Single Sided PCB Manufacturing
A single sided or single layer PCB is a type of circuit board that features conductive traces and components on only one side of the board. The opposite side, known as the solder side, can be left blank or coated with a layer of solder mask to provide protection. Single sided PCB was one of the earliest forms of printed circuit technology and has been in use since the 1950s. Despite advancements in technology, they continue to be used today due to their cost-effectiveness and simplicity of design and manufacturing processes.
| Feature | Single-Sided PCB | Double-Sided PCB |
|---|---|---|
| Conductive layers | 1 Layer | 2 Layer |
| Components | Mounted on a single side | Mounted on both sides |
| Traces | Lies on one side | On both sides |
| Vias | Not needed | It is needed for the connection of traces on different sides |
| Cost | Low | High |
| Complexity | Simple | Complicated |
| Space efficiency | Lower | Higher |
| Applications | Simple devices, Less expensive devices, or circuits | Higher-end devices, complex devices |
Single Sided PCB Manufacturer
Are you in search of a single sided PCB for your project but feeling overwhelmed by the numerous advertisements online? Look no further than FS Technology to solve your problems effortlessly! FS Technology is a PCBA company based in Shenzhen, China, specializing in providing customized electronic solutions from manufacturing to assembly.
Customized approach:
We understand that customers have evolving needs at different stages of their projects, and we offer tailored services to meet those needs. For single sided PCB prototyping projects, we are renowned for our speed and rapid turnaround by eliminating unnecessary steps in the production process. This allows us to deliver PCB manufacturing services that help customers bring their products to market swiftly. For high-volume single sided PCB orders, we provide attractive discounted prices to make your project cost-effective.
Comprehensive services:
As a turnkey PCBA manufacturer, we offer a complete range of services encompassing procurement, manufacturing, assembly, and testing. This means your team only needs to focus on the subsequent sales process while we take care of everything else. In addition to these core services, we also provide value-added offerings such as design upgrades and conformal coating.
Affordable pricing:
We understand that single layer circuit applications often involve relatively low-end electronics. These projects require stringent cost control. At FS Technology, we have established a robust supply chain that enables us to source the required raw materials at competitive prices. Moreover, for subsequent assembly projects, we offer component alternatives to further reduce costs.
Single Sided PCB Board Design Process
- Schematic Design: Begin by using advanced PCB design software, such as KiCad or EAGLE, to create a comprehensive schematic diagram of the circuit. The schematic showcases the interconnections between different circuit components, providing a visual representation of their relationships.
- Component Placement: Carefully arrange each component on the board, taking into consideration factors such as signal integrity, thermal considerations, and ease of assembly. Optimize the component layout to minimize signal interference and ensure efficient circuit functionality.
- Routing Traces: Create conductive pathways, known as traces, to establish connections between the various components. Determine the appropriate trace widths and spacing based on the circuit requirements. Avoid overlapping traces to prevent short circuits and signal degradation. Implement proper grounding and power trace configurations to minimize noise and ensure accurate grounding.
- Ground and Power Planes: While certain boards may not support dedicated ground and power planes, strategic placement of ground and power connections can still be utilized to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and enhance overall performance.
- Design Rule Check: Conduct a thorough design rule check to verify compliance with manufacturing standards. This process helps identify issues such as trace spacing violations, design defects, or unconnected traces, ensuring the design meets industry specifications.
- Component Footprint Selection: Choose appropriate component footprints that match the pin structure and physical dimensions of the components. Accurate footprint selection facilitates precise component placement and simplifies the soldering process during manufacturing.
- Copper Pouring: Utilize copper pours effectively in the design. Copper pours provide larger areas of copper that can be connected to the ground plane, enhancing conductivity and improving the overall performance of the circuit.
- Documentation Preparation: Prior to commencing the manufacturing process, generate comprehensive documentation for the single layer PCB board design. These documents should include the layout, component placement information, and manufacturing guidelines, enabling seamless execution of the manufacturing process.
