Development of printed circuit boards
From the circuit diagram to the finished circuit board
The printed circuit board or PCB is the carrier of all electronic components of our keyboards. The printed circuit board is fitted with the electronic components and connects them with conductor tracks. The circuit board is therefore basically the technical realization of a circuit diagram. It is through it that electronic devices are given a function.
In order to define the functions of a circuit board and thus those of the device in which it will later be used, a circuit diagram is first required. It describes the connection of all the necessary technical circuits that are required to implement the desired functions. The conductor tracks on the circuit board represent the connections between the electronic components as designed in the circuit diagram. A circuit diagram is therefore already a first draft of a PCB layout. However, the connections and components on the PCB are never arranged as they appear on the circuit diagram, as there is simply not enough space. The size of the circuit board must be based on the design of the finished product, which often leaves little space for the electronics.
The entire circuit diagram must now be mapped on the small area of the circuit board. In addition, some areas that will later be used to attach the circuit board must be cut out. This extremely complex task is called routing and is carried out by experts with the help of special software. The aim here is to arrange the components and connections as efficiently as possible. This means making economical use of the available space, keeping the tracks as short as possible and minimizing crossovers between the connections, as these are solved using bridges or similar means and cause additional production costs.
After unbundling, the complete production data of the PCB is available. They are structured in levels separated by function:
- Sample of one or more copper layers (conductor runs and surfaces)
- Boreholes (position, depth and diameter)
- Outline and breakthroughs
- Assembly plan top and bottom
- Solder resist top and bottom
- Insertion pressure top and bottom
- Adhesive dots and solder paste patterns for SMD components top and bottom
- Partial metallization (e.g. gold plating for contact surfaces)
Different processes can be used to assemble and apply the connections. The production techniques differ depending on the quantity and requirements of the end product. Today, the majority of PCBs are produced photochemically by etching the conductor tracks. In addition, the screen printing process or stamping and wire drawing technology are often used in series production.
Printed circuit board design at Printec-DS
When it comes to PCB design, we rely on reliable cooperation between our partner for PCB routing and our own design department. This uncomplicated cooperation enables us to produce a finished design in a short space of time, combining the expertise of a genuine routing specialist with our design experience. For the production of samples and series production, we have several partners at our disposal who offer us various production options that we can draw on depending on the quantities and customer requirements. With us as your design and production partner, you will receive input systems tailored to your requirements, with quality-oriented and cost-effective circuit boards.
