Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

Explore the components and usage of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). PCBs consist of a flat insulating surface upon which printed wiring and miniaturized components are connected. These boards keep components in place and provide connections between them. Discover how PCBs are integral to almost every electronic device.

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Quiz43 Questions
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Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

Quiz • 43 Questions

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) - Flashcards

Flashcards • 30 Cards

Study Notes

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List of Questions43 questions
  1. Question 1

    What best describes the primary function of a printed circuit board (PCB)?

    • To protect electronic components from external electromagnetic interference.
    • To act as a heat sink for high-power components.
    • To house components and establish electrical connections between them through a predetermined design.
    • To provide structural support for electronic components only.
  2. Question 2

    Which material(s) are commonly used as the conducting material in a PCB?

    • Plastic and rubber
    • Aluminum and tin
    • Only copper
    • Copper, silver, and gold
  3. Question 3

    What advantage do printed circuit boards offer over older wiring methods?

    • PCBs are more difficult to adapt as plug-in units.
    • PCBs require more manual wiring.
    • PCBs reduce interconnecting wiring to lines of conductive material.
    • PCBs increase the need for terminal boards and tie points.
  4. Question 4

    What is the purpose of 'tie-in points' in electrical systems?

    • To serve as electrical power distribution hubs.
    • To connect new parts to the existing electrical connection points.
    • To insulate wires and prevent short circuits.
    • To provide a visual guide for component placement.
  5. Question 5

    How are the components typically attached to a basic single-sided PCB?

    • Using plug-in connectors only.
    • With screws and bolts.
    • With legs inserted through holes and soldered to the copper foil on the opposite side.
    • Using an adhesive.
  6. Question 6

    What is the purpose of etching away part of the copper foil in the manufacturing process of a PCB?

    • To reduce the weight of the board.
    • To expose the insulating material of the board.
    • To leave behind the desired conductor pattern or tracks.
    • To create a smooth surface for component placement.
  7. Question 7

    What are the 'wires' or conductive paths on the surface of a PCB commonly referred to as?

    • Resistors
    • Conductor patterns or tracks
    • Isolators
    • Capacitors
  8. Question 8

    What is located on the opposite side of the basic PCBs (single-sided boards)?

    • No components
    • Edge connector
    • Conductor pattern
    • Sockets
  9. Question 9

    What is the primary purpose of component sockets on a PCB?

    • To provide a heat sink for sensitive components.
    • To protect components from physical damage.
    • To permanently secure components to the board.
    • To allow easy removal and replacement of components without soldering.
  10. Question 10

    What is the purpose of an edge connector on a PCB?

    • To act as a heat sink for edge components.
    • To connect one PCB to another.
    • To serve as a mounting point for large components.
    • To provide a protective cover for the board's edge.
  11. Question 11

    What is a solder mask?

    • A tool used to apply solder to the board.
    • A layer of conductive material that enhances solder flow.
    • A coating that protects the circuit from corrosion and electrical shorts.
    • A type of solder used for surface mount components.
  12. Question 12

    What is the purpose of silk screen?

    • Removing oxide layer
    • Conducting electricity in the PCB
    • Printing text and symbols on the board to label locations.
    • Insulating the PCB
  13. Question 13

    What is a 'silk screen' on a PCB and what is its primary purpose?

    • A coating that protects the board from corrosion.
    • An insulating material that prevents short circuits.
    • Text and symbols printed on the board to label components and test points.
    • A conductive layer used to create circuit traces.
  14. Question 14

    What is the primary advantage of using double-sided PCBs compared to single-sided PCBs?

    • Double-sided PCBs are always cheaper to manufacture.
    • Double-sided PCBs have components on both sides.
    • Double-sided PCBs allow wires to cross by routing them on opposite sides.
    • Double-sided PCBs allow for simpler circuits.
  15. Question 15

    How do multi-layer PCBs increase the wiring area compared to single-layer or double-layer boards?

    • By using smaller components.
    • By using thicker copper traces.
    • By etching deeper channels into the board.
    • By laminating boards together with insulating layers in between.
  16. Question 16

    What is the purpose of 'assembly methods' in the context of PCB manufacturing?

    • Testing the finished PCB for functionality.
    • Designing the schematic diagram of the circuit.
    • Physically mounting the components onto the board.
    • Sourcing the necessary electronic components.
  17. Question 17

    What are the two main approaches to PCB assembly process?

