An electronic board is also known as printed circuit board. It is usually found in electronic devices. This board is the backbone of most electronic devices. Also, it provides mechanical support for electronic components and as well creates interconnections between these components. There are several types of printed circuit boards. An electronic board features various components. These components play crucial role in this board.
Also, a wide range of materials are used in the production of an electronic board. In this article, we will discuss important information about electronic board and its significance in electronic devices.
What is an Electronic Board?
An electronic board creates electrical connections between components by using copper conductors. These boards give mechanical support for components in electronic devices. The design of an electronic board must include some specific steps that align with the structure of the board and the manufacturing process. An electronic board is also referred to as a printed circuit board.
An electronic board comprises various electrical components. Each of these components plays a crucial role in the performance of an electronic board. A standard electronic board is covered in fiberglass and has components installed on a non-conductive board. These components are connected with traces. The traces enable the electrical components on the board to perform well by allowing the flow of electricity.
Furthermore, printed circuit boards have drilled holes where every electrical component must be installed. Printed circuit board boards play a crucial role in electronic devices. Without these boards, an electronic device won’t function. Printed circuit boards comprise copper wires. These copper wires allow the flow of electricity to several components of a board. Electronic boards could also be known as printed wiring boards.
Electrical Components of Electronic Board
As earlier mentioned, the electrical components are a vital part of an electronic board. Without these boards an electronic board won’t function as expected. This board will only be in its blank state. These components are responsible for the flow of electricity on the electronic board. There are a wide range of components placed on an electronic board.
Transistors
Transistors are electrical components mounted on a bare board. These multi-functional components can function as a conductor and an insulator. This means, they can conduct and insulate. Also, they can function as amplifiers and switches. These components are very small in size and can function at lower voltage. There are two types of transistors, these are field effect transistors and bipolar junction transistors.
Diodes
These are semiconductor components. They function as one-way switches for currents thereby enabling currents to easily flow in one direction. However, they restrict the flow of current in the opposite direction.
Capacitors
These are passive electrical components that function like rechargeable batteries. These components are capable of storing electrical energy and then transfer the energy when required.
Resistors regulate the flow of electric currents through them. Also, the control the voltage in every component linked to them. They play a vital role as they allow other components to handle the voltage that pass through them. Without the regulation of current flow , they might be overloading.
Inductors
When electric current flows through inductors, these two-terminal electrical components are capable of storing energy in a magnetic field. Inductors block alternating current while enabling the flow of direct currents. When inductors are combined with capacitors, they can produce tuned circuits. Most times, they are often used to block interference from another electronic device.
Types of Electronic Boards
There various types of electronic boards. These classifications is based on their design specifications, and manufacturing processes. The demand for more complex designs contributed to the manufacturing of various types of circuit boards. Different types of printed circuit boards include
- Single-Sided board
- Double-Sided board
- Multilayer board
- Flex board
- Rigid board
- Rigid-Flex board
Single sided electronic board
A single-sided electronic board comprises a single conductive copper layer which is above the substrate. In this board, the manufacturer solders the electrical components on one side of the board. These boards feature only one conducting layer, therefore, the conductive paths cannot overlap. Due to this, these boards take up a lot of space.
Due to this, these electronic boards are ideal applications that require low-density design. Single-sided electronic board is widely used for simple and low-cost electrical devices like timing circuits, calculators, LED lighting boards, power supplies, and FM radios among others.
Double-sided electronic board
A double-sided electronic board has a thin layer of conducting material on the bottom and top sides. There are holes in this circuit board which enable the connection of metal parts from one side to the other. Also, double sided circuit boards integrate surface mount technology (SMT) or through hole technology (THT) to connect the circuits on either side. Through-hole technology involves attaching lead components in already drilled holes on the electronic board. These components are soldered to pads on each sides. On the other hand, SMT involves placing electrical components directly and precisely on the surface of circuit boards.
Double-sided circuit boards are suitable for use in a wide range of applications like test equipment, cell phone systems, HVAC application, power monitoring, , amplifiers, and UPS system among others.
Multilayer electronic board
A multilayer electronic board comprises at least three copper layers. This means that this board has more than two conductive layers. Multilayer electronic boards usually have stackup. They layers are usually sandwiched. Also, multilayer boards have various double-sided conductive layers in which insulating material sheets are between them.
Manufacturers bond and laminate these layers under high temperatures. Multiple layers boards can be very complex to produce due to the number of layers in them. These boards could have four layers, six layers, twelve layers, and more. Due to their complexity, they are often used in complex devices like medical equipment, computers, GPS trackers, and more. Multi layer PCBs are more robust and are suitable for high-speed applications. Also, these boards have a higher level of design flexibility.
Flexible electronic board
An electronic board that can be bent, twisted, and folded is a flexible board. This board comprises printed circuits arranged on flexible substrate. Also, they are made from conductive polyester film or polyimide. Flexible circuits are widely used in cellular telephones, wearable devices, organic lighting emitting diode, and more. The base material of this board is responsible for its flexibility. Also, flexible PCBs offers a wide range of benefits aside flexibility.
