PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD

THE POWER OF PCB

Izzani Mohd Israz 2013742633

Nurul Afiqah Abdul Rahim 2013475976
Nurul Ibtisam Mat Seman 2013707673
Nur Aiman Nabihah Ahmad Sarbini 2013383197
PHY605 / AS251 5D
 YOU PROBABLY CANNOT IMAGINE WHAT PCB IS..
Let us give you a very easy example ; A phone. If you open up all the components inside the
phone, you will see a plate with so many electronic units on it. Well, that plate is actually
known as PCB!

PCB are everywhere!

PCB TECHNOLOGY
PCBs are the backbone of electrical
compound. They are non-conductive
board that holds all electric
components through a circuit
embossed over it . [1]

Figure 1.PCB in phone (model : MotorolaC155)[3]

We knew that electronic devices most commonly use wires as a means of

transmitting energy. However, PCBs are an exception to this convention. Instead
of wires, PCBs use copper traces to transport electrons.[2] Isnt it very
interesting?

[1] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.slideshare.net/sierraassembly/printed-circuit-board-basics

[2] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.pcbtrain.co.uk/blog/12-cool-facts-about-pcbs-that-you-probably-didnt-know 2
[3] Photo credits to / Source from to http://bb.osmocom.org
WHAT WE WILL LEARN..

1. PCB MARKET TREND

-PCB Market Trend
-PCB Manufacturers Companies

2. INTRODUCTION : WHAT IS PCB?

3. THE MANUFACTURING OF PCB

-PCB Design
-PCB Fabrication Process
-Components on PCB
-Assembly on PCB

4. PCB OVERVIEW
-PCB Advantages and Disadvantages
-Limitations of PCB
-Issues in PCB
3
PCB MARKET TREND
Before we learn more about PCB, let see the PCB Market
trend over the world. Does PCB contributes high profits in
the world wide market? How is PCB Trend?

4
PCB MARKET TREND / FORECAST

WORLDWIDE

In this section, we will see the PCB market trends and forecast from some manufacturers worldwide.
Come, lets check them out!

5
 According to the report by Technavio.com [4].
Technavios market research analyst predicts the global printed circuit board (PCB) market to grow at a CAGR of around
3% by 2020. Since this market is an integral part of the mobiles and smartphones market, the recent increase in demand for
smart devices will lead to the augmented demand for rigid PCBs during the forecast period. [4]

Why Technavio predicts like that?

Factors like the advent of advanced technologies, such as Internet-of-Things (IoT)

Figure 2. PCB market is expected to grow over
the years by Technavio. [4]
and wearables (smart watches and smart eyewear), will help to foster the demand
for PCB during the predicted period.
In terms of geography, the APAC region will account for a market share of more
than 85% by 2020. The high demand for mobile and consumer electronic devices in
regions like India, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore will result in the
substantial growth of the PCB market in this geography.
Since this PCB type helps to provide higher component density to devices, they
are increasingly being used in devices that have embedded capacitors, resistors, and
transistors.

They are likely to be the largest revenue contributor to the global

Who will be the largest contributor in PCB Market? printed circuit board market and will account for a revenue share of
approximately 30% by 2020.
The augmented usage of wireless networks, such as wi-fi, 3G/4G,
Networking and communication and ultra-wideband, will incite growth in this segment during the
segments forecast period.

[4] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.technavio.com 6

 As reported by Barbara Jogensen (2015)
In the last 15 years, the worldwide production of PCBs has increased approximately 41 percent.
Worldwide production of PCBs in 2014 is valued at an estimated $60.2 billion, leaded by Chine and Hong Kong as the
largest manufacturers in PCB production.[5]

Figure 3. Trends in regional growth of world PCB production [5]

[5] Photo credits to / Source from https://epsnews.com/2015/12/04/ipc-domestic-pcb-market-improve/

7
From the report, it claimed that the PCB production has contributes such a super huge profits to the manufacturers
in the year of 2014, which about...

$60,200,000,000

Whoa! Thats a big number, arent you feel amaze?

