What Is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)? Meaning, Uses & Its Types
- Harshit Shah
- Jul 31
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 4
Ever wondered what makes your smartphone respond in milliseconds or your car’s sensors work flawlessly? Behind the scenes is a PCB printed circuit board—a small but powerful platform that connects every part of a device and keeps it running smoothly. These boards manage signals, power, and communication between the tiniest components, making modern electronics faster, smaller, and more efficient.
From basic remotes and LED lights to life-saving medical equipment and aerospace systems, printed circuit boards are everywhere. You’ll find them inside TVs, industrial machines, electric vehicles, wearables, and even your washing machine. No matter the industry, if it runs on electricity, chances are it’s built around a PCB.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a PCB is, explore the different parts of a printed circuit board, look at types of PCBs, and see where they’re commonly used. Whether you're in manufacturing, aerospace industry, healthcare, or industrial automation, this overview will help you understand how printed circuit board design supports innovation and performance in every OEM sector.
Table of contents
What Is a PCB Board?
A printed circuit board (PCB) is a flat, non-conductive board used to connect and mechanically support electronic components. It’s made of insulating material, such as fiberglass or composite epoxy, with conductive pathways etched from copper sheets. These copper pathways carry signals between different parts of a printed circuit board—powering everything from LEDs to microprocessors.
Unlike point-to-point wiring or breadboards, PCBs provide durability, consistency, and ease of mass production. Every components of the PCB is placed strategically on the surface or embedded within layers to save space and improve performance.
Interesting reads: PCB vs PCBA Explained – Key Differences You Should Know
Uses of PCBs in Electronic Devices
Printed circuit boards are everywhere. Their role goes far beyond physical support—they define how electronic systems behave and interact. Let’s look at their presence across some common devices:
Consumer electronics
Smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, and televisions depend on tightly packed PCB printed circuit board designs that ensure speed and functionality.
Medical equipment
Devices like defibrillators, heart monitors, and infusion pumps use compact and accurate printed circuit board design to meet strict performance and safety standards.
Automotive systems
Today’s cars rely heavily on electronics. Dashboard displays, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and fuel control modules all use electronic circuit board platforms.
Industrial equipment
Factory robots, control panels, and PLCs use printed circuit board assemblies that can handle mechanical stress, high temperatures, and exposure to chemicals.
Telecommunication gear
Routers, servers, and 5G modules need high-speed printed circuit board layouts to support complex signal routing and consistent data flow.
PCBs are so widely used because they can be tailored to fit nearly any space or function—making them indispensable in product design.
Interesting reads: What Are QFN Packages & its Importance in PCB Assembly
What Are the Types of PCBs?
Depending on the project, PCBs come in different structures and capabilities. Here are the major types of printed circuit boards used in industries:
Single-sided PCB
The simplest type, with components and traces on one side. Ideal for low-cost and low-density products like calculators and LED lights.
Double-sided PCB
Conductive layers on both sides, with PCB vias (holes) connecting the traces. Used in more complex applications such as HVAC systems or amplifiers.
Multilayer PCB
Three or more copper layers sandwiched together for dense, high-performance designs. Found in smartphones, servers, and aerospace electronics.
Rigid PCB
Built on solid materials like fiberglass that don’t bend. Common in computers and industrial controls.
Flexible PCB
Made with bendable materials, suitable for wearable tech or compact assemblies in cameras or medical devices.
Rigid-Flex PCB
A hybrid of both, giving structure where needed and flexibility where space is limited—widely used in aerospace and military gear.
Each type of PCB offers unique advantages depending on space, performance, and durability requirements.
Applications of Printed Circuit Board
The wide-ranging applications of printed circuit board technology allow them to adapt across industries with ease
Healthcare
PCBs support life-saving tools, including diagnostic scanners, implantable devices, and hearing aids. Their precision ensures accurate signal processing and patient safety.
Consumer Products
Every smart gadget, from fitness bands to voice assistants, runs on a tailored components of PCB that fits compact enclosures without compromising speed.
Aerospace and Defense
PCBs used in aircraft, satellites, and defense systems need to withstand high vibration, radiation, and temperature shifts.
Industrial Automation
Machines in manufacturing plants rely on printed circuit board for real-time processing and reliable performance in rugged settings.
Communication Infrastructure
The global internet runs on boards inside data centers, telecom switches, and mobile towers—each needing low-loss printed circuit board design.
The right parts of a circuit board are chosen based on the demands of the application, ensuring longevity and safety.
Interesting reads: PCB Assembly Process Explained : A Step-by-Step Guide in 2025
Step-by-Step PCB Manufacturing Process
The PCB manufacturing process involves a series of highly controlled steps that transform a raw board into a functional electronic backbone. From design to inspection, each phase ensures the board meets exact electrical and mechanical requirements. Here’s how a printed circuit board comes to life:
Design and Layout: Engineers create a schematic and layout using CAD software based on the device’s requirements.
Printing the Design: The layout is transferred to the board material using a photoresist process.
Etching: Unwanted copper is removed to reveal the desired circuit patterns.
Drilling: Holes are drilled for components and vias.
Plating and Layering: Copper is plated through holes and additional layers are added for complex boards.
Solder Mask Application: A protective layer is added to prevent short circuits.
Silkscreen Printing: Labels and logos are printed on the board surface.
Finishing: Surface treatments like ENIG or HASL are applied for better solderability.
Inspection and Testing: Electrical tests and visual inspections ensure functionality and reliability.
If you're interested in knowing about the PCB manufacturing vs PCB assembly - Read our new blog on PCB Fabrication vs PCB Assembly: What’s the Key Differences?
The Future of PCB in Electronics Manufacturing
As devices become smaller and more powerful, PCB (printed circuit board ) technologies are also evolving. We’re seeing:
Miniaturization of components
Use of advanced materials for thermal management
3D PCB structures for space optimization
AI-powered printed circuit board design software
Integration with IoT and wearable tech
Future printed circuit board assembly will focus on sustainability, repairability, and integration with emerging technologies.
Final Thoughts
A printed circuit board might look simple, but it’s the heart of modern electronics. From your fitness tracker to industrial robots, they bring technology to life. Knowing the different types of PCBs, their design, and applications can help you make better decisions for your next project.
If you're looking for a printed circuit board assembly company, A2Z Electronics provides expert support, high-quality manufacturing, and design assistance every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between a PCB and a PCBA?
A PCB is just the bare board that has copper traces but no components on it. It's like a blank platform for building electronic circuits. A PCBA, on the other hand, is that same board after all the components like chips, resistors, and connectors have been added through the assembly process.
2. How long does PCB Assembly take?
The time required for PCB assembly depends on the design complexity, quantity, and part availability. Prototype boards may be assembled within a few days, typically 2–5 days. Larger production runs or complex boards can take anywhere from one to three weeks. Some manufacturers offer 24-hour or same-week turnaround for urgent jobs. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
3. How many layers can a PCB have?
PCBs can be designed with a single layer or with multiple layers, depending on the device’s requirements. Most common boards have 2 to 8 layers, while more advanced designs like those used in data centres or aerospace can go up to 30 or more layers.
4. Is PCB also a motherboard?
A motherboard is one specific kind of printed circuit board used inside computers. While every motherboard is a PCB, not all PCBs are motherboards. Many other types of PCBs are used in electronics like phones, medical devices, and industrial equipment.
5. How much are printed circuit boards worth?
The price of a printed circuit board can vary based on size, material, number of layers, and production volume. A simple single-layer board might cost a few dollars, while complex multi-layer PCBs with tight tolerances can be priced much higher, especially for custom or small-batch runs.
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