pcb-basics

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pcb-basics [2021/01/13 20:01] benhpcb-basics [2021/01/23 20:37] (current) – Added glossary definitions madeline
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   * //Mechanically support - // Unlike flexible wires, a rigid PCB can be used to connect //(mount)// components, such as resistors or chips. This is typically achieved through some form of soldering, in which a conductive metal "glue" to attach components to the PCB.   * //Mechanically support - // Unlike flexible wires, a rigid PCB can be used to connect //(mount)// components, such as resistors or chips. This is typically achieved through some form of soldering, in which a conductive metal "glue" to attach components to the PCB.
  
-Traces on different copper layers can be connected by adding //vias//, which are holes drilled into the board and filled with a conductive metal, often copper. The process is known as //electroplating//. Electroplating covers every exposed inch of a surface in a thin layer of copper. This means that via drilling and electroplating should be done before etching traces. At the Hive, the process takes two hours regardless of board design. More complex //stackups// (that is, the layering design of the PCB) can include more than two copper layers, different insulating materials, and more. Many PCBs you will come across are covered in a resin-based material, which is often green. This is called //soldermask//, and it can be added to isolate traces beyond just etching. You may also notice the presence of text and images, which is added using a //silkscreen//+Traces on different copper layers can be connected by adding //vias//, which are holes drilled into the board and filled with a conductive metal, often copper. The process is known as //electroplating//. Electroplating covers every exposed inch of a surface in a thin layer of copper. This means that via drilling and electroplating should be done before etching traces. At the Hive, the electroplating process takes two hoursregardless of board design. More complex //stackups// (that is, the layering design of the PCB) can include more than two copper layers, different insulating materials, and more. Many PCBs you will come across are covered in a resin-based material, which is often green. This is called //soldermask//, and it can be added to isolate traces beyond just etching. You may also notice the presence of text and images, which is added using a //silkscreen//
  
 <<Image of a PCB>> <<Image of a PCB>>
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 ** Glossary **\\ ** Glossary **\\
-Trace\\ +//Substrate// - the material between the two copper layers, FR4 is common\\ 
-Via\\ +//CAD// - __c__omputer __a__ided __d__esign; refers to any software used for design (SolidWords, EAGLE, CST Studio, etc.)\\ 
-Pitch\\ +//Etch// - selectively removing copper to leave behind a conductive pathway in a specific shape\\ 
-Mil\\ +//Isolate// - electrically separating (isolating) two areas of copper, usually by etching\\ 
-Etch\\ +//Trace// - the copper path left behind after etching; traces function like wires\\ 
-Electroplate\\ +//Soldering// - a technique used to create conductive connections between two components, usually in a circuit\\ 
-Route (cut vs route traces)\\ +//Via// - a small, copper-filled hole drilled through a PCB which connects two or more layers\\ 
 +//Electroplating// - a chemical process that covers every exposed area of a PCB with a thin layer of copper\\ 
 +//Stackup// - a layered PCB design\\ 
 +//Soldermask// - an insulating resin applied to protect the PCB and further isolate traces; often green colored\\ 
 +//Silkscreen// - text printed on top of a soldermask to provide information about a PCB; often white colored\\ 
 +//Pitch// - the distance between the centers of two features, often the distance between the centers of two holes\\ 
 +//Drill hit// - another name for a drill hole\\ 
 +//Mil// - one-thousandth of an inch, a common imperial unit for small-scale designs\\ 
 +//Route// - a cutting process that removes the fabricated PCB from the rest of the substrate\\
  • pcb-basics.txt
  • Last modified: 2021/01/23 20:37
  • by madeline