PCB, or printed circuit board, is a key component in the electrical connection between electronic components. It is categorized into single-sided boards, double-sided boards, and multilayer boards, such as four- and six-layer boards, depending on the number of circuit layers. Although names such as motherboards and IC boards are used on some occasions to refer specifically to them, they are not equivalent to ordinary circuit boards. In fact, printed circuit boards are known as bare boards when they are not assembled with any components.
Modern PCBs are made up of a line and artwork, a dielectric layer (insulating substrate), and holes (both conductive and non-conductive). The line and figure surface is responsible for the conductive path between components, and the large copper surface is used as the power and grounding layer. The dielectric layer ensures that the layers are insulated, and the holes play a connecting role in the multilayer board, with some holes used for component insertion and others as surface mount positioning.
The advantages of printed circuit boards are significant in that they offer repeatability and consistency of graphics, reducing errors in the production process and increasing productivity. The standardized design allows for easy interchangeability and, because of its high-density wiring, makes electronic devices more compact and lightweight. In addition, the mechanized production of PCBs helps to reduce equipment costs, especially in the application of FPC flexible boards, such as in high-precision instruments such as cameras, cell phones and camcorders, which excel in bending resistance and precision.
Overall, PCB is the key to complex circuit connections within electronic devices and is an indispensable basic component of modern electronics. Understanding its structure and benefits is critical for technology-related industries.