    • Surface mount technology (SMT) and Through-hole technology (THT)
    • Chemical and Environmental
    • Thermal and Physical
    • Electrical and Mechanical
  18. Question 18

    What is a characteristic of Through Hole Technology (THT)?

    • Higher density PCBs.
    • Components have better mechanical connection compared to surface mounted.
    • Components are attached to the surface with adhesive.
    • Component legs are soldered to the conductor pattern on the same side as the components.
  19. Question 19

    What distinguishes Surface Mount Technology (SMT) from Through Hole Technology (THT)?

    • SMT is typically used for high-power applications, while THT is used for low-power applications.
    • SMT components are larger and easier to handle than THT components.
    • SMT requires drilling holes in the PCB for component leads, while THT does not.
    • SMT components are soldered to the same side of the board as the components, not requiring holes.
  20. Question 20

    Which statement accurately describes the characteristics of SMT components?

    • SMT components are easier to solder by hand.
    • SMT components can be mounted on both sides of a PCB.
    • SMT components are larger than THT components.
    • SMT components make PCBs less dense.
  21. Question 21

    What purpose do voltage and ground lines or planes serve on a printed circuit board?

    • Providing physical support to surface-mounted components.
    • Dissipating heat from heat-sensitive components.
    • Supplying power to components on the board along a specific path.
    • Connecting the circuit board to other boards.
  22. Question 22

    What are 'terminals' or 'pads' on a PCB primarily designed for?

    • Accommodating component leads that are inserted through holes.
    • Connecting one PCB to another.
    • Providing a heat sink for components.
    • Reducing electromagnetic interference.
  23. Question 23

    What is the primary function of the substrate or laminate in a PCB?

    • To protect the board from corrosion.
    • To provide insulation and physical support for the circuit.
    • To dissipate heat from components.
    • To conduct electricity between components.
  24. Question 24

    What materials are a substrate or laminate typically made of?

    • Copper, silver, or gold.
    • Aluminum or steel.
    • Plastic or rubber.
    • Epoxy reinforced glass fibre, epoxy paper, or phenolic paper.
  25. Question 25

    Why is the metal foil referred to as cladding usually made of copper?

    • Because copper is lightweight and flexible.
    • Because copper has high electrical conductivity.
    • Because copper is cheap and readily available.
    • Because copper is an insulator.
  26. Question 26

    What is the function of 'photoresist' in PCB manufacturing?

    • To add color to the board for identification.
    • To clean the copper cladding.
    • To bond the cladding to the substrate.
    • To form a patterned coating on the board that protects it during etching.
  27. Question 27

    What is the main difference between a 'negative-acting resist' and a 'positive-acting resist'?

    • Negative-acting resists are applied in a positive manner, while positive-acting resists are applied negatively.
    • With negative-acting resist the exposed portion becomes insoluble, whereas with positive-acting resist the exposed portion becomes soluble.
    • Negative-acting resists are more expensive than positive-acting resists.
    • Negative-acting resists are only used for single-sided PCBs, while positive-acting resists are used for double-sided PCBs.
  28. Question 28

    What does the etchant solution typically do in the PCB manufacturing process?

    • It hardens the photoresist.
    • It protects the board from oxidation.
    • It adds copper to the board to create the circuit traces.
    • It dissolves the exposed copper and resist.
  29. Question 29

    What is the common etchant solution used in PCB's?

    • Sulfuric acid
    • Nitric acid
    • Hydrochloric acid
    • Ferric chloride
  30. Question 30

    What is the final step in the PCB manufacturing process?

    • Applying more etchant solution
    • Base substrate is produced
    • Placing the board into cleaning solution
    • Covering the copper pattern surfaces with a thin coating of solder
  31. Question 31

    Why are copper pattern surfaces usually covered with a thin coating of solder?

    • To make the board more rigid.
    • To make the board more flexible.
    • To reduce the effects of oxidation and improve soldering.
    • To make the copper stand out.
  32. Question 32

    What are CAD programs used for in PCB manufacturing?

    • Drilling holes in the PCB.
    • Manually designing simple circuit layouts.
    • Applying solder mask to the board.
    • Specifically for printed circuit board track layout.
  33. Question 33

    What benefits are CAD software for PCB design?

