Printed Circuit Boards
What is Printed Circuit Board (PCB)?
A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a board made of insulating material (typically fiberglass or plastic) with conductive pathways etched onto its surface. These conductive pathways, made of metal such as copper, allow electrical signals to flow between the various components that are mounted on the board.
The components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, are soldered onto the board and connected to one another through the conductive pathways. The result is an electrical circuit that is compact, efficient, and can be easily mass-produced.
PCBs are used in a wide range of electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, and household appliances, to name a few. They are a critical component of modern electronics, as they allow for the miniaturization of electronic devices and the integration of multiple functions into a single, compact package.
There are two main types of PCBs: single-sided, in which components are mounted on one side of the board, and double-sided, in which components can be mounted on both sides of the board. More complex circuits may use multi-layer PCBs, in which conductive pathways are etched onto multiple layers within the board.
