For many types of electronic and computer devices Printed Wiring Boards arethe basis. Printed Wiring Boards are composed of conductive layers. Theselayers are made of copper. Each layer is divided by an insulating layer andthen laminated together to form a Printed Wiring Board(PWB). On the boards thereare drilled holes which are called “vias”. These “vias” are electroplatedto make the connection electrical. The PWB Manufacturing process is very complex and complicated process.
PWB manufacturing Process
PWB manufacturering starts with a substrate and then place a copperlayer. On placing a copper layer on it they “etch” that layer to remove theunnecessary copper, leaving the proper amount of copper area required for theapplication. Then the proper quantity of vias is drilled into the layers witheither a tungsten carbide drill or a laser. Any areas of the board wherecomponents will be placed are plated. With a screen printing process texts areprinted on the board. Then these boards are ready for testing. After completionof testing process these boards are ready for components for the desiredapplication. This whole process is called as “populating”.
History of printed circuits board
An Austrian engineer named Paul Eisler was the inventor of Printed Wiring Board(PWB). He made his first PWB in the 1930’s. He completed his graduation fromVienna University in 1930. The company named Camberwell lithography offered hima contract. The contract gave the privilege to his idea away to the company.Finally, his invention was noticed by the US military and then they integratethis technology into bomb detonators to counter German improvement in thefield.
Applications
PWB circuit Design was mainly used in military applications. Nowadays PWB’s areused as the basis for millions of components that includes computers, mobiles, radios,televisions etc. If you open any electronic device, you will find a greencolored board with copper colored lines and dots i.e. Printed Wiring Board.
Any industry you name, Printed Wiring Boards have become an integral partof the processing world.