8
 GLOBAL TOP 40 RIGID PCB COMPANIES BY REVENUE (2012-2014) [6]

Taiwan is the most leading

country in dominating the
PCB Market with many PCB
Companies listed in the top
40 PCB companies by
Revenue [6]

[6] Photo credits to / Source from https://epsnews.com/2015/12/04/ipc-domestic-pcb-market-improve/

9
We can see how marketable PCB is in the
global market. But do we understand what is
PCB? How it is created? What is the
application of PCB in our life?

NOW LET US EXPLORE THE CONCEPTS OF PCB!!

10
INTRODUCTION TO PCB
In this section, we will learn more basic knowledge
about PCB, and the history of PCB.

11
 PCB
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD
PCB is an acronym for
printed circuit board.
It is a board that has
lines and pads that
connect various points
together.
Figure 4. A close up look on the PCB shows lines and
pads and also solders..[7]

[7] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.electronicsandyou.com/PCB/pcb.html

12
 A PCB allows signals and power to be routed between physical devices.

Solder is the metal that makes the electrical connections between the surface of the PCB and the
electronic components (devices).

PCB is used to mechanically Electronic components

support and electrically will be assemble on the
connect electronic PCB to fully function a
components using device.
conductive pathways, or
traces, etched from copper
sheets laminated onto a
non-conductive substrate
which usually a glass-epoxy
board.

Figure 5. The Main printed circuit board (PCB) of a SR-

51 calculator. [8]

[8] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.datamath.org

13
 History of PCB [9]
Year Development

A German Inventor, Albert Hanson, Described Flat Foil Conductors Laminated To An Insulating Board, In
1903
Multiple Layers.

1904 Thomas Edison Experimented With Chemical Methods Of Plating Conductors Onto Linen Paper In 1904.

Arthur Berry Patented A Print-and-etch Method In Britain, And In The United States Max Schoop Obtained
1913
A Patent To Flame-spray Metal Onto A Board Through A Patterned Mask.

1927 Charles Ducas Patented A Method Of Electroplating Circuit Patterns.

The Austrian Engineer Paul Fisler Invented The Printed Circuit As Part Of A Radio Set While Working In
1939
England

1943 The USA Began To Use The Technology On A Large Scale To Make Proximity Fuses For Use In World War II.

1948 The USA Released The Invention For Commercial Use

1949 Moe Abramson And Stanislaus F. Danko Developed The Auto-sembly Process In Which Component Leads
Were Inserted Into A Copper Foil Interconnection Pattern And Dip Soldered.

Rubinstein Was Honoured For His Innovations In The Technology Of Printed Electronic Circuits And The
1984
Fabrication Of Capacitors.

[9] Photo credits to / Source from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printed_circuit_board

14
 Lets check it out![10]

[10] Photo credits to http://www.aeiuk.com 15

 THE MANUFACTURING OF
PCB TECHNOLOGY
.

16
 Figure 6.The flow of PCB process [11]

The Manufacturing of PCB Technology

PCB is created by firstly design the PCB, followed by
fabrication process, components procurement and lastly,
assembly. [11]
[11] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.zdatum.com/turnkey.htm
17
 The Manufacturing of PCB Technology

1. PCB DESIGN
We will explore more how to design PCB using CAD,
and design the controlled impedance transmission
line on PCB

18
 Transmission Line in PCB Designing Process [12]
We may always hear the word of transmission line when it comes about PCB designing process.

Have you wonder what is Transmission Line?

A transmission line is a sub-category of waveguides that uses some physical configuration of metal
and/or dielectrics to direct a signal along the desired path.
Most familiar transmission lines (e.g., microstrip line) use two conductors; signal and ground, however,
there are single conductor transmission lines (e.g., rectangular waveguide).[12]

Figure 7. A simple PCB transmission line [12]

[12] Photo credits to / Source from https://www.ecourseware.en 19

 TRANSMISSION LINE CONCEPT

Transmission line must consist of two separate conductors.

