Simplified yet Intricate: Single-Sided PCB Design
3 min
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are crucial electronic components. They act as the support structure for electronic devices and serve as the carrier for electrical connections among electronic components. Since its inception in 1925, the evolution of printed circuit boards has led to increasingly intricate layouts, more layers, and greater complexity. However, even amidst these advancements, the most basic form known as the single-sided PCB is still widely employed in various industrial products like radios, washing machines, and remote controls.
Structure of Single-Sided PCB
Traditional FR4 single-sided PCBs accommodate one side of copper, one side of solder mask, and two sides of silkscreen (depending on customer design). Due to the absence of the electroplating step in the production of single-sided boards, the hole walls of these PCBs lack copper (note: board thicknesses of 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, and 2.0 mm are produced by default as double-sided to maximize utilization of board material. For boards of these thicknesses, through-holes will be plated).
Soldering of Single-Sided PCBs
Given the structure of single-sided PCBs, where only one side contains circuitry, soldering is limited to the exposed pads on that particular side. Depending on the component's structure, this results in two distinct soldering methods:
1. Same-Side Soldering
For components where the main body is on the same side as the circuit, often used for SMT-type component soldering.
2. Opposite-Side Soldering
For components where the main body is on a different side from the circuit, commonly used for through-hole component soldering.
Designing Engineering Files
In practical design, a complete PCB is designed layer by layer.
Taking double-sided boards as an example, patterns designed on the top layer are seen directly (e.g., top layer text appears correctly). Conversely, patterns designed on the bottom layer have a mirroring effect; if text is designed on the bottom layer and it appears upright in the design software, due to the mirroring effect, the text on the actual board will appear reversed (since the physical board is viewed from the opposite side).
The same principle applies to the circuit layer. For single-sided boards, when designing circuitry on the bottom layer, because of the mirroring effect, the actual board needs to be viewed from the front with a backlight to match the bottom layer's circuit design (as shown in the figure below).
Characteristics of Factory Production
In actual production, to avoid burrs and peaks, the mirrored image of the bottom layer's wiring is used for the top layer (mirrored production does not affect the customer's original design structure). This approach ensures that the drill bit first penetrates the copper layer on top. Since the substrate provides support underneath, the copper can be drilled very cleanly. Drilling holes with the copper side facing down would result in numerous burrs and peaks.
Special Note
1. Single-sided aluminum-based boards have a conductive aluminum base layer, making them unsuitable for component soldering (soldering could lead to short circuits).
2. Single-sided aluminum-based boards generally have silkscreen printed on one side, applied to the copper-covered side. Printing Silkscreen on the aluminum-based side is not recommended as it may be difficult to read.
Conclusion
In summary, single-sided PCBs have a straightforward design, but careful attention must be paid to the layer where the circuit is located and where soldering occurs to avoid an unintentionally mirrored design.
Keep Learning
Circuit Symbols: Key to Understanding Electrical and Electronic Diagrams
Circuit symbols are essential in electrical and electronic diagrams for representing complex circuits and components in a standardized and simplified manner. These symbols are crucial for engineers, electricians, and technicians to understand circuit functions without documentation. Universal recognition of these symbols ensures consistent interpretation across languages and regions, aiding education and training. Circuit diagrams consist of various components like switches, capacitors, resistors, and......
Creating High-Quality Schematic Diagram: A Professional and Simplified Workflow
Mastering the art of creating high-quality schematic diagram is crucial for PCB hobbyists and engineers. A schematic diagram serves as a blueprint that visually represents the components and connections of an electrical circuit. In this expert guide, JLCPCB will walk you through the process of creating accurate and professional schematic diagram, providing you with the necessary knowledge and tools to excel in your PCB designs. Section 1: Understanding Schematic Diagram What is a Schematic Diagram? A ......
Understanding the Frequency Response of Decoupling Capacitors
Decoupling capacitors act like mini “shock absorbers” or local reservoirs on an IC’s power pins. Decaps are used to isolate high‐frequency AC noise from the DC supply. These decaps supply instant current during transients. When it comes to transient switching, the sudden change of voltage drops the current, and to fulfill the demand of that loss, the current is supplied from the source, which is situated away from the IC. But due to the resistive path between the IC and the supply, the frequency respo......
Understanding Fast Turn PCB: Accelerating Your Electronic Designs
Fast Turn PCB is a quick method to create printed circuit boards (PCBs) to satisfy strict project deadlines. As technology advances so rapidly these days, people more and more desire quicker prototype and computer part manufacturing. Fast Turn PCB services help engineers and designers move quickly from concept to production, which leads to new products in many fields. This article discusses what are Fast Turn PCBs, what they can do for you, and how to choose the best provider to get quality and speed.......
The Role of Schematic Design in Electronics Development
Schematic design plays an important role in making electronics, which depicts how various elements interact and unite to create a working circuit. Accurate and understandable schematic designs are crucial in many kinds of electronics, from simple devices to complex industrial equipment. In this article, we will discuss the value of schematic design in electronics, also together with the fundamental components forming schematic diagrams. 1. What is Schematic Design? Schematic design is a part of an ele......
Understanding PCB Design and PCB Layout: A Comprehensive Guide
Modern electronics are assembled using printed circuit boards (PCBs). They link conductively path-based electronic components. Important phases in the development of electronic devices are PCB design and layout since they significantly impact their working performance, dependability, and manufacturing simplicity. A PCB's layout which could be as straightforward as one layer or as complex as multiple layers determines a device's performance. In this article, we will discuss the main concepts of PCB des......