Key Takeaways
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Arduinos use single-sided printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are more affordable and easier to manufacture than double-sided PCBs.
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Single-sided PCBs have copper traces on one side and components on the other, connected by vias or through-hole plating.
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Two main types of single-sided PCBs are FR-4 (fiberglass-reinforced epoxy) and FR-1 (paper-based phenolic).
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Arduino boards are typically green due to the solder mask applied to protect the copper traces from oxidation.
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The dimensions of an Arduino PCB vary depending on the model, but the standard size is 2.1″ x 2.1″.
What is an Arduino?
An Arduino is an open-source microcontroller board designed to make electronics accessible to everyone. It consists of a small, programmable computer that can be used to control various electronic components, such as sensors, actuators, and displays. Arduinos are popular for educational purposes, hobby projects, and industrial applications.
Types of PCBs Used in Arduinos
Arduinos typically use single-sided printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are more affordable and easier to manufacture than double-sided PCBs. Single-sided PCBs have copper traces on one side and components on the other, connected by vias or through-hole plating.
Single-Sided PCB Construction
Single-sided PCBs consist of the following layers:
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Substrate: The base material of the PCB, typically made of fiberglass-reinforced epoxy (FR-4) or paper-based phenolic (FR-1).
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Copper foil: A thin layer of copper foil is laminated onto the substrate.
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Solder mask: A protective layer applied to the copper foil to prevent oxidation and solder bridges.
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Silkscreen: A layer of ink or paint used to identify components and provide instructions.
Materials Used in Arduino PCBs
The two main types of materials used in Arduino PCBs are FR-4 and FR-1.
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FR-4: Fiberglass-reinforced epoxy is a durable and heat-resistant material commonly used in commercial electronics. It is more expensive than FR-1 but offers higher performance.
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FR-1: Paper-based phenolic is a less expensive and less durable material often used in hobbyist projects and low-volume applications.
PCB Color and Dimensions
Arduino boards are typically green due to the solder mask applied to protect the copper traces from oxidation. However, custom Arduino boards can be made in various colors.
The dimensions of an Arduino PCB vary depending on the model. The standard size for Arduino Uno and Mega boards is 2.1″ x 2.1″, while the Arduino Nano is smaller at 1.9″ x 0.7″.
Conclusion
Arduinos use single-sided printed circuit boards (PCBs) because they are affordable, easy to manufacture, and suitable for the low-power applications common in Arduino projects. The two main types of materials used in Arduino PCBs are FR-4 (fiberglass-reinforced epoxy) and FR-1 (paper-based phenolic), and the standard size for Arduino boards is 2.1″ x 2.1″.