High-Quality Single-Sided PCBs with Competitive Pricing
Introduction of Single sided PCB
At present, the printed circuit board is very significant to our life and appears in almost every aspect of our life. The printed circuit board first appeared in 1936. It was made by Mr. Eisler from Austria, and the finished product was a radio.
So far, electronic products have got rid of complicated wiring, because when there was no printed circuit board, the components were connected by complex wiring. For products with high difficulty and complexity, the disorder of wiring is a huge problem, which has been solved since the emergence of the printed circuit board.
There are many kinds of printed circuit boards. Single sided PCB should be the most simple printed circuit board, but it is widely used in consumer electronics, which has enormous demands.
Today we will introduce one of them, single-sided printed circuit board, which is most simple type of PCB boards. Please contact our sales team any time to get a free single sided PCB price.
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History of Single Sided PCB
The original country of origin of the single sided PCB came from the United States, probably in the 1950s, which was also the period of the most vigorous development of the single sided PCB.
Although the country of origin was the United States, Japan had a historic innovation in production. Japan developed a paper phenolic copper foil substrate based on the initial copper foil etching and maintained sustainable development. Finally, various resin materials with stronger insulation and heat resistance, and less deformation were further developed, such as glass fiber epoxy resin, and so on.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Single Sided PCBs
- Speaking of the advantages and disadvantages of a single-sided PCB, we must make some simple comparisons with the relative multi-layer printed circuit board.
- First of all, a single sided PCB is like literal meaning, with circuits＆silkscreen＆solder mask on one side and components on the other. There is no interlayer connection on one side, including electroplating and other procedures, so it is mainly made in the circuit.
- The multi-layer printed board is an even number of layers, and the commonly used electronic equipment is between 4 and 16 layers.
- Therefore, single sided PCB is mainly used in some simple electronic products, especially consumer electronic products, because the manufacturing speed of single sided PCB is fast and the cost is relatively low, while the multi-layer panel is more difficult, which is more suitable for some more complex and difficult electronic products.
Viasion's Experience in Copying Single Sided PCB
- Single sided PCB is relatively simple and economical. Now let's introduce how to copy panels and produce single sided PCBs.
- When we are ready to copy the board, the first step is to sort out the specific data of the board, such as the location of components on the circuit board, including the specific model and parameter brand of components.
- Among them, relatively small components, resistors, capacitors, diodes, triodes, etc. are easy to be ignored because they are relatively small. At this time, we need to pay more attention. The most complete method is to use professional microscopes and photographers to record, to prevent problems caused by omissions.
- In this way, it is also convenient for us to compare when copying boards, including checking and aligning after completion.
- Then we will start to disassemble, dismantle all components and parts, and clean the circuit board body. There will be a tin in the pad. At this time, we also need to remove them and polish the copper film on the upper and lower layers.
- Here we should pay attention to that when cleaning PCB, alcohol can be used, and sandpaper can be used for polishing. Then adjust the parameters of the scanner and prepare to scan the PCB. At this time, be sure to pay attention to the clarity of the scanner. After the adjustment, you can start the formal scanning.
- After putting the board into the scanning, adjust the position of the board without offset and shaking, otherwise, the scanning process will be affected. Finally, start Adobe PS to operate.
- Next, start scanning by operating Adobe PS. During scanning, you need to pay attention to two parts, one is the copper film part, and the other is the circuit. The copper film part can highlight the comparison by adjusting the brightness and contrast of PS.
- The line part can be checked and compared by setting the color to black and white. After ensuring that there are no problems, you can save the upper and lower layers in BMP format.
- The next step is also an audit part of the previous work. First, you need to convert the BMP format saved in the previous step to Protel format, and transfer two layers into it to ensure that pad and via coincide. If they do not coincide, it means that the previous step is not done well. At this time, you need to repeat the third step to ensure that the final quality is no problem.
- After completing the previous step, you should start to draw layers. First, convert the upper and lower formats to PCB suffix format. At this time, you should pay attention to converting to the silkscreen layer.
- This step also requires great patience, and then start tracing layer by layer until it is completed. After completion, transfer the upper and lower PCB files to Protel and synthesize them.
- The last step is to use a laser printer for the final printing. First, print the upper and lower layers directly on the film. Note that the size of the film must be one-to-one and transparent with the printed circuit board. Then overlap and compare the film with the original product to see if there is any difference in size and details.
- After checking, if there is no problem, the copying is almost completed. Then the process of PCBA production, PCB production, and component procurement will take place. Finally, after assembly, test whether its functionality is the same as the original product. If it is consistent, it means that the operation is OK, and the copying is very successful. As one of the best single Side PCB supplier in China, we supply high quality and cost effective circuit boards. Please contact us freely for single Side PCB price.