    • CAD programs are specifically designed for washing the PCB.
    • CAD programs are specifically designed for printed circuit board track layout.
    • CAD programs are specifically designed for creating solder.
    • CAD programs are specifically designed for the manual assembly of PCBs.
    • CAD programs are specifically designed for mounting components on basic PCBs only.
  34. Question 34

    In PCB design, what is the objective of component layout?

    • To create an ease and economy of construciton.
    • To ensure the components have enough space between them.
    • To maximize the visual appeal of the finished product.
    • To prevent components from overheating.
  35. Question 35

    In context of printed circuit board (PCB), what does PWB stand for?

    • Power Wiring Board
    • Printed Wiring Board
    • Parallel Wire Bus
    • Precision Wave Board
  36. Question 36

    In conductor pattern of PCB, the board is made from?

    • Conductive and flexible material
    • Insulating and non-flexible material
    • Conductive and non-flexible material
    • Insulating and flexible material
  37. Question 37

    What is the purpose of 'heat sinks' on PCBs?

    • To connect circuit board to other boards
    • To accommodate component leads
    • To dissipate heat from components
    • To provide power to components on board
  38. Question 38

    Wires can cross in which type of PCBs?

    • Double-Sided PCBs
    • Both B and C
    • Multi-Layer PCBs
    • Single-Sided PCBs
  39. Question 39

    What is the relationship between component mounting and soldering in basic single-sided PCBs?

    • Components are mounted on one side, with their leads soldered to the conductor pattern on the opposite side.
    • Components are mounted using SMT, with solder applied prior to component placement.
    • Components and solder are applied to the same side of the board.
    • Components are attached using an edge connector on the same board.
  40. Question 40

    How do double-sided PCBs differ from single-sided PCBs in terms of component and wiring capability?

    • Double-sided PCBs allow for components and conductive copper to be mounted on both sides of the board.
    • Double-sided PCBs use only surface mount technology.
    • Double-sided PCBs use solder mask only on one side.
    • Double-sided PCBs can only support through-hole components.
  41. Question 41

    In PCB manufacturing, what is the purpose of the etchant solution, and what is a common type of this solution?

    • To protect the board from corrosion, with epoxy resin as a common solution.
    • To apply a solder mask, and liquid solder is a common solution.
    • To add copper to the board, and sulfuric acid is a common solution.
    • To dissolve copper and resist exposed to light; a common solution is ferric chloride ($FeCl_3$).
  42. Question 42

    What characteristics differentiate component mounting using Through Hole Technology (THT) from Surface Mount Technology (SMT)?

    • THT components require holes to be drilled in the PCB; SMT components are soldered directly to the surface.
    • THT components are soldered on the same side as components; SMT requires component legs.
    • THT components are smaller in size; SMT components are larger.
    • THT components can only be mounted on double-sided PCBs; SMT components are limited to single-sided PCBs.
  43. Question 43

    How does the application of solder mask during PCB manufacturing contribute to the board's reliability and functionality?

    • By ensuring equal heat distribution on the board to dissipate heat evenly.
    • By providing a conductive layer over the copper traces.
    • By protecting the circuit from corrosion and preventing solder from bridging between conductors.
    • By adding text and symbols to label components for easier assembly.
List of Flashcards30 flashcards
  1. Card 1

    What is a PCB?

    A flat insulating surface where wiring and miniaturized components connect in a pre-determined design.

    HintThink of a foundation for electronic parts.Memory TipPCB: Parts Connected Board
  2. Card 2

    What is a Terminal Board?

    An electrical component used in constructing electrical systems, consisting of a board or panel with multiple connection points.

    HintA board with many places to connect components.Memory TipThink of it as a central hub for wires.
  3. Card 3

    What are tie-in points?

    Existing electrical connection points where new components are connected.

    HintWhere new parts are added.Memory TipTie Points: New parts CONNECT
  4. Card 4

    What are electrical fittings?

    Electric lines or fittings like switches and sockets designed for lighting, heating, and power.

    HintItems that deliver power.Memory TipFittings are the 'finishing' electrical touches.
  5. Card 5

    What does a PCB do?

    Keeps components in place and provides electrical connections.

    HintIt's more than just a board.Memory TipPCBs are the backbone of electronics.
  6. Card 6

    What is copper circuit pattern?

    A copper layer or foil on one side of the board.

    HintThe conductive element on a PCB.Memory TipCopper carries the electrical signals.
  7. Card 7

    What is a PCB board made of?

    An insulating and non-flexible material.