The substrate of the circuit board is the dielectric that separates two conductors.
The first conductor is typically a narrow etch that provides the connection between two components,
while the second conductor is typically a ground plane.
Typically, the volume between these conductors is filled with a very low-loss dielectric.[13]

First conductor
The importance of PCB interconnect techniques
increases with frequency of operation.

At higher frequencies, transmission line wiring

provides superior performance by minimizing
crosstalk, signal distortion and radiation (as
compared to ordinary point-to-point wiring). [14]
Second conductor

Figure 8. Figure of PCB Transmission line . [13]

[13] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.ittc.ku.edu/~jstiles/723/handouts/Printed%20Circuit%20Board%20Transmission%20Lines%20present.pd 20

[14] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.bitweenie.com/listings/microstrip-vs-stripline/
TRANSMISSION LINE CONCEPT : TECHNIQUES/OPTIONS [14]

While implementing transmission lines on a PCB, there are some techniques / options :
microstrip, stripline and coplanar

Microstrip Stripline Coplanar

21
TRANSMISSION LINE TECHNIQUES / OPTIONS

MICROSTRIP
The microstrip line removing the upper ground planes.
It is probably the most popular planar transmission line because of its ease of fabrication and the
ready availability of the signals for probing and circuit connections.
Embedded microstrip line is the situation encountered when the microstrip line is covered with
solder mask or a thin layer of epoxy.

Figure 9. Microstripline Figure 10. Embedded microstripline

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TRANSMISSION LINE TECHNIQUES / OPTIONS

STRIPLINE
The presence of both top and bottom shields provides good isolation from other signals
on the PCB.
Centered stripline is the ideal situation, however layout decisions may require an off-
center stripline

Figure 11. Centered @ symmetric stripline Figure 12. Off-center @ asymmtric stripline

23
TRANSMISSION LINE TECHNIQUES / OPTIONS

COPLANAR
A coplanar transmission line uses the same metal layer of the PCB for both the signal and
return.
The impedance is controlled by the signal line width and the ground gap
Perhaps easiest to fabricate and connect components, as both ground and conductor are on
one side of the board.

Figure 13. Coplanar

24
 ADVANTAGES vs. DISADVANTAGES
for each Transmission Line Techniques

Transmission Lines Advantages Disadvantages

Microstrip excellent integration with chip
and lumped element
multilayer are possible
Ground plane isolate the
microstrip
line losses are somewhat
hinger with poorer isolation
between circuits
unshielded

Stripline no fields extend outside ground susceptible to unwanted

state modes
Works well with multilayer
well-shielded

Coplanar very good integration with chip integration with multilayers is

and lumped element poor

25
 Impedance Control in PCB Designing
Characteristics impedance is one of important parameters of a transmission line for analysis. It
allows us to easily stimulate or calculate circuit performance. [15]
Below is the key point when dealing with impedance parameter.

[15] Photo credits to / Source from http://electronicsmaker.com/controlled-impedance-pcb-design

26
 DESIGN FLOW FOR PCB CAD
So now.. Let us explore the design flow for PCB CAD.

Figure 14. Design flow for PCB CAD [16]

[16] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.ni.com/tutorial/6894/en/

27
 PCB DESIGN
PCB Layout

Schematic Design

CAM

Fab Shop

Gerbers Drawing
Drill Data 28
EXAMPLE OF PCB DESIGN [17] Worked Example [17] :
FloTHERM XT thermal design workflow of a brand new product, a wall-mounted internet box

Figure 15. Example of PCB designing : FloTherm XT Thermal [17]

29
[17] Photo credits to / Source from https://www.mentor.com/products/mechanical/engineering-edge/volume2/issue1/Introducing-FloTHERM-XT
 Tips in Designing PCB [18]

There are some good tips that will lead to a successful design :
1. Show decoupling capacitors near the device they are
protecting : Decoupling capacitors are used to smooth out
the ripples at the power supply of a component, in order to
effectively do this, they need to be placed physically close to
the component. This proximity should be made clear in the
schematic.
Some other useful tips
Keep traces straight : Try to avoid 90 degree turns use two 45 degree.
Double, even triple check layout : Having a fresh pair of eyes look it over,
Trace thickness & spacing : Spacing of at least .010
Try to keep all connections on one side of PCB
Take into account component package

2. Design for easily printable schematics : You should always

make sure your schematics are designed to be easily read and
analyzed at whatever paper size is common in your area.

