A double-sided pcb is a type of printed circuit board that has components on both sides. The etching process creates copper pathways on both sides, and the components are connected to one another using these pathways.

Depending on the design, there are several benefits of a double-sided pcb, including cost savings and faster production times. In this article, we will explore some of the most important tips for double sided pcb assembly.

Cost savings

While double-sided PCBs offer a number of advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. These include higher production costs and a potential increase in complexity for the design process. This is important to keep in mind as you budget for your project’s final cost. JHYPCB Insight:

The first step in creating a double-sided board is to choose the correct substrate material. The most common choice is FR4, which has copper on both sides. The circuit pathways are then created using the etching process, which removes excess copper and makes the circuit pathways ready for automated optical inspection (AOI).

A second benefit of double-sided PCBs is that they can offer a lower overall footprint. This is ideal for applications that need to fit a high component density within a limited footprint. Double-sided circuits also offer improved electrical performance with shorter trace lengths and optimized routing.

However, this additional complexity also adds to the total cost of a project. This includes additional setup costs for double sided pcb assembly manual assembly, machine operation, and quality control. This can offset the benefits of a double-sided PCB, especially for companies with limited resources and capabilities. This is why it’s essential to work with a professional PCB manufacturer that has the experience and knowledge necessary to reduce costs for your company. This can be accomplished by leveraging DFM checks, which will identify and eliminate any potential issues before they become costly errors.

Faster production times

Double-sided PCBs enable greater component density and shorter trace lengths, making them ideal for high-performance electronics. This advantage can be crucial for businesses that rely on their products to perform as expected in demanding environments. Double-sided PCBs are also easier to solder, which cuts production times.

Printed circuit boards are the foundation of modern electronic devices. They’re essential for the manufacture of consumer gadgets, communications equipment, and more. However, assembling and testing these boards is time-consuming. This is why many electronics majors and engineers opt for a double-sided PCB. This allows them to experiment with their designs faster and more efficiently.

To produce a double-sided PCB, a fabricator bonds thin copper sheets on either side of a core. This makes the board a copper clad, and is different from single-sided PCBs. The fabricator then punches holes through the clad to create the necessary connections and route. These holes are known as vias. There are three types of vias: plated through holes (PTH), blind vias, and buried vias. Double-sided PCBs don’t require PTHs or blind vias, so they have fewer holes in total.

The next step in the PCB assembly process is applying the solder paste to the surface of the board. This is a mixture of small grains of solder and flux that’s applied to specific spots on the board. A runner then pushes the paste across the surface of the PCB, depositing it at the right location. This ensures that all the components are properly seated and will be soldered together correctly.

Increased reliability

Double-sided PCBs allow for increased component density and shorter trace lengths to improve electrical performance and signal integrity. They also provide greater design flexibility and can help reduce the overall footprint of your product. These benefits make double-sided PCBs ideal for high-performance, complex circuits.

During the fabrication process, double-sided pcbs are passed through an etching solution that creates the circuit pathways on both sides of the board. The resulting copper pathways are then hardened by UV light, ensuring they’re ready for automated optical inspection (AOI). Once the AOI system confirms that the pathways are correct, the board is ready to be loaded with components.

The next step is soldering. The pcb manufacturer will apply a paste that contains small grains of solder and flux to the areas that will be soldered. A runner then pushes the paste across a screen patterned with holes that correspond to the component pads on the circuit board. This allows for a precise application and ensures that each solder joint is strong and reliable.

It’s important to choose a reliable pcb manufacturer that has good systems, including ISO and IPC certifications. Check their manufacturing capabilities, as well as their one-on-one engineering support and design assistance. Look for a company that provides accurate, up-to-date lead time estimates based on the size and complexity of your order.

Increased flexibility

Double sided PCBs offer increased flexibility compared to single-sided PCBs. This is because the components can be positioned on both sides of the board, allowing them to fit in smaller spaces. This makes them perfect for advanced electronic devices with high component density.

Another advantage of dual layer circuit boards is improved signal integrity. Signal integrity is a vital consideration for time sensitive analog or high speed pcb double sided digital signals. The length of a trace correlates strongly with parasitic resistance and capacitance, which can cause interference between adjacent signals. With shorter traces, these problems are mitigated. This advantage becomes more apparent as operating frequencies, edge rates, and resolution requirements increase.

The assembly process for a double-sided pcb is the same as for single-sided boards, but it requires care to ensure that the components are reflow soldered properly on each side. It’s also important to pay attention to the maximum temperature for each side of the board. Otherwise, the delicate parts on the second side of the board can be ruined.

Choosing the right PCB for your application is critical to its success. Double-sided PCBs are ideal for high-complexity applications and can save you time, money, and resources in the long run. They are also great for prototyping. The best PCB design software will allow you to easily create a double-sided Printed Circuit Board and optimize it for manufacturing. Fortunately, Altium Designer integrates all your essential PCB design tools into one program and gives you the adaptability that you need for any Printed Circuit Board application.