The Role of Printed Wiring Boards in Modern Electronics
A Printed Wiring Board (PWB) is a flat board that provides mechanical support and electrical connections for electronic components. Unlike a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), which includes embedded conductive traces, a PWB generally refers to the baseboard without the components. It consists of conductive pathways etched onto a substrate, allowing electricity to flow between components. Key Components of a Printed Wiring Board Substrate: The base material, often made of fiberglass or composite epoxy resin, provides structural integrity. Copper Layer: Thin layers of copper are laminated onto the substrate to form conductive pathways. Solder Mask: A protective layer that prevents accidental short circuits and protects the copper traces. Silkscreen: Printed markings on the board that guide component placement and orientation. The Manufacturing Process of Printed Wiring Board Design: Engineers create a schematic using software like KiCad or Eagle, translating it into a physical layout. Su...