Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- pcb-basics [2020/03/11 15:18] – PCB Basics 143.215.93.31
+++ pcb-basics [2020/05/21 20:35] – Started to expand description and added image of breadboard madeline
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ==== What is a PCB? ====
+This page will go through the basics of what a PCB actually __is__, along with definitions and examples of many of the terms used with PCBs. Design is looked at on our "[[pcb-design|PCB Design]]" page.
+=== Some links that might be helpful ===
 **What is a PCB?**\\
-A PCB (//printed circuit board//, or just a “board”), is a multi-layered substrate specially designed and fabricated for circuit designers to eliminate wiring and mechanically support their components. At their simplest, they are single layers of copper on a rigid, electrically isolated backing, onto which you can solder components and cut connections between them out of the copper. More complex //stackups// (that is, the layering of the PCB) can include multiple copper layers, different insulating layers, and more. Connections between components are called //traces//. Traces on different copper layers can be connected by adding //vias//, which are holes that are drilled into the board and electroplated to make a conductive pathway. //Soldermask// can be added to isolate traces beyond just etching. Text and images can be added with //silkscreen//.
+A PCB (//printed circuit board//, or just a “board”), is a physical method by which circuit designers can mount components with connections between them. Before fabricating a PCB, a circuit is often built using a breadboard or wire-wrapping to make sure that it works. While suitable for prototyping or proof-of-concept, breadboards and wire-wrapping methods are usually avoided in final products, as they are prone to loose connections, misaligned pins, and  other issues. Furthermore, properly designed PCBs can support electrical characteristics that other methods cannot.{{ :img_3259.jpg?nolink&400|}}
+{{http://manage.pcbgogo.com/img/js/ueditor/ueditor1.4.3.3/net/upload/image/20190923/6370485921386000002179968.png?500|This is a PCB}}
+A PCB is a multi-layered substrate specially designed and fabricated for circuit designers to eliminate wiring and mechanically support their components. At their simplest, they are single layers of copper on a rigid, electrically isolated backing, onto which you can solder components and cut connections between them out of the copper. More complex //stackups// (that is, the layering of the PCB) can include multiple copper layers, different insulating layers, and more. Connections between components are called //traces//. Traces on different copper layers can be connected by adding //vias//, which are holes that are drilled into the board and electroplated to make a conductive pathway. //Soldermask// can be added to isolate traces beyond just etching. Text and images can be added with //silkscreen//.
+<<Image of a PCB>>
+<<Labeled image of a PCB>
+<<Stack up of a 2 layer board>>
 **How do I make a PCB?**\\
-Making a PCB is done in three overarching steps: design, fabrication, and assembly. Typically, one starts by developing a circuit, which may include simulations and/or prototyping on breadboard. The design of the board itself is then done on the computer using electronic computer-aided design (e-CAD) programs, such as KiCAD, EAGLE, or Altium, though there are many others.
+Making a PCB is done in three overarching steps: design, fabrication, and assembly.
+  - Design: Typically, one starts by developing a circuit, which may include simulations and/or prototyping on breadboard. The design of the board itself is then done on the computer using electronic computer-aided design (e-CAD) programs, such as KiCAD, EAGLE, or Altium, though there are many others.
+  - Fabrication: There are a number of different steps, depending on the complexity of your design, but a standard 2-layer board without vias begins by drilling any necessary holes, followed by etching/isolating the traces and components, and finally routing/cutting the board out. Soldermask and silkscreen can be applied after the board has been fabricated. See our "[[how-to-pcb|How to make a PCB at The Hive]]" page for details.
+  - Assembly: the process of actually adding the components to the fabricated PCB. At The Hive, we have soldering stations to facilitate this, as well as solder paste and a reflow oven if you'd prefer. We can also make solder paste stencils.
-Fabrication of the PCB is done in a number of different steps, depending on the complexity of your design, but a standard 2-layer board without vias begins by drilling any necessary holes, followed by etching/isolating the traces and components, and finally routing/cutting the board out. The PCB Fabrication Guide details how we do it at The Hive.
+** Glossary **\\
+Trace\\
+Via\\
+Pitch\\
+Mil\\
+Etch\\
+Electroplate\\
+Route (cut vs route traces)\\
-Soldermask and silkscreen can be applied after the board has been fabricated.