Basic PCB Definitions
Here you will find a glossary and other educational tools addressing bare board basics.
Plane
Copper layer connected to the ground that covers most of the board layer it inhabits.
Trace
Copper strip used for carrying signal between two points on a circuit board.
Pad
Metallized area serving as a conduit for vias resulting in an electrical connection to the trace.
Via
Plated-through hole (PTH) between one or more layers for the purpose of transferring heat from top layer to inner and / or bottom layers connected to internal ground plane.
Blind Via
Exposed only on one side of the board.
Buried Via
Connect internal layers without being exposed on either surface.
Substrates
Surface adhesive substance spread for bonding or coating, this material (most commonly FR-4) is the non conductive carrier of the board's copper traces.
Surface Finish
Also known as Final Finish, it is selected by the customer. Assembly's component process determines plating for the top and bottom layers. The different surface finishing processes are ENEPIG, ENIG, HASL, Pb-free HASL, OSP, Immersion gold, Immersion silver, and Deep Gold. Various factors considered during selection process include application and shelf life.
