Understanding PCBs: Essential Terminology and FR-4 Grade
- Basic Terms in PCBs:
- Printed Circuit: A conductive pattern or combination of circuits and components on an insulating substrate based on a predetermined design.
- Printed Circuit Board (PCB): The finished product featuring conductive patterns on an insulating substrate, categorized as rigid or flexible, and further divided into single-sided, double-sided, or multi-layer boards.
- Flat Printing Plate: A printing plate where the entire conductor pattern and substrate surface are on the same plane, ensuring consistency and facilitating automated processes.
- Advancements in PCBs: Evolution from single-layer to flexible and multi-layer boards, offering precision, density, and reliability, enhancing electronic equipment quality, reducing costs, and streamlining maintenance.
- V-1 Grade FR-4:
- FR-4 Definition: Flame-Resistant Laminated Sheet made of glass fiber cloth impregnated with flame-resistant epoxy resin, forming sheets of varying thicknesses.
- V-1 Grade: Refers to a sample of copper-free glass fiber epoxy resin substrate subjected to burning tests. V-1 FR-4 has a total burning time under 250 seconds after ten consecutive trials, emphasizing flame resistance. V-0 FR-4 has a burning time less than 50 seconds.
This overview provides insights into fundamental PCB terms and introduces the V-1 Grade FR-4, emphasizing flame-resistant properties for enhanced safety in electronic applications.