All modern electronic devices – such as computers, spacecraft, medical devices, automotive devices, and military electronics are fundamentally supported by the PCB(Printed Circuit Board) industry. Recent advancements have significantly improved the reliability of PCBs, making professional PCB design services essential for effective PCB manufacturing. As it influences not only the performance and reliability of the circuits but also the overall size, cost, and efficiency of the final electronic products.
FC (Fulltronics) is a leading provider of PCB Fabrication and PCB Assembly services in China, known for its quality, reliability, and extensive experience. We offer a comprehensive service that covers everything from PCB design and production to electronic manufacturing solutions, ensuring a seamless experience for our customers.

What are PCB Designs Called ?

Before understanding PCB design, it is important to understand what is PCB. A printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a fiberboard that is electrified using the layer of copper that is attached to the top, bottom, or in between several layers.
Talking about the PCB design, patterns, and traces are printed on the board using a process called etching. This provides connectivity between the different components attached to the board. On the top and bottom, the board has solder mask layers and silkscreen that complete the overall design.
Apart from the connectivity, the board also serves as the skeleton which provides mechanical strength, making the overall electronic device durable. The use of fiber and other lightweight materials enables the PCB board to be more lightweight, allowing the capability of being portable.
what is PCB design

What are the Common PCB Types ?

PCB Type
Description
Applications
Single Side PCB
Single-sided PCBs contain components and traces on either the front or back sides. The other side usually acts as a ground for components and has a solder layer to prevent short circuits.
TV Remotes, LEDs, calculators, etc.
Double Side PCB
Double-sided PCBs are boards with components on the front and the back. An insulation layer separates the two layers.
ACs, Speakers, Industrial electronics, etc.
Multi-layer PCBs can be single-sided and double-sided but have internal layers that carry signals to all components attached on either side.
Mobile phones, laptops, Smart TVs, etc.
Flex PCB
Flex PCBs are made from materials such as polyimide ribbons. They have no rigidness, however, components can be soldered to the flex PCBs just like rigid PCBs.
Foldable devices, smartwatches, portable electronics, etc.
Metal-core PCBs have a metal slab between the insulation layer to help in handling more rigidness and provide thermal dissipation. These boards are common in applications where current demand is high.
Automotive electronic control units, Battery Management Systems, Aerospace navigation, etc.
Substrate Like/ UHDI PCB
Substrate-like and UHDI PCB are micro PCB boards that cannot be designed using a typical etching process. Instead, they require the use of a special process called additive manufacturing.
Processors, GPUs, IoT electronic devices, etc.
Types of PCBs
More Details about the PCB Types:

Various Types of PCB: Feature | Pros & Cons | Applications

Discover in detail all the types of PCBs, which are categorized by different characteristics; learn their advantages and disadvantages for ideal usage in specific projects.

Read more

FC PCB Design Procedure

From a product development standpoint, designing a PCB starts with a product concept that transforms into a prototype before moving to mass production. Below are the key steps involved in creating a new PCB for a product:
PCB Product Conception

Step 1: Product Conception

The first stage in the PCB design process is understanding what the purpose of the board is.
The purpose of the board decide how important the board is. Is it for consumer electronics (Class 1)? It is the board where functionality is more important than features (Class 2). Or, is it a board that should meet electronic standards and be used in an important system (Class 3)? Each product has its requirements and limitations, including but not limited to the following:
Functional requirements
Electrical requirements
Environmental requirements
Mechanical requirements
Cost
analysis
Performance & reliability
Lifetime requirements
Size & weight requirements
Physical constraints
Energy
budget

Step 2: Architectural Design

The architectural design phase of the PCB design process centers on defining the overall structure and organization of the PCB. By meticulously planning the system architecture, selecting components, and addressing design considerations, this phase helps ensure that the design meets performance, reliability, and manufacturability standards.
For instance, the component function block diagram on the right illustrates how an embedded microcontroller connects to various elements, including switches, temperature sensors, wireless modules, power management systems, and power regulation components.
Components selection

Step 3: Component Selection

After the architectural design phase is completed, the following step is to determine the components required to create the board. Several factors impact the selection of these electronic components, and a thorough grasp of the product specifications is essential for making sound decisions. This strategy can save time and money in following PCB design processes, reducing delays and sourcing issues.
To choose the proper components, you’ll mostly need datasheets, reference designs, and application notes that correspond to your product specifications. To guarantee a smoother procurement procedure, pick commonly accessible components rather than custom-made ones.