Manufacturing Process of Single Sided PCB
- Substrate Preparation: The manufacturing process begins by carefully selecting the appropriate substrate material for the PCB, such as commonly used FR-4 or fiberglass-reinforced epoxy. Once the substrate is chosen, it is precisely cut into the desired shape for the board.
- Cleaning and Coating: To ensure a pristine surface, the substrate is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dust or impurities. Following the cleaning process, a thin layer of copper is applied to one side of the substrate using either an etching or plating technique. This copper layer acts as a conductive surface for the circuit traces.
- Photolithography: A layer of photoresist material is applied to the copper-coated substrate. Next, a photomask containing the desired circuit trace pattern is carefully aligned and exposed to UV light. This process hardens the photoresist, ensuring that it remains in place only on the areas where the circuit pattern is intended.
- Etching: The substrate, with the photoresist in place, is then submerged in an etching solution, such as ferric chloride. The etching solution selectively removes the excess copper from the areas not covered by the hardened photoresist, leaving behind the desired circuit traces.
- Drilling and Component Mounting: Precise drilling machines are used to create holes in the PCB. These holes, known as vias, facilitate the connection of component pins between the different layers of the board in the case of through-hole technology.
- Solder Mask and Silkscreen: A solder mask is applied to the PCB surface, covering all areas except for the component pads and traces. The solder mask provides protection from environmental factors and prevents solder bridges. Additionally, a silkscreen layer is added to the board, which includes component symbols, names, and other relevant information.
- Board Testing: Rigorous testing procedures are performed to ensure the production of high-quality PCBs. Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and electrical tests are conducted to detect any faults, such as open or short circuits. If any issues are identified during testing, immediate repairs are made to ensure the board meets the required specifications.
- Final Finishing: The PCB undergoes a final cleaning process to remove any residues or contaminants. If necessary, the board edges are trimmed to achieve the desired dimensions. Lastly, a thorough inspection is carried out to ensure the board is free from any imperfections or defects.
How to Maintain Single Layer Circuit Board?
Board Inspection:
- Conduct a visual inspection of the board, checking for any physical faults such as scratches, cracks, or disconnected components.
- Examine the solder joints to ensure they are properly connected and free from defects like poor connections or cold solder joints.
- Verify that all components are accurately positioned and aligned on the board, ensuring proper connectivity.
Circuit Testing:
- Use a multimeter to confirm the continuity of the board traces, ensuring that the electrical connections are intact.
- Measure the voltage at different points on the board to verify that the circuit is functioning correctly according to the design.
- Utilize a logic analyzer to analyze the signals on the board, ensuring proper signal integrity.
Component Inspection:
- Check for any damage, burning spots, or missing leads on the components connected to the board.
- Use a meter to measure the capacitance and resistance of the various components, ensuring they are within the expected ranges.
- Calculate voltage losses across the components to verify proper working conditions
Fault Maintenance:
- Begin troubleshooting the board to identify the cause of the fault.
- Utilize the data collected from previous tests to narrow down the main reason for the fault.
- Replace or repair the faulty component, if possible, based on the identified cause.
Computer Testing:
- After addressing and repairing the board faults, test the board on a computer to confirm its proper functioning.
- Use simulator software to simulate the operation of the board and verify its functionality.
- Connect the board to a computer and run diagnostic tests to ensure it performs as intended.
Single Sided PCB FAQ
Defined as a simple circuit board with conductive patterns on only one side.
Well-known manufacturers such as JLCPCB, PCBway are considered reliable and they enjoy a high reputation internationally.
When choosing a manufacturer focus on your needs, if it’s a prototype or low volume project and price sensitive they might be a good choice. But when it comes to mass production, FS Technology will be the best choice, because we pay attention to quality and not just the single sided PCB price.
When the number of layers of the circuit board increases, it means that the manufacturing difficulty and cost increase, so the single-layer or multilayer PCB is selected according to the circuit required by the project. It is a principle not to use more layers that can be satisfied with a single-layer circuit structure.
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