COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Printed Circuit Board embedded in the tracks of copper. These

materials are put by drilling holes in the
Abstract – Printed circuits are made of
board and soldering them into the
copper and copper and printed circuit
circuit structure [1].
boards (PCBs) are very important in any
electronic devices. This research sought to
find information about the uses and
application of the printed circuit boards
(PCB) in the field of electronics industry.
This research also aimed to determine the Figure 1. Printed Circuit Board
future application of the printed circuit
The most in demand component of
board in the electronics industry and
any electrical or digital system are printed
discusses its advantages and
circuit boards. The PCB market was
disadvantages.
estimated at around $600 million in 2012.
I. Introduction Various international manufacturing
companies such as Samsung, Sony and
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) were
Panasonic have become more successful in
invented by Paul Eisler, an Austrian
delivering the latest products for their
Engineer, when he was working in
consumer market. For cellular and
England around 1936 as part of the
electronic equipment, Asia, Japan and
radio set [9]. PCBs are thin plates that
America remain the top contenders.
are usually made of fiberglass,
Modern PCB development tools enable
laminated materials or composite epoxy
PCB manufacturers rapidly, easily and
that are used as a physical base to
cost-effectively produce these components
support chips and components. Such
[1].
boards are printed or etched to form
circuits that control electronic devices In the Philippines, the Music Tribe
or gadgets with conductive pathways. assists engineers in the design and
They support various electronic development of complex and detailed
components such as integrated circuits, models of printed circuit boards,
resistors and transistors that are collaborates in the production of state-of -
 COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
the-art prototypes of new or updated, high-
density, printed circuit boards, sets design
standards and configurations, and works
from preliminary schemes, component lists
and basic board feature specification [2]. I
chose this material because PCBs are very
important in any electronic device.
II. Classification
Figure 2. Transition Metals in the
Periodic Table of Elements
Copper is classified as a "Transition Metal"
found in Periodic Table Groups 3-12.
Elements known as Transition Metals are
generally described as ductile, malleable,
and capable of conducting heat and
electricity. Nearly 75% of all the elements
in the Periodic Table are listed as metals
detailed in the Metals List [3].
III. Strcuture
Figure 3. Model of the face-centered cubic
crystal structure of copper showing one
unit cell.
The copper atom is very similar to a
gold or silver atom that together with
copper forms a group in the periodic table
of elements. Everyone is aware of copper's
excellent electrical conductivity arising
from the atomic structure of copper. A
cloud of free electrons is unique for the
movement of electrical current within the
copper atom lattice. This same electron
cloud also improves thermal energy transfer
effectively. Solid copper can be represented
in a face-centered cubic (fcc) configuration
as the arrangement of copper atoms. At
each corner and in the middle of each face
of a cube, a copper atom is located as shown
in Figure 3. This is the unit cell which is
repeated in three dimensional space to
 COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

make up the crystal structure of the metal controlling and manipulating the boards
[4]. easier for users depending on their needs
[6].
IV. Properties
Minimized short circuits
Thermal Property
Printed circuit boards were
For PCB performance, reliability designed specifically to reduce the chances
and, durability, heat management is crucial. of shorts and wiring issues. Because the
Insufficient heat management may result in copper tracks are already installed in the
delamination, injury, or failure of the board during the PCB assembly process,
system. In heat control, thermal there is no risk that the wires will be
conductivity plays a vital role and is misaligned or lost [6].
therefore a crucial parameter for PCB
Satisfaction guaranteed
design. The C-Therm TCi thermal
conductivity analyzer is a useful tool in Since all the printed circuit boards undergo

obtaining rapid, precise, and accurate strict inspection throughout the entire

measurements of PCB component thermal production cycle, a final inspection is very