3. Make your schematics understandable even if they are

printed in black and white : If you design your schematic to be
readable and understandable without colour then it will
make it easier to analyze your design later.

4. Air wires : Use them when you have to, avoid them when its
practical. The point is to make your schematic as easy to
understand as possible, so if it makes sense to put a label on
a wire and connect it to others by using that label then feel
free to do so.

5. Consider revision control : Undoubtedly, you will end up

making several versions of your original design. It is best to Figure 16. Good Design : Good PCB [19]
plan ahead for this and to manage your different versions
intelligently.

[18] Source from http://slideplayer.com/slide/5263510/ 30

[19] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.quora.com
 The Manufacturing of PCB

2. PCB FABRICATION PROCESS

We will deal with the type of PCB, materials for PCB and the
steps in the fabrication process.

31
Board Style

The most common board styles are as below :

Rigid-flex
Flex
Multi-circuit board
Flexible circuit

Hybrid
Rigid
Very small circuit. It
can be integrated as a
Solid construction
part of a larger circuit

32
Type of PCB

There are three major types of printed circuit board construction:

single-sided, double-sided, and multi-layer board.

Single-sided Double-sided Multi-layer

33
 To understand more, let us see clearly some illustrations of common
PCB types in manufacturers [20]:
MAJOR TYPE : SINGLE-SIDED

Basic type of PCB.

They contain only one conductive layer

and as such constrict their use to simple
low density designs.

Accordingly, they are low cost and well

suited to simple and high volume products.

[20] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.pcbcart.com/blog/blog-printed-circuit.html

34
MAJOR TYPE : DOUBLE-SIDED

Most common type PCB.

They allow for the routing of traces around each other
by jumping between a top and bottom layer by way of
vias.
The ability to cross paths from top to bottom greatly
increases the circuit designer's flexibility in circuits
designing and lends itself to greatly increased circuit
densities.
This type of board is relatively low cost, but only allows
an intermediate level of circuit complexity and does not
lend itself to electromagnetic interference reduction
techniques.

35
MAJOR TYPE : MULTI LAYER

Further increases the complexity and density of

PCB designs by adding additional layers beyond
the top and bottom layers seen in a double sided
configuration.
With the availability of over thirty layers in
multilayer PCBs configurations, multilayer PCBs
allow designers to produce very dense and highly
complex designs.
Quite often the extra layers in these designs are
used as power planes, which both supply the
circuit with power and also reduce the
electromagnetic interference levels emitted by
designs.

36
 OTHER TYPE OF PCB [21]
Other than single-sided, double-sided and multi layer board, there are also some other
PCB types that commonly used by the manufacturers : Aluminium (Al) backed, flexible,
rigidised flexible, flex-ridged.

Other common types of PCB

Rigidised
Al Backed Flexible Flex Ridged
flexible

37
[21] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-technology/computers-and-electrical-engineering/electrical-engineering/printed-
circuit
 OTHER COMMON TYPE OF PCB : AL BACKED

Figure 17. Aluminium [Credited to http://www.minteva.com/products]

Aluminium backed PCBs

Typically used in high power applications, aluminium backed PCBs are the ultimate solution to thermal heat
dissipation issues.
Consisting of a thin circuit layer adhered to a thick aluminium backing by way of a thermally conductive
dielectric, aluminium backed designs can keep high power components cool under heavy loads. Aluminium
backed PCBs are often found in high power LED products and switching power supplies.
This kind of PCBs also offer high levels of mechanical rigidity and low levels of thermal expansion, making
them ideal for applications with very tight mechanical tolerances.
Finally, aluminium backed PCBs are perfect for applications where the PCB is going to be subject to a great
deal of mechanical stress.

