Types of PCB(Printed Circuit Boards)
Tags: typesofpcb, pcbtypes
Published: 2021-06-25 20:04:05

A printed circuit board (PCB) is made up of non-conductive material. Copper is laminated on non-conductive material. A different pattern is used to print on it therefore, it is called a printed circuit board.

## Why we use printed circuit board?

We use a printed circuit board because if we make a circuit simply through a wire it takes more place and the circuit can easily get short and open. If we make a big circuit it is very difficult to make such a big circuit. Connecting the wire without using the printed circuit board is most difficult. Moreover, in order to reduce the size of PCB, [SMD components](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface-mount_technology) are used. So, connecting the component on the printed circuit board is easy as compared to connecting the component without using PCB. Pads and tracks are printed on the copper lamination printed circuit board. Soldering is used to connect the component on the PCB. Through pads and tracks, a current connection is established between one component to another. Using a printed circuit board, we can make small, big, easy, and difficult circuits. PCB is used to make strong circuits. PCB circuit doesn’t get damaged easily as compared to the one which was not made on PCB. PCB is used in TV remotes, iron, and so on.

## Types of PCB

   * Single Layer PCB
   * Double Layer PCB
   * Multilayer PCB
   * Flexible PCB
   * Aluminum Baked PCB
   * Flex-rigid PCB

### Single Layer PCB:

A single-layer printed circuit board has only one layer of copper, and only one side is used to place the copper layer. copper is laminated on ER4 substrate. ER4 substrate is made up of glass material it is not a conducting material. Pads, tracks, and lines are made on PCB to connect the electronic components. Single Layer PCB is very cheap as compared to other PCB. When we have to make a less expensive circuit, we used a single-side PCB. It is mostly used in toys, as only one side is used for attaching components. A solder mask is used on top of the PCB because it protects the PCB. Initially, this PCB is made then another PCB is made as to the necessity of the requirement.

### Double Layer PCB:

In a double-layer printed circuit board, the copper is laminated on both sides of the substrate. Pads, tracks, and lines are making on PCB to connect the electronic component. Holes are prinking on PCB with the help of the pads and tracks and then place the electronic component on PCB. Copper is also laminated in the holes of the PCB, current moves through one side of the PCB to the other side of the PCB through holes. High-quality material is used to make double-layer PCB. It is expensive as compared to single-side PCB. In double side PCB, we make on both side pads and tracks because in double-layer PCB copper is laminated on both sides. Soldier mask is used on the top and bottom layer for the protection of the PCB.

### Multi-layer PCB:

[Multilayer PCB](https://www.theengineeringprojects.com/2018/03/multilayer-pcb.html) is made up of more than three copper layers. Multi-layer PCB is complex as compared to single-layer PCB or double-layer PCB. This complex circuit is made to combine single side PCB or double side PCB. These PCBs expand the technology used in double-sided PCBs. Various layers of substrate board and insulating materials separate the layers in multi-layer PCBs. The PCBs are compact in size and offer the benefits of weight and space.do a large number of wiring in multilayer PCB because a large number of layers are used. The dielectric material is used to separate the double layer PCB because this board is made up of a large number of double-layer PCBs. we make this PCB our choice. The rigid material is used to make this circuit because this circuit is easy to make on rigid material as compare to make on flexible material.4 to 8 layers is mostly used to make multilayer PCB.

### Flexible PCB:

[Flexible PCB](https://www.theengineeringprojects.com/2018/04/flexible-pcb.html) is constructed on a flexible base material. Flexible PCBs can bend and move. These PCBs help save a lot of space, along with reducing the overall board weight. the flexible material is used to make this type of PCB and electronic components are not damaged when we move the flexible PCB.it is very useful when we make any electronic device that is less in size or weight. flexible PCBs are majority made up of polyamide. this Flexible PCB is also called an FPC (flexible printed circuit).it is more reliable as compare to single side PCB, double side PCB, and multilayer PCB because it is easily bent and move. its installation is easy. this is used in calculators, cameras, and so on.

![Alt Text](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/phb3xxn0r08h1ct93ek5.png)

### Aluminum Baked PCB:

In [Aluminum Baked PCB](https://www.theengineeringprojects.com/2018/04/what-is-aluminum-pcb.html), aluminum is used as a substrate. Dielectric is used to separate the tracks and aluminum back. Aluminum is used to reduce heat because aluminum absorbs heat. the dielectric layer is present in between the copper layer and aluminum layer and then tracks and pads are made on the copper layer. Aluminum-backed PCB is mostly used to reduce heat. It is very helpful for the circuit which produces a lot of heat and where which we do not want to produce more heat therefore, this PCB help a lot, and its reliability also greater.

### Flex Rigid PCB:

Two type combination is used to make the [Flex rigid PCB](https://www.theengineeringprojects.com/2018/04/rigid-flex-pcb.html). Rigid-flex PCBs are a combination of rigid and flexible circuit boards. It doesn’t bend or fold. It is half flexible and half rigid. When in any electronic device require both combinations as our requirement made one PCB which has the quality of both so, it helps a lot where we use rigid and flexible PCB.

![Alt Text](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/z92q8i3ye4b194ifzee5.png)

## Application of Printed Circuit Board.

   * Monitor
   * Scanning technology
   * Control system
   * Computer
   * Communication
   * Industrial control