In this article, we'll cover the different types available and how to use PCB prototyping to plan the final board design.
How to use PCB prototype boards
Before going into the details of how to use PCB prototype boards, it is important to understand the different types of prototype boards available.
Perforated boards
Performance boards are one of the available types of prototype boards. This category is also known as "per-hole pad" designs, where each hole has its own pad of conductors made of copper. With this setup, you can test connections by soldering between individual pads. In addition, you can route wires between pads on a perforated board.
Strip boards
Like other common prototype PCBs, plug-in boards have a separate hole setup. Instead of just one conductor pad per perforation, copper strips run parallel down the length of the board to connect the holes, hence the name. Instead of wires, these strips allow you to disconnect them as well.
Both types of PCB prototypes work well for planning boards. Plug-in boards also work well for planning simple circuits because there are already copper connections. Either way, you'll use prototype board soldering and prototype board wires to test potential boards.
Now you're ready to learn more details about how to design with a prototype board.
Planning
Even if you know how to use a PCB prototyping board, you don't want to get right into building a prototype. While prototype boards are much cheaper than printed circuit boards, they still have more durable configurations. Before you start placing components, you should spend some time in the planning stage to give yourself the best results.
A straightforward way to get started is to use a circuit board planning application on your computer. Such software gives you the option of visualizing the circuit before putting down any components. Note that some programs are suitable for using both perf and Stripboard, while others are suitable for only one type, so plan your purchase of a prototype board accordingly.
Prototype board layouts can also be made using chevron paper if you wish to use fewer digital solutions. The idea is that each location where the lines cross is a hole in the board. Components and connections can then be drawn. If using a peel-off board, it can also be helpful to point out where you plan to interrupt the peel-off.
Digital programs can make editing ideas faster, but drawing them out by hand can help you orient the project in different ways. Either way, don't skip the planning stage, as it saves time and effort when building Protoboard.
Cutting a prototype board
When working with protoboard, you may not need a full sheet of paper. Since the size of the board may vary, it is possible that you may need to cut a piece. However, please be careful as this process can be complicated.
Part of this is due to the material on the protoboard. The design usually laminated paper with a resin that can resist soldering heat, which is useful when you get to that stage. The downside is that this resin can easily crack the prototype board, so it's best to be extra careful.
One of the most efficient and accurate ways to cut prototype boards is to use a straightedge and a sharp knife. You can use the edge as a guide to carve lines where you want to cut the board. Repeat this on the other side and then place the prototype board on the edge of a flat surface such as a table. You can then grab the board neatly according to your markings.
Expert tip: You'll get a cleaner break if you scribe marks along where the holes in the board are, because a prototype board that isn't as stable can break and snap easily.
Bandsaws and other band tools can be used, but these have a much higher likelihood of damaging the prototype board in the process.
Breadboards to Stripper Boards
If you've done any work on prototype PCBs, then you've probably come across breadboards. These prototype boards are great for developing designs because you can move and change the components already built into the plan. Breadboards are also reusable.
In this regard, component layouts can be moved to a strip board for further testing. In addition, there are fewer limitations with striped and perforated prototype boards because you can make more complex connections. If the plan is to move from breadboards to strip boards, it can help to buy orientation-matched strip boards or destroy the strip board traces.
Moving components from bread to peel-off boards is one of the most convenient methods if you want temporary circuits with a more robust and permanent configuration.
Breaking Strip Board Traces
As mentioned earlier, strip board PCBs come with copper tape on the bottom that is used as a connection. However, you won't need to connect all of your components all the time, so you'll need to break these restrictions.
Fortunately, you only need a drill bit to do this. All you have to do is take a four-millimeter drill bit and press the tip against the hole you want to disconnect. With a little twisting and pressure, you can cut away the copper and form an isolation strip. When learning how to use a double-sided PCB prototyping board, note that the copper foil is on both sides.
If you want something more advanced than a standard drill, you can use a specific tool to disconnect these connections, but the DIY method works just as well.
Conclusion
Knowing when and how to use a prototype board is a crucial skill for anyone who wants to design and test circuit boards without incurring the cost of printing. You can make great strides in completing your product using prototype boards.