PCB stand
PCB stands for printed circuit board, an electronic assembly that uses copper conductors to create electrical connections between components and provide mechanical support for them. It is the basis for most modern electronics, including computers, cell phones and even rockets. The design and fabrication of a PCB is complex and involves many steps.
The process starts with a dielectric substrate, which is typically a composite of a resin and an insulator. The resin is reinforced with a woven or non-woven fiberglass, glass fibers or paper filler. The dielectric is then coated with a layer of conductive metal such as copper. Holes are drilled in the substrate using computer-controlled tools that read a file, known as an Excellon file or drill file, which describes the locations and sizes of each hole. The holes are then electroplated with copper to form plated-through holes. The holes are used to connect the various layers of the board.
The remaining unplated copper on the surface of a pcb is called the ground plane. It is also referred to as “the back” of the board because it is located on the reverse side of the component pins and pads. The back of the ground plane is sometimes covered with a solder mask, which protects it from the chemicals used to assemble and test the board, and provides an electrical insulator. Besides the ground and power planes, the board may contain additional layers such as mounting lands or silk screen legends.
What does PCB stand for?
Most modern PCBs use an advanced high-density interconnect (HDI) design with thousands of connections and multiple electrical interfaces. This allows for more functionality in a smaller space. In the past, most electronic devices were large and bulky, with many components connected together with wires that could get tangled or intrude into the device’s operating area.
In the vast ecosystem of modern electronics, Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) stand as the unassuming yet indispensable foundation upon which our technological world thrives. These intricate, laminated boards serve as the skeletal framework, orchestrating the symphony of electronic components that power our devices, from smartphones to spacecraft.
In addition to the copper connections, a PCB has a circuit diagram printed on its surfaces. It also has a list of the component designators, switches, test points and other indications that are helpful in assembling, testing, servicing and using the circuit board. This information is usually printed in a legend, which can be either silkscreen or liquid photo imaging, depending on the manufacturer.
In the United States, PCBs are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program performs individual assessments on each chemical and its mixtures to determine whether it is a hazardous substance. These assessments are available online in the Code of Federal Regulations at CFR Part 761.
