What is Custom single layer PCB? (PCB Design Process 2021)

What is the difference between different layers of PCB Board?

In the process of designing the printed circuit board, we have to first decide whether we use single layer, double layer or multilayer. The use of single layer and multilayer PCBs is tremendous in the industry. The use of Custom single layer PCB is common in the simpler devices.

However, the multilayer PCB boards have the tremendous use in the complex devices. This article will help you understand the difference between the single layer PCBs and multilayer PCBs. Moreover, it will also describe the selection of the correct PCB for you project and its construction and applications.

Single-Layer vs Multilayer PCBs

The name indicates the difference between the single layer and multilayer PCBs. The single layer PCBs have the single layer of the material in the substrate of the board. On the other hand, the multilayer PCB boards have multiple layers as the substrate.

Single layer PCBs

The other name for the single layer PCB boards is the single sided PCBs. These PCB boards have the electronic components on one side of the board. While the other side of the board has the function of the conductance.

However, these Custom single layer PCBs have only one layer of the conductive material. Generally, this conductive layer has copper as the conducting material. The composition of single layer PCB boards consists of a conducting layer, a substrate layer and a third solder mask. The third layer of the solder mask has the function of the protection for the board.

Double layer PCBs

The other name for the double layer PCB boards is the double-sided PCBs. These PCBs have more layer of the material as compared to the single layer PCBs. However, these PCBs have a smaller number of layers as compared to the multilayer PCB boards.

These PCB boards also have the one layer of the substrate on the board. The difference is that they have the conductive layers on the both sides of the board. That is why they have the name as double layer PCBs. In the case of these PCBs, the electronic components have the connections on the both sides of the board.

The connection between the components of board establishes by two types of technology. These are the through hole technology and surface mount technology. In through hole technology, there are holes on the board for the placement of the electronic components. While the surface mount technology helps in the direct placement of the electronic components on the board.

Multilayer PCBs

The multilayer PCB boards have a combination of the double-sided PCBs. The double layer PCBs combine together in a particular number in order to make the multiple layers. The number of the double-sided PCBs depends upon the type of project you are doing.

Up to that time, the maximum number of the layer in the multilayer PCBs are 129. However, the layers of these PCBs are in the even numbers. The odd number of layers may cause problems and are not fit for the proper functioning. However, these PCBs have better performance than the Custom single layer PCB.

How do I make a single layer PCB?

A single layer PCB board has the composition of the fiber glass and the copper material. If you want to make a custom PCB board at your home, you can do it with the help of computer, certain tools and the etching chemicals.

In the process of construction of the single layer PCB board, there are following steps:

·         Designing the Circuit’s Layout

First of all, arrange the electronic components on the board. During this process, you have to check the errors and missing in the design. Then try to move the components on the board in order to fit them according to the size of the board. Now draw the layout circuit of the PCB board with the help of the software.

·         Printing of the Circuit’s Layout

For this purpose, you have to select a glossy paper of the magazine. The paper in the process should have a white background and very small amount of the printed content. The size of the page in this case is usually comparable to the size of your printer.

In the next step, feed the magazine paper to the printer and print the layout of your board’s circuit. However, you should use the printer in the best quality mode only. This will result in the clear and improved quality of the layout.

·         Preparation of the PCB for Etching

In the process of preparing the Custom single layer PCB for the etching process, first of all clean the copper side of board to increase the shining. This process helps to remove the dirt and other materials from the board. However, avoid to touch the board with your fingers. Try to wear gloves on your hands in this process.

In the next step, empty the iron from the water. Set your iron on the highest heating point. Now turn off the steam and wait until the system goes to the point of heating up.

·         Etching process of the PCB

In this process, firstly you have to check your own safety. Therefore, wear gloves, the goggles and the plastic apron. Now slowly put the hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide in the plastic container. Next put the PCB board in the container.

Keep in mind that the copper side of the board is down. After two to five minutes, check out if the copper on the board has dissolved. Now remove the PCB board from the mixture and wash it with water.

·         Drilling the Holes

In this step, drill the holes in to the PCB board with the help of drilling bit. There are different sizes of the drilling bits for the different boards. The drill bit is usually comparable to the empty space on the board.

In this process, you should perform drilling very slow. If you put the pressure on the board, it can break. In the next step, clean off the residual material from the PCB board.

Advantages of Single layer PCB

The Custom single layer PCBs have many competitive advantages. The advantages of these PCB boards depend upon the type of the project and the requirements. Some of the advantages are as follows:

As the single layer PCB boards are simpler than the other types of the PCBs. They require low resources and costs for their manufacturing. Therefore, they also require the less time and expertise in order to function efficiently. However, the quality of the performance and manufacturing does not disappear during this process.

Conclusion

The Custom single layer PCB is easy to fabricate and design. The designers and manufacturers have an ease for the manufacturing of the single layer PCBs. These PCBs have the tremendous use in the simple devices due to their small size and easy construction.

The competitive advantage of these boards is that we can order them in the large volume. However, we face no problem in this case. It also helps in the reduction of the price per board if we order them in large volume.