What's single/double/multi-layer sided circuit boards?

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You may frequently come across the terms "single-sided," "double-sided," and "multilayer" in literature about PCBs. These classifications are used by the circuit board industry to assess a board's structural complexity. The applications and pricing points of each type of PCB vary. These board compositions have capabilities that you can learn about with a little understanding of PCB fabrication.

Single-Sided Circuit Boards:

These boards when made with a FR4 base have rigid laminate of woven glass epoxy material, which is then covered on one side with a copper coating that is applied in varying thicknesses depending on the application

Double-Sided Circuit Boards:

Double-sided boards have the same woven glass epoxy base as single-sided boards — however, in the case of a double-sided board, there is copper coating on both sides of the board, also to varying thicknesses depending on the application

Multi-Layer Boards:

These use the same base material as single and double-sided boards, but are made with copper foil instead of copper coating — the copper foil is used to make “layers,” alternating between base material and copper foil until the number of desired layers is reached.

Because of its straightforward and uncomplicated design, the cost of creating and manufacturing a single-sided board is quite low. Because there is more room on double-sided circuit boards, more complicated circuits are typically used. This indicates that demanding applications or sophisticated circuitry are ideal for these boards. On the other hand, the effective utilization of both sides of the circuit board minimizes the required board size.

When you are in the process of fabricating your printed circuit boards it is important to understand the differences between types of PCBs so you choose the one that will be best for your application. KSPCBA is here to help you get the PCBs you need and offers tips to get you started in the right direction. Single-sided boards are made from rigid laminate with copper on one side of varying thickness. Double-sided boards differ in that they have copper on both sides of the laminate. A multi-layer PCB has copper foil on the top and bottom and inner layer cores. Each type of PCB has its unique advantages so work with KSPCBA to get the one that is best for you.