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| pcb-basics [2020/05/21 20:35] – Started to expand description and added image of breadboard madeline | pcb-basics [2020/05/21 21:12] – Discussed perfboards madeline |
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| **What is a PCB?**\\ | **What is a PCB?**\\ |
| 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|}} | {{ :img_3259.jpg?nolink&400|A breadboard may be used for prototyping before a PCB is fabricated}}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. |
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| {{http://manage.pcbgogo.com/img/js/ueditor/ueditor1.4.3.3/net/upload/image/20190923/6370485921386000002179968.png?500|This is a PCB}} | 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 be 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 technique 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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| | {{http://manage.pcbgogo.com/img/js/ueditor/ueditor1.4.3.3/net/upload/image/20190923/6370485921386000002179968.png?500 |This is a PCB}} |
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| 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//. | 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//. |