Essential PCB Terminology and FR-4 Grade Explained

Basic PCB Terms:

• Printed Circuit: A conductive pattern or combination of circuits and components on an insulating substrate following a specific design.
• Printed Circuit Board (PCB): The final product with conductive patterns on an insulating substrate, available in rigid or flexible forms, and further categorized as single-sided, double-sided, or multi-layer boards.
• Flat Printing Plate: A plate where the conductor pattern and substrate surface are on the same plane, ensuring consistency and aiding automated processes.
• PCB Advancements: Progress from single-layer to flexible and multi-layer boards, offering precision, density, and reliability, enhancing electronic equipment quality, reducing costs, and simplifying maintenance.

V-1 Grade FR-4:

• FR-4 Definition: Flame-Resistant Laminated Sheet comprising glass fiber cloth infused with flame-resistant epoxy resin, available in various thicknesses.
• V-1 Grade: Represents a copper-free glass fiber epoxy resin substrate that undergoes burning tests. V-1 FR-4 exhibits a total burning time under 250 seconds after ten consecutive trials, highlighting its flame resistance. V-0 FR-4 has a burning time of fewer than 50 seconds.

This comprehensive guide delves into essential PCB terminology and introduces the V-1 Grade FR-4, underscoring its flame-resistant characteristics crucial for heightened safety in electronic applications.