38
 OTHER COMMON TYPE OF PCB : FLEXIBLE PCB

Figure 18. Flexible PCB

[Credited to http://www.minteva.com/products.php?pid=18
Flexible PCB
Are the perfect solution to creating reliable and repeatable interconnections between electronics boards.
They allow for complicated interconnections to be printed rather than made using discrete conductors.
The result is a greatly reduced level of complexity in device assemblies and more reliable operation.
Flexible PCB designs can also be very complex, with very high signal trace densities and multilayer
configurations available to designers.

39
OTHER COMMON TYPE OF PCB : RIGIDISED FLEXIBLE PCB

Figure 19. Rigidised Flexible PCB

[Credited to http://www.minteva.com/products.php?pid=110]
Rigidised flexible PCB
Allow for the use of flexible PCB for the majority of a design while protecting a section of the
PCB design that is not intended to be bent.
Flexible PCBs are also much lighter and can fit into tighter housing than their traditional counter
parts.
Using flexible PCBs, three dimensional designs can also be accommodated in a single PCB.
When size and weight are a point of emphasis, flexible PCBs are a great starting point.

40
OTHER COMMON TYPE OF PCB : FLEX-RIDGED PCB

Figure 20. Flex-Ridged PCB

[Credited to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Miraco_Flex.pdf

Flex-ridged PCB
Allow for an interconnection flexible PCB to be permanently connected to rigid multilayer PCB
board. is type of configuration is used when a design calls for very complex PCB, but the
designer wants to reduce the complexity of final product assembly by including the flexible
interconnection PCB in the fabricated PCB. Flex-ridged designs also allow for the creation of
three dimensional designs and can include multiple rigid and flexible sections

41
 PCB RAW MATERIAL
The substrate most commonly used in PCB is a glass fiber reinforced(fiberglass) epoxy resin with a copper foil
bonded on to one or both sides. PCBs made from paper reinforced phenolic resin with a bonded copper foil are
less expensive and are often used in household electrical devices.[21]

WHY COPPER? [21]

- Copper is an excellent electrical conductor.
- The electrical resistivcity is approximately 1.6 micro ohm cm.
- It is an inexpensive metal. Soft and easily workable.
- Easily processed and patternable by photolithography.

Figure 21.Copper foil [22]

[22] Souce from http://www.slideshare.net/clementksang/pcb-manufacturing-52259456 42

 PCB MATERIAL OPTIONS
When it comes to manufacturing PCB, there are several material options available.

1. Substrate Material 2. Conductor Material 3. Adhesives

Epoxy imprinted fiberglass Electro-deposited copper foil Polyimide Adhesives
Polyester (PET) Rolled copper foil Polyester Adhesives
Polymide Acrylic Adhesives
Epoxies

4. Protective Coating
Polyimide Adhesives
Cover Lays Polyester or polyimide is combined with a
suitable adhesive
Cover coat A thin coating of liquid acrylated epoxy and
acrylated polyurethane

Figure 22. PCB Material [23]

[23] Source from / Photo credits to http://www.drschenk.com/products/plastic-inspection/pcb-material-inspection.html

43
 PCB FABRICATION
PCB fabrication is the method for creating circuit board with a specific design / pattern on it
based on its requirements and application. There are various type of methods to create a PCB.

In this section, we will show major process steps used in PCB fabrication.[24]

Fabrication Steps
1. Film Generation
2. Select Raw Material
3. Via / Drilling Holes
4. Electroless Copper Plating
5. Apply Phororesist and Image
6. Pattern Plate
7. Strip and Etch
8. Solder Mask
9. Silk Screening
Figure 23. PCB Fabrication Process [25] 10. Surface Finish

[24] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.sunstone.com/pcb-products/pcb-manufacturing-tutorial

[25] Photo credits to http://www.laritech.com
44
1. Film Generation 2. Select Raw Material
Films for all of the copper and solder mask layers The raw material will be selected. Panels
are made from photographically exposed mylar. will be sized to accommodate many
The films are generated from the design files. boards.

