Printed circuit boards (PCB): the complete guide
From definition to order: everything you need to know about printed circuit boards, with links to the detailed PCB-ELECTRA guides.
What a printed circuit board is
A printed circuit board is an insulating board with copper tracks that connect the electronic components to each other. It is called a PCB (printed circuit board) in English; in other languages it is also known as a printed circuit or, in Romanian, a "cablaj imprimat". All of these names mean the same thing: the bare board, without components, that every electronic device starts from.
A PCB has an insulating layer (usually FR4), one or more copper layers, plated holes for components and for connections between layers, solder mask and, as a rule, silkscreen and a surface finish. The full list of terms is in the PCB glossary.
Types of printed circuit boards
| Type | What it is used for |
|---|---|
| Single-sided PCB | One copper layer: simple, low-cost designs, power supplies, controls |
| Double-sided PCB | Copper on both sides, plated holes: the most widely used type |
| 4-layer multilayer | Dense circuits, ground and power planes, fast signals |
| 6-layer multilayer | High density, sensitive signals, better control of interference |
| Aluminium PCB (IMS) | LEDs and power electronics, where heat has to be carried away |
If you are not sure how many layers you need, read how many layers a PCB needs.
What a PCB is made of
The usual material is FR4, a laminate of glass fibre and epoxy resin. For heat dissipation a board with an aluminium core is used. What the values on the data sheets mean is in FR4 and Tg, and the differences between the two materials in FR4 or aluminium.
Three more choices matter: copper thickness, board thickness and surface finish. At PCB-ELECTRA the standard finish is lead-free HASL, RoHS compliant.
From design to board: the files
The factory receives Gerber files, the image of each layer, plus the drill file. How to export them from your design software is explained in Gerber files and in export from Altium, EasyEDA and Eagle. Before ordering, going through the DFM checklist and the design rules saves you questions and delays.
How it is made and how it is checked
Production has dozens of steps, from cutting the laminate to packing. The whole flow is in how a PCB is manufactured. At PCB-ELECTRA every board is optically inspected (AOI) and electrically tested for shorts and open circuits, at no extra cost. The details are in electrical test and AOI, and the quality levels in IPC classes.
What it costs and how long it takes
The price depends on size, number of layers, material, quantity, finish and lead time. The factors, in order of importance, are explained in what determines the price of a PCB. The standard production time is 9 working days and the urgent one 6, for 1–2 layers and aluminium; multilayer takes 11 and, urgent, 7 working days. More in lead time.
Delivery in Europe
The boards are made in Iași, Romania, so they travel inside the European Union without customs formalities. See PCBs made in Europe and the comparison of a European and an overseas supplier.
How to order
- Upload your Gerber files in the price calculator and get an instant estimate in euro, from 1 piece.
- Our sales team sends the official quote within 1 business day.
- You confirm the order and our engineers check the files.
- We manufacture, test and ship the boards.
The exact capabilities (sizes, thicknesses, minimum holes) are on the capabilities page. For questions, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a printed circuit, a printed wiring board and a PCB?
None in practice. They are different names for the same product: the board with copper tracks on which components are mounted. PCB stands for printed circuit board.
How many layers does my board need?
Simple circuits work on 1 or 2 layers. Beyond that, with ground planes and fast signals, 4 or 6 layers are used. For power LEDs aluminium is often chosen.
How much does a PCB cost?
It depends on size, layers, material, quantity and lead time. Upload your files in the calculator and get an instant estimate in euro, from 1 piece.
Browse the questions and answers →
See our manufacturing capabilities
Minimum trace and spacing, drill sizes, materials, tolerances and tests for every board type, on one page.
Open the capabilities →Ask an engineer
Not sure what applies to your board? Describe it in a few lines and our engineers will advise you.