Contents
How do you read a PCB board?
Start with an easy analog circuit, such as a guitar distortion pedal, and work your way up to more complicated versions. Make a drawing of the top of the circuit board. Show the positions of the capacitors, integrated circuits, resistors, transistors and other components. Review it to make sure everything is included.
What components make up a circuit board?
The following common components are used in most printed circuit boards:
- Resistors. Resistors control the electric currents that pass through them, as well as the voltage in each component connected to them.
- Transistors.
- Capacitors.
- Inductors.
- Diodes.
What is the function of a printed circuit board?
A printed circuit board, or PCB, is used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate.
What do the letters on a PCB mean?
On a printed circuit board, I see lots of tiny letters and numbers. Is there some kind of standard that dictates what letter indicates what type of component? The technical term for the markings is “reference designators” (aka “refdes”) and there are a few standards can define them.
What do the numbers mean on a circuit board?
The second number is the function number of the circuit, such as “1” for the motherboard circuit, “2” for the power circuit and so on, which is determined by the circuit designer himself; The third and fourth digits represent the serial Numbers of similar devices on the circuit board. R117: resistance on the main board, serial number 17.
Where can I find the CERT number on a PCB?
These can be done in silkscreening process, or anti-soldermask processes. You can look up UL cert numbers here: http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/template/LISEXT/1FRAME/index.htm Fill in the UL file number with the ~7 digit number on the PCB to find who actually fabricated it.
When do electronic components have to be lead free?
Certain electronic components and systems are required to be lead (Pb) free or otherwise meet the requirements of the “Restriction of Hazardous Substances” (RoHS) European directive by July 2006. There are certain product and solder exemptions to the RoHS legislation that allow the continued use of lead (Pb) thus complicating this standard.