FAQ

Printed circuit boards are relatively modern assemblies that can both electrically connect electronic parts and mechanically support them in a fixed position within a large assembly. They are used in virtually every electronic device and application, and they’re commonly used in communication tools, computers, automobiles, televisions, mobile phones, satellites, video games, etc.

There are multiple different types of PCBs, which can be categorized either by their “real estate,” or how components are positioned along the board, or by their materials and resulting attributes.

PCBs have these three different real estate types:

Single-sided boards: All necessary components are located on one side.
Double-sided boards: Components are placed on both sides of the board.
Multi-layered boards: Mounts components on both sides and increases the routing of circuitry through multiple layers of circuitry within the PCB.

PCBs also have these three different material types:

Rigid PCBs
Flex PCBs
Rigid-Flex PCBs

These categories of characteristics are combined to identify your ideal PCB. For example, you may need a rigid single-sided board or a multi-layered flex PCB.

Printed circuit boards are made from multiple sublayers of materials. Working from the bottom up (or from the core to the outside edges, for double-sided circuits), those layers are:

A fiberglass or plastic board
Prepreg
Laminate
Electronic pathways and components made of copper
Soldermask
Nomenclature
A final finish on top of the external layers copper surfaces

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