Definition and Structure of PCB
Each electronic device works by using electric power so that it can produce a wide range of things such as motion, visuals, sound, heat, and others. Electricity is flowed to each component so that each electronic component can connect to each other and can work properly.
A PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is a tool used to connect each electronic component so that the electronic device can work in accordance with its function. PCBs have different types according to their respective uses. PCBs are made according to the electronic components that will be placed on them, so pcbs for one electronic will be different from other electronics.
What are the functions of the PCB? PCB in addition to being a connecting component – electronic components also have another function that can be defined as follows.
- PCB serves to arrange electronic components so that it is more organized
- PCB serve as a hub for each component, both as well as passive components.
- PCB serve as a replacement for cables so as to minimize the use of unnecessary space and more efficiently.
- Pcb are evacuated to strengthen the unity of electronic devices. With PCB every electronic component becomes a solid and strong unit.
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) itself is formed from several layers that are composed and have their own functions. Each layer in the PCB is also made of different materials – different according to its use. Pcb can be a rigid board and also an elastic circuit board adjusting to the shape of the electronic device to be used by the PCB.
Some of the layers in the PCB are as follows.
1. Substrate
Substrate is a standard PCB layer. This section is the first layer material that envelops a PCB. Substrates can be FR2 (Flame Resistant) and FR4. FR2 (Frame Resistant 2) is a synthetic resin bonfing paper made by making a piece of paper absorbed by plastic resin. FR4 is made of fiberglass weaning that has undergone coating process with epoxy resin.
2. Copper
Copper is the second layer to be one of the constituents in the Printed Circuit Board. Copper is inserted into a flat-shaped substract that is laminated at a certain temperature. The number of copper layers in a PCB depends on the type of PCB to be made.
3. Soldermask
Soldermask is the third part in a PCB. Soldermask is a guard to prevent copper coatings and conductor lines from accidental collisions/conductions. Soldermask is also very important to prevent short soldering contact i.e. short collisions between solders. In general soldermask is green.
4. Silkscreen
The last part of a Printed Circuit Board is a silkscreen. Silkscreen is a symbol in PCB that makes it easy for designers to design/install each component on pcb. Silkscreen is generally white in the form of numbers and symbols.
