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- January 31, 2023
- PCB knowledge
- (0)
- 05 mins
White PCB – a professional guide for you to find out more
A white PCB is a circuit board made from light-colored or white material. They are most common in electronics that require a more pleasant appearance. For example, the typical consumer electronics that use a white PCB include lighting products.
In addition, a white PCB can also be necessary where visibility is critical. Such instances include architectural lighting and display panels. Finally, their modern and cleaner appearance makes them preferable to green PCB.
What is white PCB?
A white PCB is a printed circuit board made from white or light-colored material. The white coloration is made possible by applying a white silkscreen layer on top of the regular PCB.
A white PCB is significant where the circuit board’s visibility is integral. They also have a better look than green PCBs.
Advantages of white PCB
A white PCB has several advantages over green PCBs or other types of PCBs. The following are some of these advantages:
Branding
White PCBs are excellent for branding using a company’s or manufacturer’s logo, colors, and even tagline.
Reflectivity
The white color helps dissipate heat faster than other colors. This is particularly important for applications such as LEDs and lighting equipment, which tend to heat up fast.
Durability
Durability is a crucial factor when selecting a printed circuit board. White PCBs neither fade nor discolor easily over time. This ensures that they can last longer than their green counterparts.
Visibility
It is easier to check and observe a white PCB than a green one. This is because the white color has more contrast, making it much easier for technicians and designers to read and trace circuit patterns.
Good visibility depends on applications such as displays, architectural lighting, and troubleshooting or testing purposes.
Aesthetics
Who wouldn’t want something that looks good? The clean and modern look white PCBs offer appeals to the eye. Most consumer electronics need visually-appealing appearances.
Applications of white PCBs
White PCBs have numerous applications across different industries. Their typical applications include the following:
Home automation
Home automation devices rely on white PCBs, which help to blend seamlessly. A white PCB also provides visibility to the functionality of the device.
Medical equipment
White PCBs are utilized in certain medical appliances such as lamps, dental chairs, and other diagnostic equipment. This is because they have a cleaner and more appealing appearance.
Automotive technology
Automotive applications also use white PCBs. Some specific automotive applications that use white PCBs include the interior lighting, advanced driver-assistance systems, and head-up displays.
Lighting
LED lighting products also use white PCBs. The same applies to architectural lighting and displays. This is because of their excellent reflectivity, visibility, and aesthetic appearance.
Consumer electronics
Lastly, white PCBs are equally standard in most consumer electronics, such as tablets, laptops, and smartphones. They have a sleek and modernized look.
What is a white PCB motherboard?
A white PCB motherboard is made up of a white-printed circuit board. A motherboard is the primary circuit board in any device, such as a computer. It connects all of the other components. The motherboard has the CPU, expansion slots, memory, and several other connectors and interfaces.
A white PCB motherboard can be a great alternative to the conventional green ones. Manufacturers who use white PCB motherboards also do so because of branding purposes. The downside is that a white PCB motherboard can be more expensive than traditional colors such as green.
What is a white PCB connector?
A white PCB connector is an electronic connector mounted on a white printed circuit board. These connectors enjoin different electronic components and transfer electrical signals between them.
A white PCB connector is important where visibility and aesthetic appearance is crucial. These connectors include terminal blocks, sockets, and headers. They suit different sizes and applications.
Does PCB color matter?
Now that we’ve been looking at a white PCB, what impact does the PCB color have? One important thing to note is that the PCB color has no interference with its functionality. Nonetheless, different colors have their advantages during and after the manufacturing process. Also, colors can have different characteristics and properties. For instance, a blue PCB is for high-end products, while red PCBs are for budget-friendly products. But this is just an example of how manufacturers use different colors. It is not a representation of what all of them do.White PCB vs. black PCB
White and black are standard colors used to manufacture printed circuit boards. They are ideal for several applications. They have different visual appearances; hence, they have different applications. While a white PCB has a bright and clean look for consumer electronics, black PCBs have a more industrial look.
Also, while white silkscreen is visible on a black solder mask, black silkscreen can’t be visible on a white solder mask. Finally, practical considerations guide the use of either black or white PCBs. For instance, a white PCB might have an issue using optical sensors due to its reflective nature.
The specific application requirements will guide the choice of what color to use, between white and black. The preferences of the designer will also matter in this case. If you’re unsure which color to use, consult your preferred manufacturer.
Which color of PCB is best?
As we have stated above, the color of the PCB will mostly depend on the specific application requirements and the designer’s preferences. However, common color choices for most manufacturers and companies include the following:
- Black – they have an industrial look.
- White–clean, bright look is excellent for most consumer electronics, such as lighting devices.
- Red – is used for indicating special features within the circuit.
- Blue – primarily for high-end products.
- Green – has been the standard color for PCBs since long ago. It is also a distinctive color that helps identify a PCB immediately.
A white PCB is a printed circuit board made from white or light-colored material. The white coloration is made possible by applying a white silkscreen layer on top of the regular PCB.
A white PCB motherboard is made up of a white-printed circuit board. A motherboard is the primary circuit board in any device, such as a computer. It connects all of the other components. The motherboard has the CPU, expansion slots, memory, and several other connectors and interfaces.
A white PCB connector is an electronic connector mounted on a white printed circuit board. These connectors enjoin different electronic components and transfer electrical signals between them.
Final thoughts
The color, ultimately, doesn’t impact the functionality of a circuit. But there are cases where a white PCB would be more suitable than other colors. As an established PCB and PCBA expert, IBE is here to help you with your manufacturing needs. So talk to us today and find out how we can help meet your desired results.
