PCB fabrication is the process of transforming a design concept into a physical and workable circuit board. The process involves several steps that we will learn here.
PCB fabrication is a complex process. By understanding the process, engineers and manufacturers can produce high-quality PCBs for specific applications. With continuous advancements in fabrication technologies, more efficient PCBs can be produced in future.
The classification of PCB boards is hard to define. However, the most common is number of layers and substrate used.
Single-sided PCB
Single-sided PCB is the least cost and simplest PCB type made with one layer of copper on one side. Electrical components are also populated on one side only. The low cost is due to simple PCB fabrication services and few components.
Double-sided PCB
A double-sided PCB is a kind of circuit board with two copper layers, which are the top copper layer and the bottom copper layer. The top copper layer and bottom copper layers are connected by through-holes.
Multi-layer PCB
As the name suggests, a multi-layer PCB consists of several working layers, with the top layer acting as the surface for component placement while the bottom layer for routing and welding. The layers in-between have multiple functions like signal, conductor, and grounding. Multi-layer PCBs consist of vias which are vertical structures that connect traces on each layer. Fabricating PCB with several layers starts with preparation of the FR-4 copper-clad laminate and the prepreg sheets.
Rigid PCB
Rigid PCBs are printed circuit boards made of rigid materials, such as FR4, Metal core, ceramic, alumina., etc. Rigid PCBs cannot be bent, but they supply good support to the assembly of electronic components. Rigid PCBs are widely used in almost every industrial area and are the most commonly used circuit boards.
Flexible PCB
Flexible PCBs are beneficial in miniaturizing devices. This type of PCB has wide broad applications in various fields, including cameras, mobile phones and RFID cards. Surface-mount technology can also be applied in fabricating PCB of this kind. Special types of fixtures are required to hold flexible PCB during reflow soldering. Flexible PCB has different material properties like density, specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity.
Rigid-flex PCB
Rigid flex PCBs combine rigid and flexible materials together, to have the advantages of both rigid PCB and flex PCBs. Components are always assembled on rigid parts since we can route high-density drills and wires on rigid parts; flexible parts are usually used to connect the rigid parts and they can be bent or twisted to different shapes.
Flexible parts are usually produced from polyimide material, which has excellent flexibility, heat resistance and machining performance.
Choosing a reliable PCB manufacturer in India requires evaluating key factors like location, manufacturing expertise, quality certifications, turnaround times and customer service
July 30, 2024 - BY Admin