineer and build a nearly limitless array of designs fulfilling most any need. What is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)?Ī printed circuit board, commonly called a “PCB ,” is a (usually) rigid board printed with electrical circuitry called traces. Our PCB for beginners guide helps you understand the basics of printed circuit boards, so you will be more familiar with components and materials should you decide to design your own custom printed circuit boards for a prototype or new product.
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are essential for modern-day life, but learning the ins and outs of what is often a complicated subject can be intimidating.