Types of Circuit Boards and Their History
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What is one key advantage of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) over breadboards?

  • PCBs are less expensive to manufacture.
  • PCBs allow for the assembly of temporary circuits.
  • PCBs require no soldering for connections.
  • PCBs provide a permanent solution for circuit design. (correct)

    • Which type of PCB is characterized by tracks that are covered with insulating materials?

  • Strip Board
  • Breadboard
  • Printed Circuit Board (correct)
  • Double-sided PCB

    • What is a primary feature of a strip board compared to a breadboard?

  • Strip boards are designed specifically for mass production.
  • Strip boards do not require any form of soldering.
  • Strip boards are used for professional-grade projects.
  • Strip boards allow for permanent soldering connections. (correct)

    • Which aspect of PCB design is most efficient for creating complex circuit layouts?

    <p>Utilizing schematic software for layout.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements correctly differentiates between single-sided and double-sided PCBs?

    <p>Double-sided PCBs can accommodate components on both sides, while single-sided PCBs cannot.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significant application of PCBs developed during World War II?

    <p>Proximity fuses for airborne circuitry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which material is most commonly used for the dielectric layers in PCBs?

    <p>Polytetrafluorethylene (Teflon)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process was patented by Arthur Barry in 1913 related to PCBs?

    <p>Print-and-etch method</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the conductive pathways in PCBs?

    <p>Thin copper foil traces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did Paul Eisler successfully patent the concept of using etched foil for PCBs?

    <p>1936</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically used to protect the copper traces on a PCB?

    <p>Solder mask</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the thickness of the conductive pathways in a PCB relate to?

    <p>Ounces per square inch or micrometres</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unique property does the dielectric layer provide in PCB construction?

    <p>Structural support and insulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step to take when working in Schematic mode?

    <p>Add parts to the design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions should be performed before exporting manufacturing files?

    <p>Run the ERC to check for errors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical requirement for PCB Lab printing?

    <p>The DRC must pass without any failures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be avoided to ensure efficient space usage on the PCB?

    <p>Having large open spaces around the board</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should Design Rules be adjusted in DRC?

    <p>Modify Clearance, Sizes, Annular Ring, and Supply tabs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is efficient use of board space important for PCB design?

    <p>It reduces assembly costs and improves sustainability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of running the DRC in PCB Layout mode?

    <p>To ensure design adheres to set rules and standards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if the DRC fails during the PCB design process?

    <p>The PCB Lab cannot print the board</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process by which copper is removed from a board in PCB manufacturing?

    <p>Etching</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the characteristics of a Surface Mount PCB?

    <p>Components are mounted on the same side as the solder joints and pads.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a single-sided PCB, what is referred to as the 'Mounted Side'?

    <p>The side with the components and silkscreen writing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference between Additive and Subtractive PCB processes?

    <p>Additive processes add copper to a board, while Subtractive processes etch away existing copper.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feature distinguishes the Solder Side on a PCB?

    <p>It has copper pads, traces, and solder joints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When designing a PCB, which aspect is crucial to ensure component placement?

    <p>Keeping all parts within the board outline.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Drill Holes' on a PCB refer to?

    <p>Holes designed for pin insertion or mounting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be avoided when creating a board outline in PCB design?

    <p>Keeping all components outside the outline.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the copper pad in PCB design?

    <p>It surrounds a drill hole for soldering component leads.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about the copper pour in PCB design is true?

    <p>It can serve as a ground plane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a double-sided PCB from a single-sided PCB?

    <p>It has components placed on both sides.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which software listed is notable for student use in schematic/PCB programs?

    <p>AutoDesk Fusion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the green solder mask in PCB manufacturing?

    <p>To protect copper from oxidation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically done to all soldering work on a PCB?

    <p>It occurs exclusively on the solder side.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process must students follow to access AutoDesk Fusion's free trial?

    <p>Upload proof of student status and create an account.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option describes a limitation of some schematic/PCB programs mentioned?

    <p>Some are available only for limited use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Types of Circuit Boards

    • Breadboards are used for temporary and experimental circuits. They do not require soldering.
    • Strip boards consist of parallel copper strips requiring soldering. They are a crude replacement to a PCB for testing or emergency use.
    • Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are designed for specific circuits, typically for mass production. Traces are covered with insulating materials, soldering occurs only on exposed copper pads.

