A circuit board, fully known as a Printed Circuit Board (abbreviated as PCB), is an indispensable component in electronic devices. It enables the realization of complex electronic functions by providing a means for the fixation of electronic components and their electrical connections. The following are some basic facts about the composition of a circuit board and the main functions of its parts.
The circuit board is mainly composed of the following parts:
| Component Name | Function Description |
|———–|————-|
| Pad | Metal holes used for soldering component pins |
| Via | Metal holes that connect the pins of components on different layers, enabling internal connections in multi – layer PCBs |
| Mounting Hole | Used for fixing the circuit board |
| Trace | Copper film of the electrical network connecting the pins of components |
| Connector | Components used for connecting circuit boards |
| Solid Filling | Can effectively reduce impedance |
| Electrical Boundary | Determine the size of the circuit board. All components on the circuit board shall not exceed this boundary. |
The hierarchical structure of the circuit board directly affects its complexity and functionality. Common hierarchical structures include:
| Hierarchical Structure | Description |
|————-|——————|
| Single Layer PCB | A circuit board with copper foil on only one side and no copper foil on the other side. Generally, components are placed on the side without copper foil, and the side with copper foil is mainly used for wiring and soldering. |
| Double Layer PCB | A circuit board with copper on both sides. Generally, one side is called the Top Layer, and the other side is called the Bottom Layer. Usually, the Top Layer is used as the side for placing components, and the Bottom Layer is used as the side for soldering components. |
| Multi-Layer PCB | A circuit board that includes several working layers. In addition to the top and bottom layers, it also includes multiple inner layers. Generally, the inner layers can serve as routing layers, signal layers, power layers, grounding structures, etc. |
The main function of the circuit board is to provide a fixed position and electrical connections for electronic components, enabling each component to be arranged on the board in an orderly manner and ensuring the structural stability of electronic products. In addition, through the carefully designed copper foil circuits, the circuit board realizes the electrical connections between electronic components. Different components rely on these circuits to transmit signals and electrical energy to each other. Just like the neural network of the human body, it allows all parts of the electronic product to work together to complete complex functions.
In conclusion, the printed circuit board (PCB) is a complex system composed of multiple key components. Its hierarchical structure and design directly affect the performance and reliability of electronic products. Understanding the composition and functions of the PCB is crucial for electronic engineers and enthusiasts.