PCB Design

PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design is a fundamental discipline within electrical engineering that focuses on translating a conceptual circuit schematic into a physical, manufacturable board. This intricate process involves the strategic placement of electronic components and the routing of conductive copper pathways, known as traces, to electrically connect them according to the schematic's logic. The ultimate goal is to create a compact, reliable, and cost-effective board that serves as the foundational hardware for nearly all modern electronic devices, bridging the gap between theoretical circuit diagrams and functional products.

  1. Introduction to Printed Circuit Boards
    1. Definition and Purpose of PCBs
      1. Role of PCBs in Modern Electronics
        1. Consumer Electronics Applications
          1. Industrial Systems Applications
            1. Automotive Applications
              1. Aerospace Applications
                1. Medical Device Applications
                  1. Telecommunications Applications
                  2. Historical Evolution of PCBs
                    1. Early Prototyping Methods
                      1. Development of Etching Techniques
                        1. Advancements in Multi-Layer Technology
                          1. Modern Manufacturing Innovations
                          2. Types of PCBs by Layer Count
                            1. Single-Sided PCBs
                              1. Structure and Construction
                                1. Typical Use Cases
                                  1. Advantages and Limitations
                                  2. Double-Sided PCBs
                                    1. Structure and Construction
                                      1. Typical Use Cases
                                        1. Advantages and Limitations
                                        2. Multi-Layer PCBs
                                          1. Layer Count Variations
                                            1. Applications by Layer Count
                                              1. Advantages and Challenges
                                            2. Types of PCBs by Flexibility
                                              1. Rigid PCBs
                                                1. Materials and Construction
                                                2. Flexible PCBs
                                                  1. Construction Methods
                                                    1. Benefits and Applications
                                                      1. Design Considerations
                                                      2. Rigid-Flex PCBs
                                                        1. Hybrid Construction
                                                          1. Typical Applications
                                                            1. Design Challenges
                                                          2. Specialized PCB Types
                                                            1. Metal Core PCBs
                                                              1. Ceramic PCBs
                                                                1. High-Frequency PCBs
                                                                  1. HDI PCBs
                                                                  2. PCB Terminology and Basic Concepts
                                                                    1. Physical Features
                                                                      1. Trace
                                                                        1. Pad
                                                                          1. Via
                                                                            1. Annular Ring
                                                                              1. Copper Pour
                                                                                1. Plane
                                                                                2. Board Layers and Markings
                                                                                  1. Silkscreen Layer
                                                                                    1. Solder Mask Layer
                                                                                      1. Solder Paste Layer
                                                                                        1. Mechanical Layers
                                                                                        2. Component and Layout Terms
                                                                                          1. Footprint
                                                                                            1. Land Pattern
                                                                                              1. Reference Designator
                                                                                                1. Net
                                                                                                  1. Netlist
                                                                                                  2. Design and Manufacturing Acronyms
                                                                                                    1. DRC
                                                                                                      1. DFM
                                                                                                        1. DFA
                                                                                                          1. DFT
                                                                                                            1. ERC
                                                                                                              1. BOM