Single Layer PCB Manufacturing & Prototyping
Expert single layer PCB manufacturing by JHYPCB. Affordable single sided PCB production, fast prototyping, and free DFM checks ensure flawless quality. Get your free quote today!
JHYPCB offers expert single layer PCB manufacturing for applications like LED lighting, calculators, and power supplies. Our affordable single sided PCB production, fast prototyping, and free DFM checks ensure top quality.
A detailed introduction to single-sided circuit boards
Single-Layer PCB Definition
What is a Single Layer PCB?
A Single Layer PCB, also known as a Single Sided PCB, is a printed circuit board with one conductive copper layer on one side, supported by a base material like FR-4 or aluminum. Additional layers, such as solder mask and silkscreen, protect the circuit and add labeling, but only the single copper layer defines it as single-layer.
These PCBs are the simplest and most cost-effective option, ideal for compact circuits in devices like vending machines, coffee makers, and sensor products. JHYPCB’s single layer PCB manufacturing supports these applications with high reliability and free DFM checks to ensure flawless production.
JHYPCB Single Layer PCB Manufacturing
Types of Single Layer PCBs
JHYPCB’s single layer rigid PCBs, made from durable FR-4 fiberglass, offer inflexibility to prevent circuit bending. Ideal for calculators, power supplies, and consumer electronics, these cost-effective PCBs ensure reliable performance. Benefit from our fast prototyping and free DFM checks for flawless production.
Single layer flexible PCBs use pliable materials for applications requiring bendability, such as wearable devices and medical equipment. Though more expensive than rigid PCBs, JHYPCB provides affordable manufacturing with high precision and free DFM checks to meet your specifications.
Single layer rigid-flex PCBs combine rigid and flexible materials, perfect for compact devices like cameras and automotive electronics. JHYPCB’s expertise ensures high-quality production with fast delivery and free DFM checks, tailored to your project needs.
Designed for high-frequency circuits, single layer high-frequency PCBs use specialized materials like Rogers, Taconic, or Shengyi. Used in RF equipment and telecommunications, JHYPCB’s manufacturing delivers superior signal integrity with ISO-certified quality and free DFM checks.
Single layer aluminum PCBs, featuring an aluminum substrate, excel in heat dissipation for LED lighting and power modules. JHYPCB offers cost-effective production, rapid prototyping, and free DFM checks to ensure optimal performance.
Benefits of Single Layer PCBs
- Simplified Manufacturing
Single layer PCBs feature one conductive copper layer, enabling straightforward production with minimal errors. JHYPCB’s single sided PCB manufacturing ensures reliable results from the first prototype, supported by free DFM checks for flawless quality. - Cost-Effective Solution
Single layer PCBs require less complex machinery than multilayer PCBs, making them the most affordable option. JHYPCB offers competitive pricing, with bulk orders further reducing costs, ideal for budget-conscious projects like consumer electronics. - High Reliability
The simple structure of single sided PCBs reduces the risk of faults, ensuring consistent performance and durability. JHYPCB’s ISO-certified manufacturing guarantees long-lasting single layer PCBs for applications like power supplies and LED lighting. - Easy Testing and Repair
Single layer PCBs are simpler to test using AOI or X-ray inspection for BGA components, with faults easily traced and repaired. JHYPCB’s expertise ensures efficient quality control, saving you time and resources. - Widely Accessible Production
Single layer PCBs are easy to manufacture, making them a go-to choice for many industries. JHYPCB provides fast prototyping and high-quality single sided PCB production, tailored to your needs.
Limitations of Single Layer PCBs
- Larger Size and Weight
Single layer PCBs require more board space than multilayer PCBs, as circuits are on one layer, increasing size and weight. JHYPCB optimizes single sided PCB layouts with design reviews to ensure compact, efficient solutions for applications like LED lighting and power supplies. - Limited for Complex Circuits
Single layer PCBs are not suited for intricate circuits, where multilayer PCBs are required. JHYPCB’s expert manufacturing delivers reliable single sided PCBs for simple, cost-effective projects like calculators and sensors. - Lower Signal Speed
Single layer PCBs may have slower signal transmission than multilayer PCBs, less ideal for high-speed applications. JHYPCB ensures high-quality production for dependable performance in cost-sensitive devices.