Viasion's Single Sided PCB Design Experience
- As mentioned before, the advantages of a single sided PCB mainly lie in its low cost and fast delivery speed. The main products which use single-sided PCB are some small household appliances and consumer electronics, such as computers, remote controls, radios, etc.
- First, about the design structure of the single sided PCB, as mentioned before, the single sided PCB can only be used for one circuit, one solder mask, and at most two silkscreens. There is no copper-sinking process, and the holes are copper free.
- In addition, because there is only one line, it can only be welded through the bonding pad on the line surface. Therefore, there are two ways to weld a single sided PCB. One is the same side welding, and the other is the different side welding.
- The difference between them lies in the different types used. The same surface is suitable for SMT welding, the same surface of components and circuits, and the different surface is opposite to the same surface. It is suitable for plug-in welding, and components and circuits are on different surfaces. About design, take an example through double-sided boards. The design is usually designed layer by layer and finally forms the final finished PCB.
- It should be noted that the effect of the bottom text design is opposite to that of the actual product because it is a transparent and perspective principle. The same is true for the circuit layer. Therefore, attention should also be paid to this aspect in the design of single sided PCB, which needs to be observed through perspective to ensure line consistency. Viasion technology is trustworthy single sided PCB manufacturer in China.
Single Sided PCB Design Steps
- First of all, we need to make some necessary preparations in advance before we start making, to ensure that the follow-up process is smooth and the final product is free of problems. The first and most important point is that we should first prepare a complete schematic diagram. If there is a problem with the schematic diagram, the final product will certainly have problems.
- The first and most important point is that we should first prepare a complete schematic diagram. If there is a problem with the schematic diagram, the final product will certainly have problems.
- A complete schematic diagram will include the specific dimensions of the PCB, the connecting lines of various components, and the specific models and parameters of components, including pick and place, that is, the specific assembly position of components.
- In addition, there is no need to worry about packaging errors. In the subsequent import program, if there is a problem with the packaging parameters, the system will prompt.
- Then enter the operation stage and import the data into the PCB file. Next, we need to check some special components that need to confirm the position, such as some transmitters, external keys, etc. Lock them in the program.
- After that, you can operate the various parts of the PCB, which are placed neatly, and different parts have relatively suitable positions. As mentioned before, a single-sided PCB is usually composed of circuits on one side and components on the other.
- Therefore, in addition to the transmitters and external keys mentioned above, including LEDs, almost all other components are placed on the bottom side.
- In addition, for some convenient methods of wiring arrangement, for example, it is more suitable to place the interface in the lower right corner of the PCB and put it in the lower left corner for metering. In this way, wiring arrangements will be much more convenient.
- After the pick and place of functions are completed, we will move on to the more detailed layout.
- For example, many components should be kept closer to each other. For example, components near the IC chip should be kept closer to ensure the working efficiency and transmission speed of the IC, In particular, the decoupling capacitor also needs to be as close to the IC chip as possible. IC is indeed the core component of a board.
- The crystal oscillator and its pins also need to be as close as possible, which makes it easier to identify on the one hand, and increases the transmission and working efficiency on the other hand.
- In addition, to avoid subsequent operation errors, try to leave some extra distance on the PCB side to avoid subsequent operation modifications on SMT. What’s more, according to Viaion's PCB production experience, the signal distance should also be separated by a certain distance according to the high and low voltage to avoid problems.
- There are also some alert and protective diodes, capacitors, and voltages that should be installed in front of the components that need to be protected, such as voltage regulators, etc. Then came the link of interconnection between components. This is also a very important part, which needs to be treated in detail.
- First of all, we should master the parameters of each component, and understand the amount of current passing through them, including the impact current, to master the interaction between signals in the line, to set the thickness of the line by setting the size of the passing current, to set the line perfectly.
- For the part of the line with the large current transmission, a wider line width needs to be set to support and prevent problems. For example, a wider line width needs to be set at both ends of the polyester capacitor to prevent the transmission current from being too large, resulting in line damage.
- On the one hand, it can also support the protection of electronic devices such as regulators, and further achieve dual protection, which requires special attention. According to Viaison's production experience over the years, the line width used for power supply signals of different voltages is different. If it is small, such as small signals, it is usually about 10mil wide.
- Because the transmission current is low, it is not necessary to use a too-wide line, but if it is too narrow, it will lead to the situation mentioned above. Because the current is too large, the line is damaged, so it is usually recommended to use about 10mil, more appropriate.
- Let's talk about the low signal, which is generally divided into two cases. It mainly focuses on the position of the low signal. If it is next to the IC chip, it usually adopts a width of about 20mil. If it is not around the chip, it needs to use a thicker line, usually, 34-38mil, to ensure the stability of current transmission and avoid waste, so the low-voltage power supply signal is usually these two installation methods.
- However, for high-frequency signals, it is not allowed to route nearby. Wiring is crucial to the quality of PCB, which is directly linked to the quality, and special attention should be paid to wiring.
