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==== What is a PCB? ==== | ==== What is a PCB? ==== | ||
- | This page will go through the basics of what a PCB actually | + | This page will go through the basics of what a PCB actually |
=== Some links that might be helpful === | === Some links that might be helpful === | ||
- | **What is a PCB?**\\ | + | **When do I need a PCB?**\\ |
- | A PCB (//printed circuit board//, or just a “board”), | + | {{ : |
- | In simpler terms, a PCB is | + | If you don't have time to design and manufacture a PCB, you may want to consider using a perfboard. A perfboard is a rectangular sheet covered in a grid of through holes that can be used for soldering. Holes are connected by either running a wire between them or by making a solder bridge. Many also include pads on the side for surface mount components. Perfboards are more durable than breadboards and can save time when only one or two designs are needed. However, they are not recommended for circuits that are complicated or need to be replicated many times. |
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+ | The rest of this article focuses on PCBs. If you are not sure which method for implementing your circuit design is best for your project, you can talk to a PI about the advantages and disadvantages of different methods. Keep in mind that for most projects, you will use multiple implementation methods as you develop your design. | ||
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+ | **What | ||
+ | A PCB is a multi-layered substrate specially designed and fabricated for circuit designers to eliminate wiring and mechanically support their components. Let's step though that definition: | ||
+ | * // | ||
+ | * //Designed and fabricated - // The first step in making a PCB is to design it using CAD (computer-aided design) software. Popular CAD tools include Eagle, Kicad, and Altera. The next step is to physically create the PCB, referred to as fabrication. | ||
+ | * //Eliminate wiring - // While the copper layers are electrically conductive, the FR4 is not. That means that by removing //(etching away)// copper, you leave behind a pattern that directs the flow of electricity. These copper connections // | ||
+ | * // | ||
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+ | 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 // | ||
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**How do I make a PCB? | **How do I make a PCB? | ||
Making a PCB is done in three overarching steps: design, fabrication, | Making a PCB is done in three overarching steps: design, fabrication, | ||
- | - *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. | + | - 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/ | |
- | - *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/ | + | - 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. |
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- | - *Assembly* is 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. | + | |
** Glossary **\\ | ** Glossary **\\ |