Applications of Single Layer PCBs
Single layer PCBs are widely used in simple, cost-effective devices due to their single conductive copper layer. JHYPCB’s high-quality single sided PCB manufacturing supports a range of applications, ensuring reliable performance and efficient production. Common uses include:
- Consumer Electronics
– Calculators: Compact circuits for basic computations.
– Coffee Makers: Simple controls for household appliances.
– LED Lighting: Cost-effective boards for energy-efficient illumination. - Industrial and Commercial Equipment
– Vending Machines: Durable circuits for automated systems.
– Packaging Equipment: Reliable boards for manufacturing processes.
– Power Supplies: Stable performance for energy distribution. - Surveillance and Sensing
– Camera Systems: Basic circuits for security devices.
– Sensor Products: Efficient boards for environmental monitoring.
– Solid-State Drives: Compact storage solutions. - Communication and Timing
– Radio and Stereo Equipment: Clear signal processing for audio devices.
– Timing Circuits: Precise control for electronic functions.
– Relays: Dependable switching for automation.
Single-sided aluminum substrate and single-sided copper PCB are our most common single-sided circuit board applications.
For simple circuits, single layer PCBs are the most economical choice compared to multilayer PCBs. JHYPCB delivers tailored single sided PCB solutions with rapid production to meet your project needs.
Single Layer PCB Stack Up
The stack-up of a single-layer PCB is quite simple as compared to multilayer PCBs. There is only one layer of conductive material, and the other side is used to incorporate components. The stack-up of a single-layer PCB is as follows:
– Base material (FR-4, Aluminum, etc.)
– Copper layer
– Solder mask
– Silkscreen
Related Reading: Standard PCB Thickness—All You Need To Know
Single Layer PCB Manufacturing Process
JHYPCB’s single layer PCB manufacturing process ensures high-quality production with efficiency. The steps include:
– Preparing the base material, such as FR-4 or aluminum, based on customer-supplied Gerber files.
– Printing the circuit onto the copper layer using photoresist technology.
– Etching to remove excess copper, forming precise traces.
– Drilling holes for component placement.
– Applying solder mask for circuit protection and silkscreen for labeling.
– Adding surface finishes like ENIG or HASL to enhance durability.
– Soldering components onto the board’s non-conductive side.
– Conducting rigorous testing, including AOI and functional checks, to ensure reliability.
Customers place orders and provide the important files required to create a PCB. They provide Gerbers and other essential files. PCB designers usually do not understand the nitty-gritty of the manufacturing process. They just create a design to get the desired results; however, it is important to understand the manufacturing problems that can be due to design. For this purpose, we run a DFM check on the files. Our experts look at the files and make sure it is according to the manufacturing requirements. If there is an issue with the design, we correct it or inform customers in the case of severe problems.
We offer a free DFM check at JHYPCB. If this check is ignored, there can be possible delays and unwanted errors in the production. Therefore, it often delays the final shipment. For timely delivery, a DFM check is more than essential. Once the PCB files are ready for the manufacturing process, the experts forward them to the next department.
According to the requirement of the buyer/customer, the base of the PCB is selected. Usually, it is FR-4, but it can be PTFE, CEM, Aluminum, Copper, or any other material suitable for the project. The board is procured and then cleaned. It is cut according to the standard size that the machines can accept. There can be one or multiple PCBs on a single board.
Drilling is done for lead components, such as BGA packages. If there are such components on the board, drilling is necessary. It can also be done to fix components, heat sinks, and other devices. Another important use of drilling is the connection of layers. If there are multiple layers, they are connected through vias.
After drilling, there is debris on the board. The board is cleaned again before proceeding to the next step.
The board is then passed through a series of chemical baths for electroplating. Copper is deposited in the vias to create a connection between the layers where required. The boards are dipped into baths for a certain time and then taken out for the next stage of the chemical bath.
Copper plating is an important process. In this stage, a certain thickness of copper is applied to the board. The thickness of copper depends on the customer’s requirements.
For creating the circuit pattern on the PCB, a photo-resistive film is applied. All this work is carried in a room where white light cannot enter.
After applying the photo-resistive film, there are separate films that contain the circuit diagrams. These films are then placed over the board, and the board passes through a UV chamber. Through the passage of UV light, the photo-resistive film hardens on the surface of the board and creates the pattern required.
