iLoungeiLounge
  • News
    • Apple
      • AirPods Pro
      • AirPlay
      • Apps
        • Apple Music
      • iCloud
      • iTunes
      • HealthKit
      • HomeKit
      • HomePod
      • iOS 13
      • Apple Pay
      • Apple TV
      • Siri
    • Rumors
    • Humor
    • Technology
      • CES
    • Daily Deals
    • Articles
    • Web Stories
  • iPhone
    • iPhone Accessories
  • iPad
  • iPod
    • iPod Accessories
  • Apple Watch
    • Apple Watch Accessories
  • Mac
    • MacBook Air
    • MacBook Pro
  • Reviews
    • App Reviews
  • How-to
    • Ask iLounge
Font ResizerAa
iLoungeiLounge
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • News
    • Apple
    • Rumors
    • Humor
    • Technology
    • Daily Deals
    • Articles
    • Web Stories
  • iPhone
    • iPhone Accessories
  • iPad
  • iPod
    • iPod Accessories
  • Apple Watch
    • Apple Watch Accessories
  • Mac
    • MacBook Air
    • MacBook Pro
  • Reviews
    • App Reviews
  • How-to
    • Ask iLounge
Follow US

Articles

Articles

The Basics of Printed Circuit Boards

Last updated: Sep 29, 2021 4:33 pm UTC
By Lucy Bennett
The Basics of Printed Circuit Boards

Electronic devices are all around us, but have you wondered what’s inside them?

Advertisements

A PCB, or printed circuit board serves as the backbone for your smartwatch, mobile phone and computer, among others. You’d be surprised to know that they have been around for decades and started life to develop military weapons.

The Basics of Printed Circuit Boards

What is a PCB?

PCB boards, or simply known as PCBs make up the internal structure of an electronic device.

It’s the base component for things normally used in computers, such as the graphics card, motherboard and more. Printed circuit boards serve as the network relay among its components so they could ‘communicate’ and work together.

Advertisements

Going deeper, a PCB may consist of a flat structure and a circuitry that’s made up of traces, or metal wires and planes, or metal areas. The components are soldered into PCBs at the top or bottom (and sometimes on both ends) depending on the layout and application.

A complete PCB allows the components to be interconnected. It could have multiple layers stacked on top of each other (for complex machines), or composed of a single board.

It’s worthy to note that PCBs are non-conductors and are usually made of glass and fiber. This serves to keep the transmission ‘pure’ and to not allow any mixed signals from stray currents. Also, the tracks are usually made of copper for transmission quality.

Advertisements

How are Printed Circuit Boards Made?

PCBs are first designed depending on the purpose, then ‘printed’.

The printing process is made up of component placement on a base material, called ‘substrate’. The required components are put on the board and serve as the basis for the manufacturing outcome.

Components are manufactured to meet device requirements and are usually customized. A computer software can help with getting the right size or shape in order to fit perfectly in the PCB. Design pcb board is important not just for aesthetic purposes but for the device’s overall function as well.

Advertisements

PCB application depends on what you’re trying to make. CAD tools can turn concepts into reality, and it’s usually made up in two parts- schematic capture and PCB layout. Schematic capture is when you set up connectivity via diagrams, and layout is when the physical design is made.

PCB design and layout is important as it dictates whether the board will work or not. Effective design is needed to ensure it does exactly what the maker intends and serves its specifications.

Advertisements

Printed Circuit Board Applications

The possibilities for creating a new device or electronic machine is practically endless. One of the reasons why PCBs have stayed so long is that they work, they’re cost effective and flexible enough in terms of use and size.

Just about every electronic device or item will have a PCB board in it. From game controllers to children’s toys to more complex machines such as the mobile phone and computers.

Technological innovations have made PCBs assume a flexible shape, which expands its use. Manufacturers can now try and break the mold by making a unique case and have the PCB bend around it. Others use specialized materials and components due to their high frequency applications, while others put in multiple layers of copper for industrial purposes.

Design and component choice can also be made depending on where it will be placed or installed. Underground sensors and engine compartments are examples, and military, space and aviation industries will usually have strict requirements for how a device performs.

In short, PCBs are highly customizable, and with the right design and components can practically fill in any electronic need. It’s the de facto component in many devices and technology.

Advertisements

Latest News
The AirPods 4 with ANC is $30 Off
The AirPods 4 with ANC is $30 Off
1 Min Read
Google Adds Major Features to Google Maps EU
Google Adds Major Features to Google Maps EU
1 Min Read
New OLED Component May Debut on 2027 iPhone
New OLED Component May Debut on 2027 iPhone
1 Min Read
Trump Gives TikTok Another 90-Day Extension
Trump Gives TikTok Another 90-Day Extension
1 Min Read
The AirPods 4 is $30 Off
The AirPods 4 is $30 Off
1 Min Read
iPhone 17 Might Come In Two New Color Options
iPhone 17 Might Come In Two New Color Options
1 Min Read
New Foxconn Facility in India to Make iPhone Casing
New Foxconn Facility in India to Make iPhone Casing
1 Min Read
New Apple Accessories Launch on Apple Store and Apple Online
New Apple Accessories Launch on Apple Store and Apple Online
1 Min Read
The M4 Mac Mini is $130 Off
The M4 Mac Mini is $130 Off
1 Min Read
Bluey Theme Arrives on Apple Arcade Game Fruit Ninja Classic+
Bluey Theme Arrives on Apple Arcade Game Fruit Ninja Classic+
1 Min Read
Lossless Audio Tier Will Soon Debut on Spotify
Lossless Audio Tier Will Soon Debut on Spotify
1 Min Read
macOS Tahoe Cuts Off Support for FireWire
macOS Tahoe Cuts Off Support for FireWire
1 Min Read

iLounge logo

iLounge is an independent resource for all things iPod, iPhone, iPad, and beyond. iPod, iPhone, iPad, iTunes, Apple TV, and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc.

This website is not affiliated with Apple Inc.
iLounge © 2001 - 2025. All Rights Reserved.
  • Contact Us
  • Submit News
  • About Us
  • Forums
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?