What is a Single-Layer PCB?
A single-layer PCB (also called single-sided PCB) has electronic circuits on only one side of the board. Though first made in the 1950s, it’s still widely used today. It’s the simplest type of circuit board, with two common versions: Note: Flexible versions cost more to make than rigid ones. What is a Single-Sided Flexible PCB? It’s the […]
What is Flexible PCB Coverlay?
Flexible PCB coverlay protects the wiring on bendable circuit boards. Think of it like flexible “armor” for your circuits! It’s the go-to solution in the industry for protecting flexible circuits! What is Flexible PCB Coverlay Made Of? Flexible coverlay is a protective sheet with two layers: It’s applied like a protective sticker: Thickness Choices:Coverlay comes in different […]
What is Reflow Soldering?
Reflow soldering works differently than wave soldering: Step 1: Apply solder pasteA special sticky paste (containing both solder and flux) is spread onto the circuit board using a stencil (like a template). Step 2: Place partsA machine picks up electronic parts and puts them on the paste. The paste acts like glue, holding parts in […]
What is Wave Soldering
Soldering is a vital step in making circuit boards (PCBA) because it actually connects electronic parts to the board.The two most popular ways to do this are: Wave soldering and reflow soldering are the two most popular ways to solder electronics.But many beginners and new buyers wonder: what do these terms actually mean? What is Wave […]
What factors influence the price of PCB?
Unseen Expenditures in Custom PCB Development Beyond apparent design-related expenses, custom PCB projects often encounter overlooked financial considerations: Strategic mitigation involves consolidating prototype batches, negotiating volume-based tooling credits, and implementing automated test jigs. Partnering with full-service vendors offering combined engineering/procurement services can reduce transactional costs by 15-25%. How to Lower Expenses for Custom PCB Production? […]
How to protect circuit boards: Full encapsulation (potting) or thin coating?
PCB potting is a way to protect circuit boards by completely surrounding them with a special protective liquid or gel (called potting compound). There are three common types used for different needs: epoxy, polyurethane, and silicone. How it works: This creates a protective barrier around the electronics. PCB potting protects electronics in three key ways: Why bubbles […]
How far can I safely bend a flexible circuit?
The most common inquiry we receive concerning flex circuits pertains to the extent to which a flex circuit can be bent: “How far can I safely bend a flexible circuit?” According to IPC standards, the recommended minimum bend radius is 10 times the thickness of the material. IPC-2223 includes a section that provides reasonable guidance […]
Understanding Impedance: Key Points Explained Simply
Like rigid PCBs used in high-speed devices, flexible and rigid-flex circuit boards also need carefully controlled electrical pathways (impedance). They use the same target values – usually 50 ohms for single wires and up to 120 ohms for paired wires. But achieving these values is trickier for flexible boards. Why? Because they must bend during […]
Understanding Multilayer PCB Layer Structure
There are two basic kinds of circuit boards: When you need more space for wires or better signal quality, multi-layer PCBs are the better choice. Unlike single or double-layer boards, multi-layer PCBs are built by stacking many alternating layers of copper and insulation together. This creates a complex wiring network inside the board. This stack […]
Key Considerations for Flexible Circuit Wiring
Problems like designing the layers, placing parts, and cutting the circuit are usually easy to spot. However, flexible circuits also face several common material weaknesses. These can include adhesives that expand too much, thin copper layers peeling off flimsy plastic bases, or copper hardening or cracking. Keeping Flex Circuits Flexible You must decide how bendable the flexible […]
