by Kerstin
October 26, 2022
PCB knowledge
(0)
07 mins

What is an embedded PCB- everything you need to know

Do you want to know more about an embedded PCB? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about embedded PCBs.

We’ll discuss what they are, how they work, and what benefits they offer. So, if you’re interested in learning more about embedded PCBs, keep reading!

What is an embedded PCB?

An embedded PCB is a printed circuit board placed inside an object to provide electrical connections between the object’s components. The most common example of an embedded PCB is the motherboard in a computer. Other examples include the PCBs in cell phones, digital cameras, and other electronic devices.

What is an embedded system in PCB?

An embedded system is a combination of software and hardware designed to control another electronic device. The term “embedded” refers to the system designed to be integrated into a larger device, such as a car or industrial machine.

The software is typically written in C or C++, and it is responsible for controlling the hardware. The hardware can be anything from a simple microcontroller to a complex system-on-a-chip (SoC). PCBs are used to house the hardware and are often designed specifically for the embedded system.

In some cases, the PCB will also contain the embedded software. This type of board is known as an application-specific standard product (ASSP).

What are PCB-embedded components?

During PCB manufacturing, PCB-embedded components are mounted directly on the printed circuit board (PCB). Below are the PCB-embedded components:

Embedded resistor

An embedded resistor is an essential part of any PCB. This component helps improve electronics performance by transferring discrete devices from the PCB surface to a more space-efficient location. This saves valuable surface area on the PCB and allows other components to be placed closer together. They are less likely to be damaged during assembly or use, making them more reliable for critical applications.

Embedded capacitor

An embedded capacitor consists of two conducting plates separated by an insulating material called the dielectric. By increasing the capacitive density, it can function as a decoupling capacitor. The copper-clad laminate in this component functions as a decoupling capacitor. The main advantage of an embedded capacitor is its smaller size. This advantage allows for the use of smaller printed circuit boards.

Embedded inductor

An embedded inductor in a PCB is one of the components found in power converters. These types of inductors are complex and can be difficult to manufacture. Therefore, it is important to integrate these inductors on printed circuit boards. It helps save space and improve the manufacturing process. It also helps improve the reliability of the circuit by providing extra protection to the components.

Advantages of an embedded PCB

An embedded PCB offers many advantages over a traditional PCB, including improved durability, heat dissipation, and increased functionality. Let’s take a closer look at each of these advantages.

Improved durability

One of the biggest advantages of an embedded PCB is that it is much more durable than a traditional PCB. This is because the components on an embedded PCBs are protected by the surrounding enclosure, making them less susceptible to physical damage. In addition, embedded PCRBS often use ball-grid array (BGA) components, which are less likely to break than other types of components.

Better heat dissipation

Another advantage of an embedded PCB is that it dissipates heat better than a traditional PCB. This is because the components on an embedded PCB are spread out over a larger area, making it easier for heat to dissipate. In addition, the surrounding enclosure can act as a heat sink, absorbing and dissipating heat away from the components.

Increased functionality

A final advantage of an embedded PCB is that it can offer increased functionality over a traditional PCB. This is because an embedded PCB can be designed to include features such as buttons, LEDs, and LCD screens. These features can make an embedded PCB more user-friendly and increase its overall functionality.

What are the applications of embedded PCBs?

Embedded PCBs are used in various electronic devices, including cell phones, computers, and gaming consoles. We will discuss the applications of embedded PCBs in more detail below.

Cell phones

One of the most common applications of embedded PCBs is cell phones. Cell phones contain a variety of different types of circuitry, including RFID circuitry, which is used to communicate with cellular towers. In addition, cell phones also contain audio processing circuitry, which is used to process incoming and outgoing calls.

Automotive

In-vehicle networking is essential for modern cars. An embedded PCB controls everything from the engine to the infotainment system. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) use sensors and cameras connected to an embedded PCB to provide features like automatic braking and lane keeping.

Medical

Implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, must be small, lightweight, and reliable. They also need to be able to withstand harsh sterilization methods. Embedded PCBs are ideal for these applications because they can be designed to meet all of these requirements.

Military

Military applications for embedded PCBs include night vision goggles, target acquisition systems, sonar systems, and GPS navigation systems. These systems must be tough enough to withstand extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, humidity, and vibration. Embedded PCBs can be designed with these conditions in mind. Other common applications for embedded PCBs also include computers, gaming consoles, and other types of consumer electronics.

How does an embedded PCB help to dissipate heat?

An embedded PCB helps dissipate heat by providing a larger surface area for the heat to spread. Additionally, the PCB is often thermally conductive, meaning that it can transfer heat away from the chip more effectively than if it were just a piece of plastic. A large surface area and good thermal conductivity make embedded PCBs an excellent choice for dissipating heat in electronic devices. By comparison, if you try to attach a heatsink directly to the chip without using a PCB, you’ll typically find that only a small portion of the heatsink is in direct contact with the chip. This can lead to poor heat dissipation and overheating problems.

How to design a PCB assembly for an embedded system?

Four main steps are in designing a PCB assembly for an embedded system. We will provide an overview of these steps in designing a PCB assembly for an embedded system.

Component selection

The first step in designing a PCB assembly is selecting the system’s components. This includes active and passive components such as microcontrollers, memory devices, sensors, and actuators. Once the components have been selected, their footprint needs to be created. The footprint represents the component on the PCB that includes all of the necessary connectors and pads.

Creating the schematic

The next step is to create the schematic. The schematic is a diagram showing how all selected components are interconnected. This step is important because it allows you to verify that the chosen components are compatible with each other and that there are no errors in wiring.

Designing the layout

After creating the schematic, it is time to design the layout. The layout is a two-dimensional representation of how the various elements of the PCB will be arranged. This step is important because it ensures that the PCB can be manufactured correctly and that all necessary elements are present in the correct locations.

Routing

The final step in designing a PCB assembly is PCB routing. Routing connects all the various elements on the PCB using copper traces. This step is important because it ensures that all of the connections on the PCB are made correctly and that there are no short circuits.

Factors that influence embedded PCB design

Several factors can influence embedded PCB design, including the size and shape of the PCB, the type of components that will be attached, and the environmental conditions in which it will be used. In addition, the engineer or team designing the PCB will also need to consider regulatory requirements and standard industry practices. Some of the most important factors include the following:

The thickness and shape of the PCB board itself.
The size and spacing of component leads.
How much heat will the PCB experience (and how will it dissipate that heat).
Whether there will be any exposure to moisture or other liquids.
The strength required to support attached components.
EMC compliance standards that must be met.

Conclusion

So there you have it – everything you need to know about embedded PCBs. We hope this article has helped explain an embedded PCB and how it works. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us.