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Understanding printed circuit boards (PCBs) is crucial for anyone involved in electronics and manufacturing. This guide delves into the key technical terms that form the foundation of PCB design and production.
A feature of copper tracking which captures excess etching chemistry during processing, resulting in under or over etching.
A type of circuit where the variation of the voltage is the signal quantity. These circuits have short signal paths with large areas of screening.
The width of the copper pad area that remains after a hole is drilled through a pad.
The shape and size of the tool which draws or flashes pads or tracks respectively. Historically, tracks and pads were created by shining a light through selected apertures in a wheel, indexed over photographic film.
A list of the shapes and sizes of the apertures used to create pads and tracks.
The photographic tool used to manufacture a printed circuit board, usually film work, but could also refer to the Gerber files.
Machines used to automatically test the functionality of a PCB.
The process by which a CAD layout package automatically places copper tracking and components according to the connectivity defined by the net-list.
Refers to a PCB before any components have been placed on it.
The material forming the structural and insulating layer between the copper layers of a PCB.
A machine that uses an adaptor jig to connect every test point of a PCB under test to a computer, which scans the test points and compares the connectivity to a net-list file or a "golden" board.
A document detailing the quantity required, manufacturer's part numbers, device descriptions, value, type or size, and reference designators.
A copper plated hole which passes from the surface of a PCB and terminates at a copper feature on an inner layer, not passing all the way through the PCB.
A PCB fault where part of a drilled hole cuts through its associated copper pad.
A PCB fault where excess solder or copper causes a short between adjacent copper features.
A copper plated hole interconnecting two internal layers of a multi-layer PCB, not visible externally.
Epoxy paper laminate with glass fabric coating.
Epoxy felt laminate with glass fabric coating.
Usually applied to an edge connector area of a PCB to relieve sharp edges where the PCB is inserted into an edge connector.
The copper connections allowing electrical currents to pass between components, creating a functioning electrical or electronic device.
Another term for printed circuit boards.
One of the layers of a PCB containing conductors, including tracking, ground, and voltage planes.
The holes through which leaded components are fitted.
The gap between adjacent copper tracks.
Defined in ohms, it is a characteristic of a copper track governed by the dielectric constant of the base laminate, track width, dielectric thickness, copper track thickness, and configuration of adjacent copper features.
Commonly used in multilayer PCB construction, available in various thicknesses.
A material applied to the outside layers of a flexible circuit to insulate the copper conductor, normally produced with a drilling process.
A computer program identifies features on the circuit that breach design rules, including track gaps, annular ring sizes, acid trap detection, etc.
The process of removing resin smeared over exposed copper when drilling multilayer PCBs to ensure a sound electrical connection by plated copper.
Files format by which many mechanical drawing programs share data, commonly used to transfer PCB designs to manufacturers.
A file format for sharing mechanical drawing data, often used to convert PCB designs for manufacturing.
Characterized by signals that are either on or off, typically 0 or 5 volts, increasingly replacing analogue circuits.
The property of a dielectric determining the electrostatic energy per unit volume for unit potential grade. It affects the transmission speed of an electromagnetic wave in a dielectric medium.
The energy absorbed by the dielectric media, affecting signal attenuation at high frequencies.
A PCB with copper tracking on both sides but no inner layers.
A list of drill sizes used in making the PCB.
A proprietary file format for plotting PCB files, generally considered superior to Gerber.
Charges related to electrical testing of PCBs, either via flying probe tests for prototypes or fixture tests for mass production.
Gold plated tags at the edge of the PCB that mate with an appropriate connector.
Copper deposited on the inside of drilled holes through catalytic deposition, followed by electrolytic plating.
A finish providing a flat, oxidation-free surface for mounting surface mount components.
The ratio of etch depth to the resist undercut amount during etching.
The process of removing copper from copper-clad laminate to create insulation between copper tracking.
A copper pad used as a common datum for registering other PCB layers or machines to the component placement points on the PCB.
Vector plotters would "flash" an image of the pads required on a PCB. Tracking would be "drawn".
Single-sided or double-sided flexible circuits, consisting of copper layers on a flexible dielectric film.
A PCB manufactured on non-rigid material, commonly polyimide sheet.
A machine that tests PCBs by moving test probes to the nets under test, capable of testing over 2000 points per minute.
Phenolic paper laminate.
Epoxy paper laminate.
Standard glass epoxy substrate with a glass transition temperature of 135°C, offering superior mechanical strength and impact resistance. FR stands for flame resistant.
The temperature at which a resin system transforms from a rigid state to a softened state.
Data encapsulating a PCB design in a vector format, widely used for transferring data from CAD packages to PCB manufacturers.
A large area of solid or hatched copper on a PCB used as an electrical ground or shield.
A process immersing a PCB in molten solder, then rapidly withdrawing it to remove surplus solder, ensuring excellent solderability and shelf life.
A vector-driven language used for driving pen plotters, similar to Gerber.
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