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HXPCB focuses on the research and development of ultra-large size circuits board, multi-layer PCBs, metal-based PCBs, rigid-flex high-frequency PCBs, HDI PCBs, and related processes. We offer comprehensive services, including PCB design, prototyping, processing, and assembly.
What is a double-sided PCB?
A double-sided PCB or double-sided PCB is a circuit board that has conductive pathways on both sides. This design allows for more components to be placed on the board, more space to route electrical connections, and more complex circuit designs compared to single-sided PCBs (which have circuitry on only one side).
Design flexibility: Double-sided PCBs can accommodate a variety of component types (such as through-hole and surface mount components) on either side.
HXPCB is a company engaged in double-sided PCB manufacturing and assembly services. Our technical team is close to hundreds of people. We also have our own double-sided PCB product cases and perfect solutions. Whether you buy our products or solutions, HXPCB will not let you down.
Double-Sided Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Manufacturing
Design Phase
CAD Software: Engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a PCB layout, defining the circuit paths and component locations on both sides of the board.
Material Selection
Substrate Materials: FR-4 (glass-reinforced epoxy laminate) is commonly used. Other materials may include aluminum, polyimide, or flexible materials, depending on the application.
Photolithography
Artwork Generation: The design is printed onto a clear film or directly onto the PCB substrate, creating a mask for the copper areas.
Photoresist Application: A layer of photoresist is applied to the copper-clad substrate. This layer is sensitive to UV light.
Exposure and Development: The board is exposed to UV light through the artwork. The exposed areas are then developed, and the exposed or unexposed photoresist (depending on whether it is a positive or negative photoresist) is washed away to reveal the copper.
Copper Etching
Etching: A chemical solution is used to etch away the bare copper, leaving only the desired circuit pattern on each side.
Drilling
Via Preparation: Holes for components and vias (vertical connections between the two sides) are drilled using a CNC machine that can handle precise locations and diameters.
Plating
Plating: Copper is plated after drilling to establish interlayer conductivity. This includes through-hole plating and surface plating.
Solder Mask Application
Solder Mask Coating: Solder mask is used to protect copper traces. This layer is usually green, but can be other colors.
Silkscreen: Identification labels, logos, and other markings are printed onto the surface of the PCB.
Surface Finish
Surface finishes (e.g., HASL, ENIG, OSP) are used to protect exposed copper pads and improve solderability.
Testing
Electrical Testing: Electrical testing of the PCB to ensure that it is functioning properly, including checking for shorts, opens, and other defects.
Assembly
Component Placement: Components are placed using a pick and place machine, followed by a soldering process such as reflow soldering for surface mount parts or wave soldering for through-hole components.
Common Materials for Double-Sided PCB Manufacturing
1.Substrate Material
FR-4: The most widely used material, made of woven fiberglass and epoxy resin. Offers good mechanical strength and electrical insulation.
CEM-1: Composed of paper and epoxy resin, suitable for simpler applications with lower thermal and mechanical requirements.
CEM-3: Similar to FR-4 but with better thermal properties, often used in higher-density applications.
Polyimide: Used in flexible PCBs for its excellent thermal stability and flexibility.
2.Copper Foil
Electrolytic Copper: Used for the conductive layer, available in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 0.5 oz/ft² to 2 oz/ft².
Rolled Copper: Provides better surface quality, suitable for high-frequency applications, especially for flexible PCBs.
3.Photoresist
Liquid Photoresist: Applied to the copper surface to create the desired circuit pattern during the etching process.
Dry Film Photoresist: Used for more complex designs, allowing for finer resolution during the exposure and development processes.
4.Solder Mask
Epoxy-based Solder Mask: Provides a protective layer over the copper traces to prevent oxidation and solder bridging during assembly.
Liquid Solder Mask: Applied using screen printing or spray, allows for precise control over thickness.
Double-sided PCB simple material table
| Material Type | Description |
| FR-4 | Woven fiberglass epoxy; excellent mechanical and electrical properties. |
| CEM-1/CEM-3 | Paper/epoxy based materials; lower cost for simpler applications. |
| Polyimide | Flexible material with high thermal stability. |
| Electrolytic Copper | Conductive layer available in various thicknesses. |
| Rolled Copper | High-quality copper suitable for precision applications. |
| Liquid Photoresist | Used to create circuit patterns during etching. |
| Dry Film Photoresist | Allows for fine resolution in complex designs. |
| Epoxy-based Solder Mask | Protects copper traces from damage and oxidation. |
| Liquid Solder Mask | Precise application for thickness control. |
| HASL | Protects copper pads; traditional surface finish. |
| ENIG | Provides excellent solderability and oxidation resistance. |
| OSP | Water-based organic coating for copper protection. |
| Silkscreen Ink | Used for printing component labels and markings on PCBs. |
What are the types of double-sided PCBs?
Traditional double-sided PCB: The most basic double-sided printed circuit board, usually using soldering and plug-in methods to connect components.
Blind hole PCB: There is a circuit connection on one side of the double-sided board, but there is no hole that goes through completely on the other side, which can reduce the thickness of the board.
Buried hole PCB: The holes in this type of PCB are only visible on the inner layer of the board, and the outer surface is flat, which is suitable for more complex wiring needs.
Multi-layer double-sided PCB: Although it is mainly double-sided, it can be combined with PCBs of other layers (such as single-sided) to form a multi-layer structure, increasing the complexity and density of the circuit.
Shared ground PCB: In a double-sided board, the ground wire is connected to both sides to reduce the ground potential difference and improve signal integrity.
