Printed circuit boards (PCBs) play a crucial role in the performance of all modern electronics. They connect electronic components in various devices and electronic equipment, from computers to calculators. The quality and performance of PCBs depend heavily on the materials that make up their composition. As such, PCB material selection should be undertaken with care and an understanding of your equipment’s electrical needs.
Below, we’ll cover more on PCBs and how a quality PCB material can enhance the functionality of various equipment. We’re here to help you discover simpler, compact options that can best support your electronics.
About PCB Material
A PCB is the most important part of any electronic device. Many PCBs are printed wiring boards and printed wiring cards that create connectivity between different components. Different boards require different material needs ranging from high frequency and data speed to stability in varying temperatures.
Before PCBs, electrical components were assembled using point-to-point wiring, leaving nets of entangled overlapping wires that could easily fall, short circuit due to cracks, and cause unexpected errors. The manual wiring process was also time-consuming and complex and required substantial effort from engineers.
Once using circuit boards in electronic devices took off, manufacturers developed simpler more compact alternatives, leading to the development of PCB. The materials in PCBs help facilitate the transfer of current and attached components and help route circuits to various components.
What Are PCBs Made Of?
PCB typically consists of four layers of materials (silkscreen, solder mask, copper, and substrate) that are laminated together to create a single layer. While substrate layers can vary in thickness, they provide a solid foundation for the board. The substrate that makes up the bottom layer is typically made of FR4 fiberglass with fire-retardant properties. Many boards also have a layer of copper above and below the substrate. PCBs with only a single layer of copper are usually used in cheaper electronic devices.
The most affordable electronic devices often use cheaper boards that consist of phenolics or epoxies instead of the four layers of substrate mentioned above. These boards tend to lose lamination easily due to their thermal sensitivity. While they may look similar to quality PCBs, cheaper boards are often easily recognizable by the smell they give off when being soldered.
Importance of Using Quality PCB Material in Electrical Components
Since they play such an important role in functionality, PCBs are found in practically every electronic device you can think of, from phones and cars to computers and tablets.
The quality of the materials used in PCBs impacts the performance, reliability, and durability of the end product. For instance, certain material properties can promote dependable connectivity, thus ensuring the device functions as expected. A smartphone will contain a PCB that connects the interactive screen and buttons to circuits in the back of the device. Without the PCB, these components wouldn’t be able to communicate, and the phone wouldn’t work properly.
PCB materials also play an important role in product longevity, protecting fragile components from external influences. Boards are simple in structure and keep wires and connections in place. Metal layers can also be used to form a “cage” that protects components from outside interference and limits damage and wear over time.
Whether you’re looking for specialized components or to protect simpler devices, it’s key to choose a material that you can depend on. Using PCBs with high-quality materials and meticulous production enables the development of long-lasting electronic products.
Premier PCB Material Solutions by Pace Electronics
PCBs are key to developing electronic devices that can reliably perform in today’s world. The materials in these boards significantly impact a product’s functionality, longevity, and reliability. Manufacturing high-quality PCBs requires expertise and a commitment to continuous improvement.
At Pace Electronics, we’ve spent over 50 years building a reputation around innovation and customer satisfaction. We can confidently meet the specifications of any circuit board assembly requirements, using cutting-edge technologies and meticulous attention to detail to deliver reliable PCB solutions.
Contact us today to hear from one of our skilled customer service representatives.
