Printed circuit boards are among the many crucial parts of electronic devices and are generally made of plastic or fiberglass. They have metal pathways printed on them, connecting different PCB components. The pathways, known as traces, send information through electric signals to different device parts. The primary function of a PCB is to facilitate communication between multiple parts of a device. This article discusses the different circuit board types, leading PCB manufacturers, and more.
Three main types of circuit boards
Three main types of PCBs are commonly used in most electronic devices. These are as follows:
- Rigid PCBs: They are made with rigid materials like fiberglass. They are less expensive but are not versatile, as you cannot bend or fit them in small or unique-shaped devices.
- Flexible PCBs: They are very flexible and can fit into devices with small spaces or uniquely shaped designs. They are made with bendable materials like polyimide and are more heat-resistant than rigid PCBs.
- Rigid-flex PCBs: They are a combination of rigid and flexible PCBs. One or more flexible circuit layers are attached to one or more rigid boards to create a circuit board.
Other types of PCBs include single, double-sided, multilayered PCBS, and high-frequency boards.
Leading PCB manufacturers
PCBs are widely used in many devices and systems, including medical devices, consumer and automotive electronics, LEDs, industrial equipment, aerospace equipment and systems, maritime systems, telecommunication devices, and safety and security equipment. PCBs are typically designed by electrical, electronic, or computer engineers with the required qualifications and certifications in CAD, drafting, or electronic design. Many companies make PCBs, and when choosing a brand to create a PCB for your organization, the first thing to consider is the quality, their ability to make it precisely per your specifications, the materials used, and the cost and delivery time. The cost and delivery capabilities are crucial factors, particularly if you are looking for a large production. Based on these factors, some of the leading PCB manufacturers include the following:
- Advanced Circuitry International
- Rush PCB
- Custom Circuit Boards
- Journey Circuits Inc
- ACT International
- Imagineering
- APCT
- Active Sales Associates
- TechnoTrix
- RedBroad Circuits
Circuit boards and components
While designing a PCB, a designer first decides on the type of PCB they want and then works on the required components. A PCB consists of multiple components with a specific role and function. It functions well only if every component works well. Here are some of the important components of a PCB and their functions:
- A battery powers the complete operation of the PCB.
- Capacitors are cylindrical-shaped components that store electric charge.
- Connectors come in many shapes and are used to interrupt the path of a circuit.
- Inductors are color-coded wire coils that store electrical energy as magnetic energy.
- Integrated circuits are multifunctional components that work as timers, amplifiers, and oscillators.
- Potentiometers measure electrical voltage in Ohms.
- Processors receive input and convert it into the appropriate output.
- RAM is random access memory and is usually adjacent to the CPU.
- Regulators are used to interrupt the power supply.
- The resistor controls the flow of electricity to other parts of the board.
- Sensors measure light, sound, and pressure.
- The diode helps the electricity pass through the PCB in one direction.
- The fuse trips if there is too much current.
- Traces are pathways etched or printed on the copper layers.
- Transformers are used to stop the supply of power to the device.
- Transistors are semiconductor devices used to amplify electronic signals.