High-frequency PCB: This type of double-sided PCB uses materials suitable for high-frequency signal transmission and is usually used in radio frequency and microwave circuits.
Application of double-sided PCB
Healthcare
Used in smartphones, tablets, TVs, and home appliances; provides more wiring space for complex functions
Computer and Communication Equipment
Used in routers, switches, and wireless communication devices; optimizes signal transmission and reduces interference.
Automotive Electronics
Applied in automotive control systems, navigation systems, sensors, and ADAS; offers high reliability and temperature resistance.
Medical Equipment
Essential in portable medical devices, ECGs, and ultrasonic equipment; ensures precise operation and stability.
Industrial Automation and Control Systems
Used in control systems, robotics, sensors, and actuators; enables compact designs and efficient signal transmission.
Internet of Things Devices (IoT)
Ideal for smart homes and wearable devices; handles multiple functions efficiently in limited spaces.
Advantages of double-sided PCB
Higher design density
Double-sided PCBs have two circuit layers (front and back), which can achieve more wiring paths and functional integration in the same area compared to single-sided PCBs.
High space utilization
Since double-sided PCBs can layout circuits on both sides, designers can use circuit board space more efficiently. This not only reduces product size, but also avoids signal loss and interference problems caused by long wiring paths in single-sided PCBs.
Reduce signal interference
The two-sided wiring design of double-sided PCBs helps reduce possible interference during signal transmission. In double-sided board design, lines can be staggered and routed in layers to reduce signal loss and crosstalk, and improve the overall stability and reliability of the circuit.
Cost-effectiveness
Although double-sided PCBs are more complicated in production process than single-sided PCBs, in some cases, double-sided PCBs can reduce the need to use multi-layer PCBs, thereby reducing production costs.
Better electrical performance
Double-sided PCBs can better control the impedance of wiring, thereby improving the transmission quality of signals, especially for the transmission of high-frequency signals.
Better heat dissipation
In double-sided PCBs, components can be mounted on both sides of the board, and the design can be optimized according to thermal management requirements to ensure that heat is evenly distributed and effectively dissipated.
Easy to repair and maintain
The wiring in double-sided PCBs is more dispersed, and designers can more easily identify and fix problems in the board. By routing on different layers, if a circuit on a certain layer is damaged or fails, it can be repaired or replaced more conveniently, thereby reducing repair costs and time.
Double-sided PCB types we support
Provide schematic design
Provide full support from schematic design to layout and routing to help customers optimize circuit board design, reduce unnecessary signal interference, and improve overall performance.
Various surface treatment processes
Support a variety of surface treatment processes such as HASL, ENIG, OSP, etc. to ensure that the circuit board has good solderability and a long service life.
Providing customized solutions
Types cover a variety of different design needs, and customized solutions can be provided according to the specific requirements of customers.
High-performance materials
Adopting high-performance substrates such as FR4 and Rogers can effectively increase the signal transmission speed. For high-frequency PCBs, use high-frequency PCB materials such as PTFE and Teflon.
PCB Manufacturing
We also support customization of various layers, sizes and shapes to ensure that each PCB can meet the technical needs of customers to the greatest extent.
PCB Prototyping
Provide free 2-6 layer PCB prototyping, warmly serve every customer, 7-24 hours online service
Purchase or customize your double-sided PCB
HXPCB is a leading PCB manufacturer. We have finished PCBs and also provide design and manufacturing services for double PCBs for customers. Our team consists of experienced engineers and is committed to working closely with customers to ensure that every double-sided board, rigid-flex board and HDI board can be produced efficiently and economically.
Want to know the manufacturing cost of double-sided PCBs? Feel free to submit a quote request through our page and describe your requirements in detail. We will provide you with an accurate quote as soon as possible and ensure the best solution for your project.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Question
Double-sided PCB can be wired on both sides, while single-sided PCB can only be wired on one side. Double-sided PCB can provide more wiring space and higher integration, suitable for complex circuit design. In contrast, single-sided PCB is suitable for simple, low-cost applications.
Double-sided PCB has the advantages of high-density wiring, high space utilization, low signal interference, and good heat dissipation performance. It can provide stronger electrical performance and higher integration, and is suitable for applications with high-frequency and high-speed signal transmission.
Yes, especially when using high-frequency materials such as Rogers, PTFE, etc., double-sided PCB can meet the requirements of high-frequency and microwave applications. Through reasonable design and material selection, double-sided PCB can effectively reduce signal loss and interference.
Common materials include FR4 (glass fiber epoxy resin), Rogers series (suitable for high-frequency applications), and PTFE (suitable for microwave and RF circuits). These materials have different electrical properties to meet the needs of different applications.
To control signal interference and loss, you can optimize wiring design, use ground layer, adopt appropriate materials and impedance control technology. In addition, reasonable stacking and power management design can help reduce signal attenuation and reflection.
The production of double-sided PCBs is more complicated than that of single-sided PCBs, mainly involving wiring on both sides, hole alignment, and line connection. However, due to mature processes, manufacturers can usually complete production efficiently. The challenge lies in high-precision alignment and quality control.
Double-sided PCB is widely used in consumer electronics, automotive electronics, computer communications, medical equipment, LED lighting and other fields. It is particularly suitable for products with high requirements on size and function, and can provide compact and highly integrated solutions.
The repair of double-sided PCB is slightly more complicated than that of single-sided PCB, because the circuit wiring is on both sides, and more layers may need to be disassembled when repairing. However, due to the compact design, repairs are usually performed by X-ray or other precision equipment to locate the problem.
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