The Basic Set Up of a PCB

As you probably know, printed circuit boards are pretty ubiquitous in the world of electronics. You will
probably find one in the devices that you use every day. However, people often use these electronic
devices without considering or understanding the technology behind them. Here are the basics of
PCB design, components and construction to give you a better idea of how your electronics operate.

In its simplest form, a PCB is a plastic board reinforced with glass. Attached to this board are copper
lines and pads which connect together, cut from a copper layer. These copper lines (known as
traces) allow electrical charge to flow through the PCB, providing power to the different components
that are situated systematically on the board. The copper traces function in the place of wires,
guiding the electricity to the correct destination.

The Layers of a PCB

The simplest PCBs are single sided boards (one copper layer). However, the copper traces can also
be installed on both sides of the board, creating a double sided PCB. They become more and more
complex as additional layers are added to the original design. These new layers have their own
copper trace formations. The copper connections cannot cross one another without the path of the
electrical charge being compromised, so multi layered PCBs become necessary for advanced
electronics. However, in the single sided boards one side is reserved for the copper trace and the
other side houses the components.

On top of the copper layer sits the solder mask and the silkscreen. The solder mask is what makes
the PCB its recognisable green colour. This has the function of insulating the copper from any metal
parts that might accidently come into contact with it. However, parts of the metal will remain exposed
so that they can be soldered to. The silkscreen sits on top of the solder mask again. This has letters
and numbers drawn on it which make the assembly of the PCB easier for the engineer (or the
hobbyist!).

The Components
If the copper traces behave like the skeleton of the PCB, acting as its basic structure – then the
components are the vital organs. Each one has a different function. They give the circuit the unique
qualities that make it fit for its intended purpose. Depending on the device or electronic item a PCB
is designed for, different components will be needed for different circuits. These components can
consist of a wide range of electronic parts. Some common PCB components include:

Battery: provides the voltage to the circuit.

Resistors: control the electric current as it passes through them. They’re colour coded to determine
their value.

LEDs: light emitting diode. Lights up when current flows through it, and will only allow current to flow
in one direction.

Transistor: amplifies charge.

Capacitators: these are components which can harbour electrical charge.

Inductor: stores charge and stops and change in current.

Diode: allows current to pass in one direction only, blocking the other.

Switches: can either allow current or block depending if they are closed or open.

PCB Assembly

These components can be attached to the board in various ways. In general, an engineer will
choose to use either the surface mount method or the through-hole method to attach the
components. Following a schematic pattern and using the numbers on the silkscreen, the engineer
uses solder to attach the components to the board. The engineer must be very careful when
soldering. As solder is a metal that an engineer melts so that they can manipulate it. Any stray blobs
that are out of place and touch other metal components could cause the circuit to short. This can be
dangerous, causing fires or even small explosions. When the components are installed correctly, the
PCB is ready to be used in a device