- This needs special attention in the design, otherwise, it needs to be redesigned, which is very time-consuming and energy-consuming. Therefore, this special attention will lead to the nullification of previous efforts.
- For the layout of ground wires, try to form a relatively large line plane, so it's OK. After all the circuit designs are completed, some adjustments should be made to the layout of components.
- First of all, pay attention to the connection of components through a reasonable number of vias, not too much or too little.
- Then connect with the main ground, and check whether the ground wire under the chip is complete and area.
- Finally, adjust the layout of components to ensure that the whole looks convenient and authentic, and avoid the accumulation of components, which will affect the inspection of lines and components, etc.
- After these are completed, the final silkscreen link can be carried out, and the characters and version numbers required by customers can be engraved on the silkscreen, such as the company's logo, date, UL, etc. After completing these, it is close to the completion of the production of the single-sided PCB.
- Finally, check all the steps again, pay attention to the parameters and positions of components, whether the layout of the line is reasonable and complete, avoid the corner of the power line, and pay attention to whether the return loop of each signal is normal and complete.
- In the final inspection, if you find any problems, you should mark them in your way. PCB design and manufacturing is a careful project, and there must be no mistakes, otherwise, it will affect the functionality of the final product, and it is easy to damage the components on the PCB, etc. So we must pay careful attention to these.
- After the inspection, if everything is normal, we can start production. After the production is completed, we can carry out the final tests. If all the tests of the circuit board functions of the final product are normal, there is no problem. In this way, we have a complete and good Single Sided PCB.
Other Aspects of Single Sided PCB
Conclusion
The above is some knowledge about single sided PCB, from its origin to the comparison with other double-sided printed circuit boards or multi-layer printed circuit boards, advantages and disadvantages, including some processes such as design, production, cleaning, etc.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Like all other printed circuit boards, single-sided PCBs must be stocked in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment. When PCBs are assembled and installed on electronic applications, occasional maintenance like cleaning from dust or contamination may be needed; it depends on the usage environment.
The advantages of single-sided PCB including:
The design of single-sided PCBs is easy.
The manufacturing of single-sided PCBs is easy.
The cost of single-sided PCBs is low.
The turnaround of single-sided PCBs is quick.
Different circuit layers: single-sided PCBs only have one circuit layer, but double-sided PCBs have two circuit layers with vias to connect the top and bottom circuits.
Different production processes: the production process of double-sided PCBs is different from that of single-sided PCBs. PTH vias plating is needed in double-sided PCB production.
Different cost: double-sided PCBs are more expensive than Single-sided PCBs if the other parameters are the same.
Materials are different: the most commonly used materials in single-layer PCB are CEM1, CEM3, FR4, Aluminum, etc. But the most commonly used material in double layers PCB is FR4.
Applications are different: one layer PCBs are always used in consumer electronics, but two layer PCBs are commonly used in higher-end applications such as industrial control, testing, communications, power, automotive, IoT, robotics, etc.
1. Fully understand the parameters of the base material used;
2. Know the function and the usage of the PCBs and application well;
3. Always keep in mind the factors which will affect the price a lot, such as material, thickness, copper thickness, PCB dimensions, and surface finishes;
4. Understand the production capability from the PCB manufacturer;
5. Know the PCB production processes;
5. You can always get advice from PCB suppliers if you have any questions.
The following mistakes when handling a single-sided PCB will affect the function of the single-sided PCB.
The process of film application: The film is not firmly applied, resulting in the appearance of bubbles.
The exposure process: The scratched negative causes a local underexposure. The development is blurred and unclear.
The etching process: The pressure of the nozzle is too high, and the etching time is too long.
Problems related to plating: The plating is uneven. The surface has an adsorption force when plating.
Improper operation: In the production process of the single-sided PCB, the board is scratched, and the circuits are broken due to improper operation.
Production errors: Like missing drill, wrong drilling, wrong outline, etc.
Single sided printed circuit board has one copper layer as conductors, and double-sided PCBs have two copper layers with PTH vias normally.
It is widely used in consumer electronics. Power supplies, relays, sensors, LEDs, printers, TVs, coffee machines, electronic toys, etc. all use single-sided PCBs.
For a bare PCB board, we can see only one copper layer and no PTH vias. For assembled PCBs, if the components are placed on one side of the board, and the circuit is placed on the other side of the board, this kind of PCB is a single-sided PCB.
A single-sided PCB is a printed circuit board containing only one circuit layer.
The single-sided printed circuit board is the most basic starting point for printed circuit technology. It plays an important role in the industry for low-cost, high-volume production of simple circuits.
Both single layer PCB board and single sided PCB board are same, all means printed circuit boards with only one copper layer.
Single sided printed circuit boards are widely used in consumer electronics, such as LEDs, power PCB, white electronics such as TV, air conditioner, cooker, refrigerator etc.