Figure 25. Raw Material

Figure 24. Film Generation

45
3. Drill Holes
Through holes required for the
PCB design are created from the
submitted files, using drill
machines and carbide drill bits.
Figure 26. Drill Holes
4. Electroless Copper Plating
In order for the through holes to electrically
connect to different layers of the PCB, a thin
layer of copper is chemically deposited into the
through holes.
Figure 27. Electroless Copper
46
5. Apply Photo-resist and Image
To transfer the PCB design from the electronic CAD
data to the physical circuit board, it starts by
applying photosensitive photo-resist to the panel,
covering the entire board area.
Then the copper layer film image (step 1) is placed
over the board, a high intensity UV light source
exposes the uncovered portion of the photo-resist.
Then the board will chemically develop (remove
unexposed photoresist) creating the pads and
traces.
Figure 28. Photoresist and Image
6. Pattern Plate
This step is an electrochemical process which
builds copper thickness into the holes and onto
the surface of the PCB. Once the copper
thickness is built up on the circuitry and in the
holes, we plate an additional layer of tin to the
exposed surface. This tin will protect the plated
copper during the etching process (step 7) and
be later removed.
Figure 29. Pattern Plate
47

7. Strip & Etch
Firstly, remove (strip) chemically remove the photo-resist from
the panel. Then the newly exposed copper is chemically
removed (etched) from the panel. The tin applied in step 6
protects the desired copper circuitry from being etched.
At this point, the fundamental circuitry of the PCB is
defined. Finally, the protective layer of tin is chemically
removed (stripped) to expose the copper circuitry.
Figure 30. Strip and Etch
8. Solder Mask
Next we coat the entire panel with a liquid
soldermask layer. Using films and high
intensity UV light (similar to step 5) we
expose the solderable areas of the PCB. The
main function of the soldermask is to
protect the majority of the copper circuitry
from oxidation, damage and corrosion as
well as maintain isolation of the circuits
during assembly.
Figure 31. Solder Mask
48
9. Nomenclature (silkscreen)
Next we print the reference designators, logos, and
other information contained in the electronic files
onto the panel. This process is very similar to an inkjet
printing process, but designed specifically for PCBs.
Figure 32 After Silk Screen Process
10. Surface Finish Applied
The final surface finish is then applied to the
panels. This surface finish (tin / lead solder or
immersion silver) is used to protect the copper
(solderable surfaces) from oxidation as well as act as
a site for soldering of components to the PCB.
Figure 33. After Surface Finishing Process
49
 The Manufacturing of PCB

3. PCB COMPONENTS
We will figure out and learn the components of PCB in this
section

50
 PCB COMPONENTS
After PCB fabrication is done, the components will be assembled onto the PCB board. The
component is an actual device in the board. The PCB components can be categorized as active
and passive. [1]

Active Components include :

Diode Allows current to flow in 1 direction
Transistor Amplifies and switches electrical power and
electronic signals
Integrated circuits Responsible for several signal processing
functions

Passive Components include :

Capacitor Stores and discharge electricity
Resistor Limits the power of electrical current
Inductor Responsible for creating magnetic field.
Figure 34. Some components for PCB [26]

[26] Photo credits to https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/history-automation-manufacturing-mohammad-abolghasemi

51
 Figure 35. Example of some PCB components [27]

[27] Photo credits to http://www.smtnet.com/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=view_news&news_ id=16219

52
The Manufacturing of PCB

4. PC ASSEMBLY
Well. Lets jump into the PC Assembly world!

53
REMEMBER
A circuit board prior to assembly of electronic
components is known as PCB. Once electronic
components are soldered, the board is
called Printed Circuit Assembly (PCA) or Printed
Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA).
54
 Figure 36. PCB after device assembly. Also known as PCAB. [28]

[28] Photo credits to http://www.protelpcbs.com/smd-pcb-assembly

55
 PARTS OF PCB [29]
Before we go to PC assembly process, let us learn about the parts of PCB first. There are several parts
that we have to know.

Vias Responsible
for making electrical
Traces connection between
Connect pads layers of PCB
together

Pads Location
where components
connect / solder to.