conductivity [5]. little required. Simple testing can be

performed to show the product, but you no
V. Advantages and
longer need to worry about components that
Disadvantages
are poorly designed or unexpected short
Advantages circuits. Similar to a man-made breadboard,
the fully automated process greatly
Fixed Components
increases the chances of a functioning
The PCB assembly process ensures that all circuit board [6].
parts are permanently attached to the
Cost effective mass production
printed circuit board, unlike the manually
assembled breadboard. Similarly, the It is already possible to create multiple
simplified digital process removes the need printed circuit boards in a single production
for complex and complicated cable run as long as you have a finished working
systems. The simple design makes model. After all, you only need to load the
 COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
model files onto the device and wait for the
design to be printed and engraved onto the
copper plate. Because you will hardly need
any energy, even if you choose to mass-
produce your panels, you can save a
considerable amount [6].
Unlimited reproduction capabilities
When you save on your desktop a single
schematic design or format, you can recycle
it and replicate it as many times as you like.
It makes it ideal for creating multiple,
similar boards in different batches. In the
long run, its technical innovation will save
you time and money [6].
Disadvantages
Complicated repair process
Although the assembly and manufacturing
process guarantees a working finished
product, a printed circuit board is sadly
difficult to repair once it has been damaged.
Although handling regular wear and tear is
powerful enough, it will inevitably fail with
constant use [6].
Production process causes
environmental degradation
Since the entire manufacturing system
relies heavily on the use of both engineering
and toxic chemicals, many environmental
concerns may arise. Since the workers
making bread boards cannot be exposed to
toxic chemicals, the boards themselves are
also less environmentally harmful.
Compared to their printed counterparts,
manually made bread boards are much
more environmentally friendly in this
regard [6].
Fixed and specific use
However, only the single function that a
printed circuit board is built to do can be
performed. After it is made, it cannot be
reprogrammed or modified. You will need
to recreate another board if you need to
check a new circuit or design. It will
eventually be up to you to decide whether
your needs will be met by a printed circuit
board or by another form of board. What is
crucial is understanding what each board
can do and weighing those pros and cons
come up with the best choice [6].
VI. Recent Research
Direct recovery of copper from
printed circuit boards (PCBs)
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powder concentrate by a this method did not contain detectable

simultaneous electroleaching- impurities, indicating that this process may
electrodeposition process be an interesting alternative route for
copper recovery from PCBs, thereby
In this paper, a novel process to produce
permitting the recovery of tin and lead as a
copper from ground and concentrated
solder alloy, substantially decreasing the
printed circuit board (PCB) powder is
amount of residues and decreasing the
presented. In this process, a powder sample
environmental impact caused by such
containing approximately 48% copper and
hazardous materials.
40% other metals, as well as 12% non-
metallic materials, was anodically Leaching and Selective Recovery of Cu
dissolved in an acidic copper sulfate from Printed Circuit Boards
solution, while copper ions were
Printed circuit boards (PCBs), a typical
simultaneously reduced on the cathode,
end-of-life electronic waste, were collected
producing pure electrolytic copper and a
from an E-waste recycling company located
solid residue rich in tin, lead, non-metallic
in the Netherlands. Cu and precious metal
materials and with a small copper content.
concentration analyses of the powdered
The results indicated that agitation and
PCBs confirm that the PCBs are
temperature increase favored copper
multimetallic in nature, rich, but contain
recovery. However, agitation was
high concentrations of Cu, Au, Ag, Pd, and
demonstrated to be the most important
Pt. Ferric sulfate concentration (100 mM),
parameter for increasing the efficiency of
agitation speed (300 rpm), temperature
copper recovery from PCBs. At 25 degrees
(20◦C), and solid-to-liquid ratio (10 g·L−1)
C, an apparent copper recovery of 96% was
were found to be the optimum conditions
achieved after a 15 h-electrolysis with an
for the maximum leaching of Cu from
agitation speed of 415 rpm, while at 40
PCBs. The ferric sulfate leachates were
degrees C without agitation the apparent
further examined for selective recovery of
recovery was only 90%. Scanning electron
Cu as copper sulfides. The important
microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive
process variables of sulfide precipitation,
spectroscopy (EDS) analyses had indicated
such as lixiviant concentration and sulfide
that the copper recovered from PCBs by
 COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

dosage were investigated and optimized be paid to ensuring consistency in the

100 ppm of ferric sulfate and development of medical PCBs, as proper
(copper:sulfide) 1:3 molar ratio, functioning can be vital to patient health.
respectively. Over 95% of the dissolved Cu PCBs also have to follow stringent
(from the multimetallic leachates) was sanitation standards in many cases,
selectively precipitated as copper sulfide especially those used for implants. There
under optimum conditions. The must also be relatively small boards used
characterization of the copper sulfide for implants and many other uses, such as
precipitates by SEM-EDS analyses showed emergency room control. As a result, most
that the precipitates mainly consist of Cu medical PCBs are interconnected with high
and S. PCBs can thus be seen as a potential density, or HDI [7].
secondary resource for copper [8].
Consumer Electronics

VII. Applications

Medical Devices

Figure 5. Consumer Electronics

Smartphones, computers and many other

consumer products that people use every
day need PCBs to operate. PCBs become a
Figure 4. Medical Devices
bigger part of our daily lives as we add
When technology advances, the healthcare electronics to more of our goods.
sector uses increasing numbers of PCBs, Manufacturers develop smaller and smaller
revealing new capabilities. In tools used for smartphones and laptops with many
diagnosis, control, treatment and more, advanced capabilities that involve small
PCBs play a role. Particular attention must
 COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

PCBs with large link volumes. PCBs used assembly services may include thru-hole
for consumer electronics also need to be technology to increase durability [7].
relatively low-cost to keep the price of the
Automotive Components
final product low. Manufacturers also want
reliable boards because they need to operate
their goods to stay in business as planned
[7].

