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Printed Circuit Vocabulary
The development and production of printed circuits has become an increasingly important part of modern electronics. While the fundamentals of the technology remain relatively simple, the terminology used to describe it has become increasingly complex as new components, processes and materials have been added. This vocabulary can be used to better understand the world of printed circuits and help define when and where they are used.
PC Board: Also known as a printed circuit board, or PCB, this is the basic building block of a printed circuit. It is a fiberglass, epoxy or ceramic material on which components can be mounted and soldered to create a working circuit.
Circuit Layout: The arrangement of the components and their connecting wires on a printed circuit board. The layout can include several types of interconnecting paths, such as copper traces on the surface or through-hole vias, which are drilledholes etched with copper on the board.
Printed Circuit Drawing: A diagram generated from the circuit design which specifies the locations of each component on a printed circuit board, as well as the location, size and shape of all of the circuits paths.
Masking: The process whereby protective material is placed over a PCB to prevent solder or other fluxes from coming into contact with undesired areas of the board.
Silkscreen: A technique for transferring a pattern onto the surface of a printed circuit board. This is used to display component values, manufacturer information and any other data which is required to be printed on the board.
Copper Traces: Conductive material, typically copper, which is used to route electrical signals through the printed circuit board. Copper traces are small paths which are etched into the board and are typically much thinner than a human hair.
Through-Hole Vias: Small holes, filled with copper, which connect two layers of a printed circuit board by routing electrical signals through the board.
Plated-Through Holes: Also known as a vias, these are holes which are filled with copper and electrically bond two copper traces on different layers of the board.
SMT: This stands for Surface Mount Technology and is a process by which components are attached to the surface of a printed circuit board.
Component Insertion: The process by which components are inserted into a PCB. This can be done manually or by an automated machine which positions and secures the component to the board.
Soldering: The process by which components are attached to a printed circuit board. This typically involves either a hand-held soldering iron or an automated soldering machine.
Automatic Optical Inspection: An automated system which scans printed circuit boards for defects in the copper traces, soldering and component quality.
Functional Testing: The use of specialized equipment to test each component and make sure that the circuit as a whole functions correctly.
These are just a few of the many terms associated with the printed circuit industry. With increasing complexity and sophistication, this vocabulary is ever-expanding as advancements in technology open up new possibilities for the development of printed circuits. Whether you are designing, engineering or producing printed circuits, it is essential to stay informed and use the correct terminology when communicating the needs of your project.