Soldering Mask Protects the copper

layer from corrosion. It prevents solder
from binding between conductors in
order to avoid short circuit.

Top metal layer the layer where most of the components are assembled
Bottom metal layer Fewer components in bottom layer and many traces

56
[29] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.slideshare.net/panchal_jay/pcb-layout-53946998
 the process
of soldering or
assembly of electronic
components to a PCB or
printed circuit
board.[30][31]

[30] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.electronicsandyou.com/blog/printed-circuit-board-assembly-pcba-process-technology-tips-and-techniques.html

[31] Photo credits to hhttp://krcircuits.com/products.html
57
 PC ASSEMBLY
Once a PCB is ready, electronic components need to be soldered onto it before it can be used in
any electronic equipment or gadget. This assembly of electronic components depends on type of
circuit board, type of electronic components and purpose of the circuit board. [30]

NOTE!
This assembly of electronic
components depends on type of
circuit board, type of electronic
components and purpose of the
circuit board. [31]

Figure 37. PCB Assembly board [32]

58
[32] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.electronicsandyou.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Printed-Circuit-Board-Assembly.jpg
 PC ASSEMBLY
Things Needed for Printed Circuit Board Assembly
Following electronics parts and consumables are needed for PCB assembly

1. Printed Circuit Board

2. Electronic components
3. Soldering materials including solder wire, solder paste, solder bar, solder preforms (depending on
the type of soldering to be done)
4. Soldering flux
5. Soldering equipments including soldering station, wave soldering machine, SMT equipment,
inspection and testing equipment etc.

Once all of the above equipment, electronic parts and all raw materials are arranged, it is time to start
the assembly process.

59
 PCB ASSEMBLY TYPES
PCB Components can be mounted onto the board in two ways; Surface Mount and Through-
Hole type.[33]

THROUGH-HOLE

SURFACE MOUNT
Each component has thin wires, or leads,
A stubby J-shaped or L-shaped legs on each which are pushed through small holes in
component contact the printed circuits directly. the substrate and soldered to connection
A solder paste consisting of glue, flux, and solder pads in the circuits on the opposite side.
are applied at the point of contact to hold the Gravity and friction between the leads and
components in place until the solder is melted, or the sides of the holes keeps the components
"reflowed," in an oven to make the final connection. in place until they are soldered.
Although surface mount technology requires greater
care in the placement of the components, it
eliminates the time-consuming drilling process and
the space-consuming connection pads inherent with
through hole technology.

Figure 38. Illustration of the difference between Surface Mount and Through Hole [34]

[33] Photo credits to / Source from http://www.madehow.com/Volume-2/Printed-Circuit-Board.html 60

[34] Photo credits to / Source from http://pcbdesignonlyn.blogspot.my/2015/12/difference-between-through-hole-and.html
 Surface Mount vs. Through Hole

SURFACE MOUNT THROUGH-HOLE

SMC small in size. THC size is larger when

SMC consumes less spaces on compared with SMC.
board. THC consumes more spaces
SMC is leadless component, on board.
can be directly mounted on the THC requires drilling to mount
board. the components.
Components can be mounted Components cannot be
on both sides of OCB. mounted on both sides of PCB.
Designing, production, skills TH is basically used in
and technology required is very prototyping.
advance. Soldering and re-soldering of
SM is not really easy to be THC is easier, thus
used, soldering of SMC is quite replacement of components are
tough. much easier than SM.

** SM : Surface Mount ..SMC : Surface Mount Component ..TH : Through-Hole ..THC : Through-Hole Component

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 Some Examples of PCB Manufacturing Process
by PCB Manufacturers
We have done discuss about PCB manufacturing process. Now let us see some examples of real
PCB manufacturing process by industry.