    History of PCBs

    • The concept of using flat foil connectors laminated to an insulating board in multiple layers was proposed in 1903 by Albert Hanson.
    • Thomas Edison experimented with plating conductors onto linen paper in 1904.
    • Arthur Barry patented a print-and-etch method in 1913.
    • Max Schoop patented a flame-spray metal through patterned mask technique in 1913.
    • Charles Durcase patented electroplating circuit patterns in 1927.
    • Paul Eisler proposed using etched foil to lay down traces on a substrate in 1936.
    • Eisler applied for a patent in 1943, but it was not initially accepted.
    • The U.S. adopted this technology for "proximity fuses" during World War II, mandating it for all airborne circuitry.
    • PCBs gradually gained popularity after the U.S. released the invention for commercial use in 1948.
    • Eisler's patent was published in 1950.

    PCB Structure - Mechanical

    • Insulating layers, commonly known as dielectric layers, are laminated together.
    • Dielectric layers are typically composed of Polytetrafluorethylene (Teflon), woven glass, and epoxy (FR-4 being the most commonly used in industry).
    • The dielectric layers provide structural support for the circuit and insulate components from each other.

    PCB Structure - Electrical

    • Conductive pathways, referred to as tracks or traces, facilitate connections.
    • These connections are generally made of thin copper foil.
    • The thickness of the copper foil is specified in ounces per square inch or micrometres.
    • A protective solder mask (green, blue, red, black, white) coats the copper foil.

    PCB Manufacturing Methods

    • Additive Method: Copper is not present on the board initially, and it is added using a printer.
    • Subtractive Method: Copper covers the entire board and is etched away using chemicals or a router.

    PCB Types - Pin Thru Hole

    • Components have leads that are inserted into holes drilled into the PCB and soldered on the opposite side.

    PCB Types - Surface Mount

    • Components rest on one side of the PCB and are soldered to flat pads on the same side.

    PCB Sides - Single

    • "Single-Sided" PCB with components and silkscreen writing mounted on the "Mounted Side".
    • The "Solder Side" contains the solder pads, traces, and solder joints.

    PCB Sides - Double

    • "Double-Sided" PCB with traces, solder masks, silkscreens, and components present on both sides.

    Schematic/PCB Programs

    • Several free and limited use software options are available.
    • Seneca College uses Autodesk Fusion, a software commonly used in workplaces.
    • Students can obtain a one-year renewable free trial by creating an Autodesk account and providing proof of their student status.

    Fusion: Design to Export

    • Schematic mode (saves as a .sch file):
      • Parts are added by searching and selecting from the library.
      • Parts are connected with the Net tool to indicate trace placement.
      • The ERC (Electrical Rules Check) identifies and helps resolve errors before proceeding.
    • PCB Layout mode (saves as a .brd file):
      • Design Rules are set first.
      • Board outline dimensions are set.
      • Parts are placed within the board dimensions.
      • Schematic nets are replaced with physical copper traces.
      • Silkscreen layout text is added for identification and revision information.
      • The DRC (Design Rules Check) verifies design integrity.
      • Manufacturing files, also known as Gerber or CAM files, are exported for PCB printing.

    PCB Printing Lab Requirements

    • Tolerance settings in the software should match the PCB Printing Lab requirements.
    • Minimize open spaces on the board.
    • Ensure compliance with the maximum area limit for individual courses.
    • Adjust DRC settings, including Clearance, Sizes, Annular Ring, and Supply tabs.

    PCB Design Tips

    • Reserve space on the board to mark information such as assembly name, part number, and revision.
    • Efficient use of space enhances cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
    • Maintain consistency in component orientation and spacing.
    • Utilize symmetry and balance when placing similar components.

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    Printed Circuit Board Design LIN155 PDF

    Description

    Explore the various types of circuit boards, including breadboards, strip boards, and printed circuit boards (PCBs). Delve into the historical development of PCBs from early concepts proposed in the early 20th century to significant patents that shaped modern electronics.

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