Electronic technology is tumbling like a torrent. In the technology-led era of 2023, there are endless layers of various technological products. In these products, printed circuit boards are essential components, but do you really know these humble things? board? In this article, TechSparks will introduce them to you starting from the types of PCBs.
The difference between hardness and softness
Rigid PCB: This is the most used and widely used type of PCB. It is made of one or more layers of hard substrates. As its name suggests, this PCB has a fixed shape and size. Although it cannot be bent, it provides considerable Strong hardness. We can easily find them in some basic applications, such as computers.
Flexible PCB: There is a flexible material (polyimide) as the substrate. Contrary to the rigid board, this type of PCB has the characteristics of being bendable and foldable and can be placed in three-dimensional layout and curved surface requirements. Driven by the miniaturization trend, flexible circuits are the first choice for many applications such as wearable devices, mobile devices, medical devices, etc. It should be noted that they do not have a reliable advantage, and designing such a PCB needs to consider the specific needs of the project, such as dynamic flexibility or static flexibility.
Rigid-flexible PCB: The combination of rigid PCB and flexible PCB has the advantages and characteristics of both. Their construction is usually BBA. This kind of PCB makes up for the shortcomings of rigid boards that cannot be bent and makes up for the shortcomings of flexible boards that are not reliable, so it is widely used.
The difference between different layers
Single-layer PCB: The simplest circuit structure, consisting of a layer of conductive copper foil covered on an insulating substrate. This type of board is cheaper and easier to build, but the low number of conductive layers means fewer electronic components can be carried, so more boards may be required for advanced functionality. They are commonly used in electronic toys, calculators, and some low-level consumer electronics.
Double-layer PCB: Made of two layers of conductive copper foil on top and bottom of an insulating substrate. Compared with a single-layer board, it provides more circuit layout space and more complex connections. In a double-layer PCB, electrical connections between different layers are achieved by using electrical connection holes (Vias) between the two layers. Double-layer PCBs are widely used in various electronic devices, including household appliances, communication equipment, and industrial control systems.
Multilayer PCB: A PCB consisting of 4 or more layers of conductive copper foil and insulating substrate layers stacked on top of each other. There is a misunderstanding here, usually we call “3” as many, but multilayer boards are usually double-layered in printed circuit boards, so here we are talking about 4 layers and above. This type of PCB is considered an advanced board and is widely used in complex electronics such as central computers, communication base stations, medical equipment. It should be noted that it is difficult to build multiple layers for rigid-flex PCB and flexible PCB, and even 6 layers require extreme manufacturing capabilities.
The difference between different functional
High-frequency PCB: A high-end circuit type that is the first choice for applications such as wireless communication systems, radar equipment, satellite communications, wireless networks, and high-speed data transmission. These PCBs are designed for high-frequency signal transmission and can operate in radio frequency (RF) and microwave frequency bands. However, this PCB is expensive and usually uses ceramics or Rogers as the substrate material. When designing high-frequency PCBs, it is recommended that designers consider factors such as electromagnetic wave propagation characteristics, impedance matching, signal coupling, and radiation noise.
RF PCB: It is a high-frequency board subdivided according to the operating frequency, usually used in RF communication systems, antenna design, wireless sensor networks, etc. These boards typically have excellent high frequency performance and signal integrity in the higher frequency range.
HDI PCB: refers to a PCB produced by high-density interconnection technology, which can accommodate more and denser circuits in the same volume. This kind of board usually uses technologies such as fine lines, fine pitches, blind holes, buried holes and through holes to achieve higher connection density. They are commonly used in miniaturized electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and other portable electronics.
Summarize
So far, the classification of PCBs has been basically introduced. In fact, we can classify them in more ways, such as materials, properties, etc. If you want to learn more professional circuit knowledge, TechSparks.COM will be your friendliest partner, here is a gathering place for electronics enthusiasts, focusing on providing authoritative content.