Figure 39. Multi-layer plate PCB process [35]

[35]Photo credits to / Source from http://www.pa-international.com/images/stories/Multi-layer%20Metal%20Plate%20PCB%20Process%20Flow%20Chart.JPG 62

 Some Examples of PCB Manufacturing Process
by PCB Manufacturers

Figure 40. PCB manufacturing process by Turkey Contract Manufacturer [36]

[36] Photo credits to / Source from https://east-win.en.alibaba.com/product/60092103210-213478672/OEM_Circuit_Board_94v0_Pcb_Standard_Pcb_Assembly.html 63

 Some Main Applications from PCB

Figure 41. Some main products application by PCB [37]

[37] Photo credits to / Source from https://east-win.en.alibaba.com/product/60092103210-213478672/OEM_Circuit_Board_94v0_Pcb_Standard_Pcb_Assembly.html 64

 PCB OVERVIEW
Lets treasure the PCB advantages, disadvantages / limitations,
and some issues.

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ADVANTAGES OF PCB
Inexpensive to mass produced

Creation of multiple circuit boards from one design is easy to do since it only needs to print the
design and etch it in a copper board

Perfect for making reproduction

Since it is computer generated, one can create uniform printed circuit boards using the same
schematic layout

No need for further inspection

Concern that it has been designed and tested using computer applications therefore, no need to
worry about broken circuits and has a bigger chance of it working

Minimal concern on short circuits and wrong wirings

the copper tracks are embedded to the board

All PCB components are fixed

Since the board components are fixed and easy to identify, it makes the board easy to maintain.

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DISADVANTAGES OF PCB

Printed circuit board is not easy to repair when damage

the only way to remedy a damaged printed circuit board is to replace the whole board.

Etching of PCB poses a harmful effect to the environment

etching PCBs involves the use of some chemicals, it can produce harmful effect to the
environment

PCBs can only be used for specific circuits

It needs to use a different PCB for different types of circuits.

Printed circuit board cannot be updated

To add even for just one component to test a certain circuitry, it should be re-printed
again

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 PCB ISSUES
There are some common issues that lead to the failure of the PCB. The issues we are focusing
on are : Design For Manufacturability (DFM), Fabrication and Electromagnetic Issues.
Fabrication Issues
1. The use of design rules
and Design Rule Checking
(DRC) in PCB design
software
2. DRC is the process of
looking at a design to see if
it conforms to the
manufacturing capabilities
of a PCB fabricator
3. DFM software (Design
For Manufacturability)
checking is offered by PCB
fabricators to customers as
an extra service.
Electromagnetic Issues DFM Issues
EMC (Electromagnetic compatibility) It is the process of emerging
associated with the generation, a PCB layout topology to
propagation, and reception of electro- mitigate problems that could
magnetic energy be encountered during the
make sure such signals are compatible PCB fabrication and
and do not interfere with each other assembly processes
when different circuits, traces, vias, and required to manufacture an
PCB materials operate in uniform. electronic system.
Acid traps
EMI (electromagnetic interference) Via in Pads
Damaging effect of EMC or other Insufficient annular ring
unwanted energy generates. Copper too close to board
Boards design and components edge
continue to shrinking and industry Missing solder mask
demands for higher speed system. between pads
Designer have to make sure various Tombstoning
energy elements are reduced to
maintain minimal interfering effects.
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SUMMARY
1. The electrical characteristics of the printed circuit board (PCB)
used to physically mount and connect the circuit components in
a high frequency product will have a significant impact on the
performance of that product.

2. PCB designer has the option to assembly the board from a number of different material laminates and
different thickness.

3. For an optimum commercial product it is important for the PCB layout engineer and the circuit design
engineer to understand issues like fabrication process limitation and other issues.

4. PBC is very marketable over the years and the demands are growing, thus giving huge profits to the
PBC company. Now you can imagine how powerful PCB is in the market of the world.

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Other References

Special thanks to all other photo sources and references for this
PCB topic :
http://www.technavio.com/report/global-semiconductor-equipment-printed-circuit-board-market
http://ytdp.ee.wits.ac.za/elen4001/gspcbdes.pdf
http://www.dredging-m3.com/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-printed-circuit-boards/
http://www.epectec.com/articles/pcb-surface-finish-advantages-and-disadvantages.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printed-circuit-board

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