Types of pcb

With the development of printed circuit boards in the direction of high precision, thinness, multilayer, and small holes, the demand for pcb boards is also increasing. The diversification of PCB materials, layers, and manufacturing processes can be applied to different The electronic products and their special needs can be divided into multiple different types of pcb. The following describes the types of pcb from three aspects.

 

Printed circuit boards are widely used in various equipment in the automotive, telecommunications, aerospace and other industries. Therefore, the manufacture and supply of PCBs are based on the purpose of various applications. These printed circuit boards can be distinguished based on various parameters. This article provides information on distinguishing different types of pcb through different parameters.

 

Classification based on substrates: The first type of pcb is according to the use of substrates, printed circuit boards are divided into rigid, flexible and rigid-flex PCBs.

 

Classification based on layers: The second type of pcb is according to the number of layers, printed circuit boards are divided into single-layer/single-sided PCB, double-layer/double-sided PCB and multilayer PCB.

 

Classification based on materials: The third type of pcb is according to the materials used for construction, PCBs can be divided into FR4 PCBs and metal core PCBs.

According to the use of the substrate, the types of pcb can be divided into rigid pcb, flexible pcb and rigid and flexible pcb.

Rigid PCBs are manufactured using solid material substrates. This sturdy substrate prevents the rigid PCB from twisting or bending. This type of circuit board is probably the most common and most manufactured PCB. The number of layers is not limited, it can be a single layer or 10 layers.

 

Since this type of printed circuit board can prevent distortion, glass fiber is a common manufacturing material used to make rigid PCBs. In addition, computer motherboards are also the most common example of such PCBs.

 

Flexible PCB

Unlike rigid PCBs, flexible PCBs are manufactured from flexible substrates. It can be made into single layer, double layer or multilayer, and has a flexible backing. The biggest advantage of this type of circuit board is flexibility. It can be wrapped or folded according to the convenience of the application.

 

This type of pcb is made of flexible substrate, which has the characteristics of waterproof, corrosion resistance and high temperature efficiency. The most common applications of flexible PCBs are in portable electronic devices, desktop printers, hard drives, etc.

 

Rigid flex PCB

Rigid flex PCB is a combination of the above-mentioned types of PCBs. This type of pcb is made by laminating a flexible conductive layer on a rigid PCB. The advantage of this type of printed circuit board is that it has a simple design and reduces the weight and size of the PCB.

 

Like flexible PCBs, this type of pcb can also withstand high temperatures and harsh working environments. Common applications for these rigid-flex PCBs are digital cameras, automobiles, mobile phones, pacemakers, etc.

 

The distinction based on layers takes into account the number of layers on the PCB. The number of chapters or layers in the PCB determines the type of layer-based PCB.

 

Single sided PCB

Single-sided PCB is made of only one layer of material substrate. The layer of substrate or core material is coated with a thin film of conductive material. Generally, the conductive layer is a copper film. Finally, apply a layer of screen printing on the copper layer to mark the components on the board.

 

This type of pcb is the simplest form of PCB and is usually used for DIY applications and prototypes. Common applications for single-layer PCBs are in radio equipment, LEDs, etc.

 

Double sided PCB

The double sided pcb is made by laminating the laminate material of the substrate with a conductive material. Drill holes on each layer to achieve through-hole PCB assembly. Its advantage is that it can connect circuits or components in two ways: surface mount or through-hole connection.

 

This type of pcb serves as the wiring surface of the component.

Common applications of this type of printed circuit board are vending machines, lighting systems, car dashboards and amplifiers, etc.

 

Multi-layer PCB

Multi-layer PCB is a further development of double-layer PCB. Similar to a double layer PCB, multiple layers are added on both sides of the core. This type of pcb allows PCB designers and manufacturers to develop complex and thick PCBs.

 

The advantage of this type of pcb is that there is less electromagnetic interference and can provide equivalent power distribution. This type of circuit board is used for complex equipment, such as computers, heart monitors, interactive displays, cars, etc.

 

According to the requirements at the end of the application, PCBs are developed with different material compositions. The following are the types of printed circuit boards classified by material.

 

FR4 PCB

FR4 PCB is suitable for applications where fire resistance is important. In FR4, the term FR means flame retardant, and 4 means woven glass fiber with epoxy resin. This type of printed circuit board is made of glass fiber and epoxy resin, making it self-igniting.

Due to its multiple economic and mechanical advantages, this is the most common type of pcb used today.

 

Metal core PCB

The material substrate used in metal core PCB is aluminum, copper and steel alloy. For various purposes (such as good heat dissipation), aluminum is used as a steel alloy with low thermal conductivity.

This type of pcb can be made into any number of layers based on the form of the substrate. Metal core PCBs are widely used in LED systems and modern electronic products.

 

The above is to analyze multiple different types of pcb in three different aspects. What you need to know is that both FR4 and metal core PCB can be designed as single-layer, double-layer or multi-layer PCB or rigid-flex PCB according to application requirements. Since the types of printed circuit board have been well introduced, it is very important to choose the manufacturer or supplier wisely.