Rigid electronic board
A rigid electronic board is a type of electronic board that can’t be bent, folder or twisted. A rigid substrate is the base material of this electronic board. Therefore, it features high strength and rigidity. A rigid board comprises a substrate layer, a solder mask layer, copper layer, and silk screen layer. Some rigid boards can be single-sided, multilayer, or double-sided board.
Rigid-flex electronic board
A rigid-flex electronic board is the combination of a rigid substrate and flexible substrate. This type of board can be shaped into a curve or flexed shape during the production process. The flexible part of this board enables interconnections between the rigid boards. Rigid-flex electronic boards are lighter than rigid boards. The lightweight nature of this board makes it an ideal option for various applications.
What Does an Electronic Board Comprise?
Regardless of the type of electronic board, an electronic board comprises different layers. The combination of these layers is what makes up a n electronic board. Also, these layers can be found in various PCBs. Each of these layers plays a vital role in the functionality of an electronic board.
Substrate Layer
The substrate layer gives the electronic board its rigid form. It is usually made of fiberglass. Also, this layer can be made from other materials such as epoxies. But, this material does not feature a high level of durability. Therefore, fiberglass is mostly used in high quality electronic boards.
Copper Layer
The next layer in the electronic board is a copper layer. This is a thin layer of copper foil. Manufacturers use heat to laminate this layer to the electronic board. A single-sided electronic board has one copper layer one side of the board. Double-sided boards have two copper layers mounted on both sides of the board. When we talk about double-sided boards, single sided boards, and multilayer boards, we refer to the number of copper layer in them.
Soldermask layer
After laminating the copper layer, the manufacturer places the soldermask layer on top. The soldermask is responsible for the green color of electronic boards. Also, the soldermask layer protects the copper from any form of contact with other elements in the board. This layer is also crucial for the manufacturing process.
Silkscreen layer
The silkscreen is the last layer in an electronic board. This layer helps humans to have a better understanding of the board and the functions of various pins or LEDs. It adds symbols, letters, and numbers to the board with the help of an ink.
Applications of an Electronic Board
Due to the versatility and functionality of electronic boards, these boards are widely used in various applications.
Consumer electronics
Consumer electronics like computers, TVs, smartphones, and refrigerator have electronic boards. These boards are responsible for the functionality of these devices. Also, electronic boards are available in IoT devices.
Automotive parts
Modern cars comprise several advanced and interconnected sensors that won’t function without electronic boards. Electronic boards are widely used for engine management systems, navigation systems, fuel regulators, audio and video systems, proximity sensors, and engine management systems among others. The introduction and development of electric vehicles will further increase the demand for electronic boards in the automotive sector.
Aerospace
Flexible electronic boards are crucial in designing aerospace devices. Aerospace technology relies on electronic boards. For instance, aerospace vessels are usually exposed to a high amount of turbulence during flights. Flexible electronic boards are useful in these aerospace vessels.
The medical industry relies on the use of electronic boards in medical devices. Medical devices are crucial in the medical industry as they make things easier for healthcare practitioners. For instance, devices like body temperature monitors, CT scanners, and heart rate monitors feature electronic boards. However, electronic boards used in medical devices need to meet the requirement of certain standards.
Industrial equipment
Industrial equipment like presses and drills require electronic boards to function. Various types of electronic boards are needed for industrial equipment. Most times, high-performance boards are often used for industrial equipment since they are usually subjected to extreme vibration, temperature, and shock. Also, electronic boards manufactured from thermal-resistant materials or thick copper boards may be integrated in this application.
Importance of Electronic Boards in Electronic Devices
Electronic boards play significant roles in the functioning of electronic devices. These boards are the backbone of most electronic products.
Create interconnections
Electronic boards create interconnections between components. Therefore, they enable output and input connections. The main function of an electronic board is to link all electronic components.
Compact solutions
An electronic board comprises several components and parts. These boards are usually small yet very powerful. It offers compact solutions for electronic device since it uses copper tracks instead of actual wires.
Provides mechanical support
An electronic board offers mechanical support to electronic components. This board achieves this by integrating signal traces and conductive pathways. Electronic boards are every where. You will find them in your mobile phone, laptops, computers, and more.
Durable and long lasting
Electronic boards can withstand a lot. These boards withstand moisture, heat, vibration, and shock. Therefore, this makes them suitable for use in hazardous environment. The capability of these boards to withstand a lot of things enhances their functionality.
Conclusion
An electronic board comprises various electrical components. Each of these components plays a crucial role in the performance of an electronic board. An electronic board is also referred to as a printed circuit board. Furthermore, printed circuit boards have drilled holes where every electrical component must be installed. Printed circuit board boards play a crucial role in electronic devices.
