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- December 6, 2022
- PCB knowledge
- (0)
- 06 mins
Blank PCB – the ultimate guide and review
From the name blank, this is a printed circuit board that’s basically empty. It typically lacks all of the elements that make up a working circuit board. There’s a lot to know about a blank PCB, which we will share in this guide. Read on to gain more knowledge on what a blank PCB is and what its applications are.
What is blank PCB? What is a blank PCB called?
Simply put, a blank PCB is what we refer to as a panel that has zero elements or connections. It is utilized in the fabrication of printed circuit boards. The components in blank PCB are typically referred to as copper-plated boards.
Careful cutting of the panel is important when preparing it for different uses. You can get a blank PCB board in different colors. Nonetheless, the difference in colors doesn’t change the efficiency of the board during functioning.
A blank PCB is an integral part that ensures proper current and data flow through the machine.
What is the composition of a blank PCB?
A blank PCB is made up of different components. Most of this composition is metallic. Copper is the main part of the composition but silicone too has a role to play. Copper is ideally a great addition to the board due to its temperature resistance.
Power handling and dissipation is quite essential in a printed circuit board. Copper assists in dealing with heat/power that passes through a printed circuit board.
Most inexperienced manufacturers use standard boards to make blank PCBs. However, depending on what an individual does, this standard size may not function appropriately.
Manual reduction of the board is possible without compromising on its efficiency and reliability.
What is blank PCB used for?
A blank PCB is the basic foundation upon which different parts and elements of a PCB are held together. Often, any PCB assembler with the right skills and expertise can rely on a blank PCB to begin the process. IBE provides these blank PCBs so that assembly becomes easier.
For several years, we have been at the centre stage of PCB production and assembly. Count on us for assistance even with the most complex PCBs.
Types of blank printed circuit boards
There are different types of blanks PCBs. In this section, we will look at the following types of blank PCBs:
AIN PCB and Alumina PCB
Both are distinct types of ceramic materials. They both have an impressive thermal conductivity. For IC use, AIN PCBs are the best to apply.
Both alumina and AIN PCBs are ideal for laser electronics, automotive sensors, and high-power LED applications, among many other functions.
High-frequency PCB
Otherwise known as a fast or RF microwave PCB, this is a blank PCB transmitting and receiving signals with top frequency. It is PTFE-based.
These types of blank PCBs have different applications, including their use in missiles, smartphones, global positioning systems, anti-collision mechanisms, antennas, and radars, among several other uses.
When choosing high frequency PCB manufacturers, it is important to look at the kind of technology that they use. This will determine whether or not they are able to reduce contraction and expansion of high-frequency PCBs. This contraction and expansion can take a toll on the performance of the blank printed circuit board. Therefore, thermal expansion needs to be as slight as it can be.
That is why vigilance is important when selecting a blank PCB dealer. You can always trust IBE’s technology in fabrication and assembly of PCBs.
Rigid-flex PCB and flexible PCB
From the name, you can already tell that these blank PCBs can bend. They are based on PET or PI. As for rigid-flex PCBs, their flex area has FR4 PCB layers laminated onto them.
For flexible PCBs, an ED or RA copper foil is applied. This is not the same with rigid-flex PCBs, as they only rely on RA copper.
Metal core PCB
Yet another blank PCB variant is the metal core PCB. They include both copper and aluminum PCBs. Due to their enhanced thermal conductivity, they are an ideal pick for power applications such as LED lighting.
For the insulation of the metallic core and the copper circuit layers, a dielectric is used. This dielectric determines the thermal conductivity.
FR4 PCB
By far the most popular blank PCB is the FR4 version. FR4 is an abbreviation that translates to flame retardant level 4. It has epoxy fiberglass and is quite simple to create. An FR4 quote is lower than most other PCBs. It is even cheaper than PCBs with the same complexity in circuitry.
Blank PCB testing
The need for quality assurance has necessitated the search for efficient testing mechanisms. Plenty of factors can influence the end result of the manufacturing process.
Conducting a blank PCB test ensures that the numerous connections made on the board are as they should be. There are various testing and inspection procedures conducted including:
- Visual inspection
- In-circuit testing
- Automated optical inspection
- Automated X-ray inspection
- Functional testing
- Flying probe testing
How to use a blank PCB board?
A blank PCB is typically a blank space for holding important components of a PCB. Without these components, a blank PCB is just what it is – blank. Some of these components include:
- LEDs
- Capacitors
- Resistors
- Transistors
- Batteries
How a blank PCB is made?
In order to make a blank PCB, you’ll have to design and have PCB manufacturer fabricate the boards.
PCB designing typically follows the process of separating clock and analog signals. Also, the line angles need to be larger than 135 degrees. Lines have to be as short as they can be.
As you complete the PCB design, you’ll have to check on the following factors:
- Manufacturability
- Small electromagnetic interference
- Even impedance
At IBE, we promise to deliver a perfect PCBA DFA and PCB DFM.
How to choose a blank PCB supplier?
Precision and care is essential when choosing a PCB supplier. Here are some of the factors that you need to have in mind:
- Capabilities and industry expertise
- Cost
- Delivery schedules
- Location
- Certifications and licenses
- Quality assurance
A blank PCB is what we refer to as a panel that has zero elements or connections. It is utilized in the fabrication of printed circuit boards.
A blank PCB is the basic foundation upon which different parts and elements of a PCB are held together. Often, any PCB assembler with the right skills and expertise can rely on a blank PCB to begin the process. IBE provides these blank PCBs so that assembly becomes easier.
- AIN PCB and Alumina PCB
- High-frequency PCB
- Rigid-flex PCB and flexible PCB
- Metal core PCB
- FR4 PCB
Final thoughts
We hope that this blank PCB guide has given you more insight on what a blank PCB is and how you can use and apply one. In case you have any questions regarding a printed circuit board, we are always ready to offer you expert answers.
As a PCB fabricator and assembler, we are ready to solve your requests and give assistance where needed. IBE has been in the PCB industry for the past few years and will serve to meet your needs professionally. Contact us today!
