The different types of PCBs are listed below:
1. Single Sided Board: This kind of PCB, as the name suggests, has a single substrate. The electronic components are mounted on one side and the copper traces are etched on the other. The simplest of its kind, single-sided PCBs are used when the circuitry is simple and the budget is low.
2. Double Sided Board: Like the single-sided board, this PCB consists of a single substrate. The difference lies in the electronic components and copper traces, which are mounted and etched on both sides of the board. Thus, the number of components and conductor lines are much higher in a double sided board than in single-sided boards. This type of PCB uses through-hole and surface-mount construction to assemble the different components.
3. Multi-Layered Board: This PCB type consists of several circuit boards connected together. The copper traces connect the different layers by means of small plated-through holes called vias. Multi-layered PCBs are always connected in even numbers. When additional circuits are connected, heat becomes a problem. This brought up the need to insulate the layers. Thus, an insulating material is placed between two layers. This PCB type is used in extremely complex applications that demand high-density connections such as computers, cars, mobile phones and military equipment among others.
A thorough understanding of the various types of PCBs will help the user match the right type of circuit board with his application. The complexity of the circuit would determine the usage of the correct PCB.