    HintSomething that doesn't conduct electricity.Memory TipLike FR-4: strong and non-conducting.
  8. Card 8

    What is a conductor pattern?

    The thin wires or 'tracks' on the board's surface.

    HintThe visible lines on a circuit board.Memory TipTracks = electrical 'roadways'.
  9. Card 9

    What are component and solder sides?

    One side holds the components, the other is where soldering occurs.

    HintTwo sides, two functions.Memory TipBuild (component) and bond (solder).
  10. Card 10

    What are component sockets?

    Used when components need to be removable, allows components to be plugged and unplugged without soldering.

    HintThink plug-and-play.Memory TipSockets = Simple swaps.
  11. Card 11

    What is an edge connector?

    A connector used to connect one PCB to another, consisting of copper pads on one side of the PCB.

    HintUsed for board-to-board connections.Memory TipThink of expansion slots on a computer.
  12. Card 12

    What do metallic tracks on a PCB do?

    Engages with contacts in a socket to create an external electrical connection.

    HintTracks on the edge connect to...Memory TipTracks provide the paths for power
  13. Card 13

    What is a Solder mask?

    An insulating and protective layer that protects copper wires and prevents solder from unintended spots.

    HintIt gives PCBs their color.Memory TipMask = Protection from solder.
  14. Card 14

    What is the Silk Screen?

    Text and symbols printed on a board to label locations.

    HintLike a map on the PCB.Memory TipSilk screen = labeling legend.
  15. Card 15

    What is solder-mask?

    A coating that protects the circuit from corrosion and electrical shorts, keeping solder on the pads.

    HintIt dictates where solder should stick.Memory TipLike 'paint' ensuring clean contacts.
  16. Card 16

    What are Single-Sided PCBs?

    PCBs with components on one side and conductor pattern on the other.

    HintBasic circuit boards.Memory TipOne side does it all.
  17. Card 17

    What are Single Sided printed Circuit boards?

    Circuit boards with conducting material on one side, cheaper and simpler to create.

    HintHas conducting material on only one side of the boardMemory TipSimple = Cheap!
  18. Card 18

    What are Double-Sided PCBs?

    Boards with a conductor pattern on both sides.

    HintTwice the connectivity.Memory TipDouble = more complex circuits.
  19. Card 19

    What benefits do Double-Sided PCBs provide?

    Can mount conductive copper and components on both sides while allowing for closer routing traces.

    HintMore complex than Sided PCBsMemory TipCopper and components on both slides = More complex circuits
  20. Card 20

    What are Multi-Layer Boards?

    Boards with multiple conductor patterns inside.

    HintLike a multi-story circuit board.Memory TipMulti-layer = High density wiring
  21. Card 21

    What is PCB assembly?

    Physically attaching components to a PCB.

    HintPutting it all together.Memory TipAssembly = Components + Board.
  22. Card 22

    What is Through-Hole Technology (THT)?

    Components with leads inserted through holes then soldered.

    HintClassic method, good mechanical connection.Memory TipThrough the hole.
  23. Card 23

    What are some characteristics of Through Hole Technology (THT)?

    Requires holes in the PCB and takes up space on both sides of the board.

    HintTakes up space on both sides the PCBMemory TipRequires Holes!
  24. Card 24

    What is Surface Mount Technology (SMT)?

    Components soldered to conductor patterns on the same side.

    HintNo holes required.Memory TipSMT sits on the surface.
  25. Card 25

    What is a PCB substrate?

    The base material of a PCB.

    HintThe foundation.Memory TipSubstrate supports the circuit.
  26. Card 26

    What is photoresist?

    A light sensitive material used to form a patterned coating on a surface.

    HintA key element in PCB fabrication.Memory TipPhoto + Resist = Light protection.
  27. Card 27

    What is the etching process?

    A PCB is immersed so the copper can be selectively removed.

    HintThink of it as chemical 'sculpting'.Memory TipEtching = Copper removal.
  28. Card 28

    What is Solder Coating?

    Covers copper pattern surfaces to reduce oxidation.

    HintPrevents corrosion.Memory TipCreates strong bonds.
  29. Card 29

    What is the PCB design process?

    The first step is to create the circuit diagram.

    HintLaying components for the circuitMemory TipCopy the Layout!
  30. Card 30

    What is the last step of PCB design?

    The final step is to design the circuit around the PCB

    HintConnect the dotsMemory TipOverlay complete!