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PCB boards is the "core pillar" of electronic equipment. It insulates conductive lines on the substrate and pads to build component interconnections to ensure signal transmission. There are different types of PCB boards: single, double, and multilayer boards to meet different circuit requirements; flexible boards; and rigid-flexible combination of boards to break through the morphological constraints; and high-frequency and high-speed boards specialising in high-speed signal scenarios. Multilayer and HDI boards support complex equipment, while flexible boards help make wearable devices thinner and lighter.
PCB boards
PCBs are like the "invisible skeleton" of electronic devices, ensuring they are stable and can dissipate heat. The design and manufacturing quality determine how well the equipment works and how reliable it is. PCB technology is constantly improving, making modern technology possible.
Uses of PCB Boards
PCB technology is very useful in modern electronics. So,what are PCB boards used for? It has many uses, including making electrical connections, providing physical support, managing heat, and transmitting high-frequency signals. Furthermore, it's important to note that PCB types vary significantly in their design and manufacturing processes, which in turn influence their specific applications.
PCB boards
1. Single-layer boards are low-cost and simple to make. They are used in remote controls, calculators, and other simple devices.
2. Double-layer boards: double-sided wiring to make better use of space, used for power adapters, industrial control instruments, and other medium-density circuit scenarios.
3. Multilayer boards (4 - 32 layers): special materials and buried hole technology protect the electromagnetic shielding and signal integrity of high-frequency and high-speed equipment such as smartphones and server motherboards.
4. HDI board (High Density Interconnect): microvia and blind buried hole technology compresses space, which is the core carrier of ultra-thin laptop computers and miniature medical endoscopes.
5. Flexible Plate (FPC): polyimide substrate to achieve bending and folding, used in smart watch wristband circuits, folding screen mobile phone pivot module, and spacecraft folding solar panels.
6. Rigid-flexible board: a combination of rigid and flexible areas, used in drone camera modules and gastroscope probes, and other scenarios that require vibration resistance and bending.
7. Metal substrate (e.g., aluminum substrate): The metal layer conducts heat quickly to support the stable operation of LED lamps and inverter air conditioner drive modules in high-temperature and high-power scenarios.
8. Ceramic substrate: can resist high temperatures and is an insulator. It is used for high-power laser chips and IGBT modules for new energy vehicles.
How to choose the right type of PCB
PCB boards selection should be based on material properties (e.g., FR-4 general purpose, polyimide heat-resistant), manufacturing processes (e.g., laser drilling, blind buried holes), and industry certifications. This will ensure that the performance and scenarios are accurately matched.
1. Consumer electronics (e.g., phones, wearables) opt for HDI/FPC boards due to miniaturization, bendability, and adaptability to complex circuits/compact spaces.
2. Automotive electronics require high-temp, vibration, high-power handling with rigid-flex boards to ensure reliable engine control/autopilot, meeting IATF 16949 certification.
3. Medical equipment (e.g., monitors, implants) needs high-precision signals and biocompatibility. HDI/FPC boards with ISO 13485 certification ensure safety/stability.
4. Communication devices (e.g., 5G base stations, radars) demand high-freq/high-speed signals. Choose Rogers/multilayer PCB meeting IPC-2222 standards for impedance control/heat dissipation.
5. Industrial control devices (e.g., automation) require strength/interruption resistance. Multi-layer rigid PCBs/thick copper designs aid long-term operation.
6. Aerospace applications in extreme environments (e.g., high temps, radiation) use ceramic substrates/highly reliable rigid PCBs meeting IPC-7351 standards.
7. LED lighting/high-power devices choose aluminum/copper substrates for effective heat dissipation.
8. IoT relies on high-density interconnections; military electronics over GJB9001C certification controls risk.
Summary
The PCB industry will continue to grow in the future. It will grow in areas such as high-density interconnect, flexible PCB boards, 5G, automotive electronics, IoT, high-performance computing, and environmentally friendly materials. To keep up with these changes, companies need to keep innovating and improving their manufacturing processes. At the same time, companies also need to focus on environmental protection, using new materials, automated intelligent manufacturing, and optimizing supply chains to achieve sustainable development.