--- title: PCB (Printed Circuit Board) type: PCB description: This is the description images: - src: /components/PCB_1.webp alt: 'Need to include more different PCBs' - src: /components/PCB_2.webp alt: 'Need to include more different PCBs' - src: /components/pcb_3.webp alt: 'Need to include more different PCBs' - src: /components/ASN_with_blob.webp alt: 'Need to include more different PCBs' usage: The circuit exists on the PCB whereToFind: Everywhere! alsoKnownAs: "Protoboard, breadboard, circuit" --- Printed Circuit Boards, or PCBs, are the panels on which the electronic circuit is placed. Older boards often reveal hand-drawn traces, which are much more fluid in design. With computerized PCB design, those lines straightened out. Most PCBs are made from FR4 (glass fiber and epoxy)[^fiberglass]. [^fiberglass]: Fiberglass is very strong, but can be sawn through. When sawing, make sure you wear the right protection, microfibers can end up anywhere. The copper tracks on a PCB are usually covered with a green protective layer, known as solder mask. Sand this off and to expose the copper underneath, ready to solder onto again. Most boards are labeled. They can include a date, information about connections, component numbering[^component-numbering], and sometimes even their their values [^monotron]. Not all PCBs follow the industrial template. Artists and other tinkerers have come up with alternatives: the paper circuits of Ciat-Lonbarde, or Dirty Electronics’ boards made from wood and nails. These kinds of formats offer a more punk-diy way of publishing projects, where the format is not set in stone. Paper can be cut, nails can be moved, inviting a maker to explore the circuit more then just soldering a pre-compiled kit.[@blasserStoresMall2015][@richardsDIYElectronicMusic2013] For our circuits, these approaches are ideal—still flexible, still open to change. [^component-numbering]: The schematic contains references to the component number, helping with debugging. [^monotron]: Some devices take this idea further. The Korg Monotron includes extra patch points directly on the board for DIY mods and expansions.