Step 4: Schematic Design

The schematics are intended to offer clarity and reasoning for each component. Effective schematic design requires a thorough understanding of the design principles governing mixed signals, power signals, differential pairs, and impedance management. EasyEDA and other CAD software help with the PCB layout creation process. These tools allow users to create circuit diagrams by arranging electronic component symbols and properly connecting them.
During the schematic development process, simulation tools are typically used to confirm that the board functions properly. Once the schematic design is complete, the CAD program runs an Electrical Rule Check (ERC) to ensure the design's integrity.
Schematic Design
PCB Layout Design

Step 5: PCB Layout Design

PCB layout design involves creating a physical representation of an electronic circuit from a schematic diagram. The process begins with schematic capture, where components are represented and interconnected. Following this, designers place components strategically to minimize trace lengths and optimize circuit performance. Routing electrical connections between components is a critical step, and the layout may consist of multiple layers depending on complexity. Adhering to design rules ensures that trace widths and spacing are appropriate, preventing manufacturing defects.
Once the layout is complete, designers conduct a Design Rule Check (DRC) to verify that it meets all specifications. Additional considerations, such as incorporating ground and power planes, adding silkscreen layers for labeling, and prototyping for testing, play vital roles in ensuring the reliability and functionality of the final product.
At FC, we have advanced PCB Layout capabilities, with a maximum number of layers: 56 layers, and a minimum trace width and spacing of 2.5 mils. Our minimum via-hole capability is 4 mil (3 mil laser via). The minimum BGA pitch is 0.3mm. These advanced capabilities will ensure the manufacturability of the most advanced High-density interconnect (HDI) PCB.

Step 6: Generating Output Files

  • Fabrication files (Gerber files and drill files)
  • Finalized BOM (Bill of materials)
  • Reference Notes
  • Layer stack specification file
  • 3D Model of the board
Once the fabrication and assembly files are sent to us, a prototype is manufactured, assembled, and tested. We will fabricate the board, place the components, and give you a final circuit board sample.
Gerber File

How can FCPCBA Help in Your PCB Design ?

FCPCBA is a Chinese PCB manufacturing company, working in the industry for the past 20 years and offering comprehensive PCB design services. We take over the project after the schematic design, to provide high-quality PCB design service from our top-notch design team. Our expert team allows the creation of electronic products that offer longer spans. Our PCB services include:
PCB Layout and Design
FC - PCB Design Service
  • PCB Manufacturing includes single-sided, double-sided, and multi-layer PCB, etc.
  • Sourcing of components service will enable you to get your hands on components that are not easy to source. Our team will provide you with alternate components if somehow we are not able to find those components.
  • PCB Design service will enable you to create your product from scratch. We will create schematics and layouts according to your design.
  • PCB Testing and troubleshooting are where we will find problems in existing PCB designs and optimize them according to your needs.

Why Choose FC for PCB Design Service ?

As an old manufacturer with many years of experience in the PCB industry, Fulltronics has always adhered to the DFM (Design for Manufacturing) principle and complies with various industry-related PCBA standards (such as RoHS). Our PCB manufacturing and assembly services have been recognized by many users. The following are the reasons for choosing us in terms of fast delivery, quality assurance, professional technology, and top-notch service.

Rapid Lead-time Pledge

We guarantee delivery within 24 hours for circuit board designs with 100 pins or fewer. For designs with up to 500 pins, delivery is expected within 48 hours.
PCB

Quality Assurance

Our senior PCB design engineers bring over 20 years of experience in PCB board design, guaranteeing high-quality board designs and optimized solutions for manufacturing, assembly, and testing.
Quality Assurance

Professional Technology

FC has dedicated the past 20 years to providing PCB board design technology services. We stay at the forefront of the latest global electronic technologies, continuously exploring and advancing our capabilities. Our commitment to excellence drives us forward; there is no "best," only a relentless pursuit of improvement.
Professional technology

One-stop Service


FC offers a comprehensive, high-quality service that encompasses PCB design, board manufacturing, component placement, and procurement, ensuring seamless integration throughout the entire process. We deliver robust technical support and quality assurance for R&D.
One Stop Service
PCB boards are an essential part of any electronic device and are designed according to the features they provide. That is why PCB design is the most important step in creating an electronic product. The PCB board design process is complicated if not done right.
But, FCPCBA has created this guide to help you understand the correct steps of creating a circuit board design layout. If you are facing problems and require the need of experts, feel free to contact FCPCBA.
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