Industrial Equipment

Figure 7. Automotive Components

Figure 6. Industrial Equipment Automotive manufacturers in their vehicles

are using increasing numbers of electronic
The uses of printed circuit boards vary
components. PCBs have been in use in
widely in the industrial sector. In
earlier times only for items like windshield
manufacturing and distribution centers as
wipers and headlight switches, but today
well as other types of industrial facilities,
they require many advanced features to
electronic components power much of the
make driving safer and easier. It may need
machinery. Sometimes, the PCBs used in
to be able to withstand extreme
the industrial sector need to be particularly
temperatures and vibrations depending on
high-powered and sufficiently robust to
which part of the automobile a PCB is used
withstand the harsh conditions in industrial
for. It is also important that if they are
plants. PCBs can require rough handling
involved in a car's safety feature, they work
resistance, vibrating equipment, extreme
consistently. High-temperature laminates,
temperatures, or harsh chemicals. Industrial
aluminum or copper substrates, and thru-
PCBs can be manufactured of durable
hole installed parts can be used by
metals and thermal-resistant materials and
manufacturers because of these difficulties.
thicker than other forms of PCBs to satisfy
this need for durability. Industrial PCB
 COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
They also use flex-rigid PCBs because of
their ability to withstand vibrations [7].
Telecommunications Equipment
Figure 8. Telecommunications Equipment
PCBs are a crucial component of the
telecom industry. These are required for
consumer devices like smartphones, but
also for the infrastructure that allows these
devices to operate. Due to the many
different types of equipment used in the
industry, the telecom sector uses a wide
variety of PCB types. Most machinery is
maintained in safe indoor environments,
while some infrastructure has to endure
hurricanes and extreme temperatures in
outdoor environments [7].
Future Application
PCB Board Cameras
Figure 9. Illustration of PCB
Board Camera
Board cameras are cameras that are
mounted directly on a circuit board is also
called PCB cameras. Such PCB cameras
consist of a sensor for lens, aperture and
picture are designed to take digital images
as well as videos. All in all, the cameras
are about a quarter size and can be
mounted on any PCB size. This ensures
that these devices are small enough for
almost any electronic device to fit into
[10].
Board cameras have evolved steadily since
their launch, with the key areas of
improvement being photo and video
imagery and longevity. Today, these small
cameras can easily take images and video
in high-resolution. Board cameras are
expected to develop further in the coming
 COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

years, providing efficient solutions for look promising, but is also expanding
industry as well as consumer electronics rapidly [11].
[10].

VIII. Environmental Issues

Since the entire manufacturing system

relies heavily on the use of both engineering
and toxic chemicals, many environmental
concerns may arise. Since the workers
making bread boards cannot be exposed to
toxic chemicals, the boards themselves are
also less environmentally harmful.
Compared to their printed counterparts,
manually made bread boards are much
more environmentally friendly in this
regard [6].

Economic Issues

The market size of the printed circuit board

has seen steady growth in recent years. This
is largely driven by the co-adoption of
PCBs in the automotive industry and the
development of lightweight PCBs for
sleeker electronic appliances circuit design.
Globally, the PCB value chain is boosted by
increased government interest in
digitization, especially in developing
economies. As a result, the market size of
the printed circuit board does not only
 COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

IX. References http://emsginc.com/resources/10-common-

pcb-applications/
[1] Wagner, M. “The Importance of
Printed Circuit Boards”. 2015: [8] Sethurajan, M. & Hullebusch, E.D.”
http://hardhero.com/the-importance-of- Leaching and Selective Recovery of Cu
printed-circuit-boards/ from Printed

[2] Music Tribe Philippines (2019): Circuit Boards”. 2019.

https://ph.linkedin.com/jobs/printed-
[9] “LPE-PCB Service LTD,” 2019:
circuit-board-pcb-design-jobs-
https://www.lpe.hu/en/history-of-pcb\
philippines?position=1&pageNum=0
[10] “PCBart,” 2019:
[3] Elemental Matter (2018):
https://www.pcbcart.com/article/content/fu
http://www.elementalmatter.info/element-
ture-of-pcbs.html
copper.htm
[11] NegoSentro (2019):
[4] PCB Train (2018):
https://negosentro.com/printed-circuit-
https://www.pcbtrain.co.uk/blog/the-
board-market-size-industry-analysis-and-
basics-of-printed-circuit-boards-design-
opportunities/
components-and-construction

[5] C-Therm Technologies (2019):

https://ctherm.com/resources/blog/thermal
_conductivity_of_printed_circuit_board_di
electric_materials/

[6] McNamara, F. (2017):

http://ourlifesimplified.com/advantages-
and-disadvantages-of-printed-circuit-
boards-and-pcb-assembly/

[7] Electronic Manufacturing Service

Group, Inc. (2019):