Printed Circuit Board Laminates

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the interconnection medium on which electronic components are assembled to create electronic systems. The primary functions of PCBs are to contain the wiring required to interconnect components electrically, to act as the primary structure to support all components in a circuit, and, in many instances, to conduct away heat generated by the components. With the constant drive for miniaturization, increased functionality, and higher speeds, an increasing number of functions must be accommodated on a PCB within the same size or even in an overall smaller size. The purpose of this article is to describe the typical material makeup, techniques, and manufacturing processes used in PCB fabrication. The article then discusses the common PCB failure modes and associated causes with a focus on process control and inspection techniques that can be used during fabrication. An overview of cost structure and overall impact of introduction of newer processing conditions is also discussed. Keywords: printed circuit board (PCB); PCB fabrication; PCB failure modes; lead-free solders