Due to the presence of the circuit-printed film on the board, only the circuit is hardened, and the rest of the area remains the same. When we see the board at this stage, it has the complete circuit in blue. After this process, the unwanted photoresist is removed.
Etching is the process of removing the unwanted copper from the PCB. Copper should stay only on the circuit, and the rest of the copper must be removed. For this purpose, the copper on the board is reacted with a powerful alkaline solution, which is a solution of various compounds, such as copper chloride, hydrogen chloride, and hydrogen peroxide. The solution removes the unwanted copper, and the circuit that is hardened using UV remains the same.
Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI) is an excellent way to find faults on the PCB. In this inspection method, there are several cameras at different angles. The cameras take pictures of the PCB and compare them with the files. If there is any problem, the PCB is separated. This inspection is quite fast, and it detects opens, shorts, solder bridges, low solder, and other problems.
Advanced Learning:
A solder mask is a thin polymer layer applied over the PCB. The buyer can choose the color of the solder mask. The color could be Green, White, Blue, Red, Black, and Purple.
The solder mask not only gives a nice appearance to the board but also prevents the formation of solder bridges. It is possible that the solder pads with low spacing can create a short circuit, but due to the solder mask, it never happens. It also protects the board from corrosion and oxidation.
Silk Screen is just like printing labels on the board. This helps in manual assembling and repairing. It can also be used to find the wrong placement of components.
The surface finish is quite essential for a PCB. The circuit is made of copper, and it can undergo oxidation and corrosion quickly. It is necessary to protect the circuit, and for that purpose, a surface finish is used.
Many types of surface finishes are available, such as HASL, LF HASL, OSP, ENIG, ENEG, ENEPIG, etc. The buyers can choose any surface finish according to their requirements.
This is the final test in which probes check the circuit. Voltage is applied using these probes to check the opens and short. Once the whole board is tested, it goes for final cleaning, inspection, and packaging.
Learn more about what is Flying Probe Test?
Single Layer PCB Materials
Single layer PCBs use materials tailored to specific applications. JHYPCB selects high-quality options for single sided PCB manufacturing, including:
– FR-4: A cost-effective, durable choice for consumer electronics like calculators.
– Aluminum: Excellent for heat dissipation in LED lighting and power modules.
– CEM-1: Budget-friendly for simple circuits in appliances.
– Rogers: Specialized for high-frequency circuits in RF equipment.
Our expertise ensures the right material for your project’s performance and reliability.
Single-Sided PCB Thickness
Single-sided PCB thickness, typically 1.57mm (0.063 inches), ranges from 0.2mm to 6mm, depending on the base material, copper thickness, and application requirements. JHYPCB’s single sided PCB manufacturing supports customized thicknesses to optimize performance for your project.
Factors Influencing Thickness
- Base Material: FR-4 provides standard rigidity for consumer electronics, while aluminum enhances heat dissipation for LED lighting.
- Copper Thickness: Thicker copper (e.g., 2 oz) increases current capacity, requiring a sturdier board.
- Application Needs: Industrial equipment may need thicker PCBs (e.g., 2mm) for durability, while compact sensors use thinner boards (e.g., 0.8mm).
- Operating Environment: Harsh conditions, like high vibration, demand robust thicknesses.
Impact of Thickness
Thickness affects rigidity, heat dissipation, and installation. Thicker single-sided PCBs offer greater mechanical strength for power supplies, while thinner boards suit space-constrained devices like wearable electronics. JHYPCB ensures precise manufacturing to balance these factors, delivering reliable single sided PCBs for applications like calculators and vending machines.
With expertise in tailored production, JHYPCB meets your thickness specifications for optimal functionality and durability.
Single Layer PCB Price
Single Layer PCB Cost
Single-sided PCBs are the most cost-effective option for simple circuits, with pricing influenced by several factors. JHYPCB’s efficient single sided PCB manufacturing ensures competitive pricing tailored to your project’s needs, ideal for applications like LED lighting and power supplies.
Key Factors Affecting Cost
- Base Material: FR-4 is cost-effective for consumer electronics, while aluminum increases costs but enhances heat dissipation for LED modules.
- Board Size: Larger boards require more material, raising costs. JHYPCB optimizes layouts to minimize waste.
- Thickness and Copper: Thicker boards (e.g., 2mm) or heavier copper (e.g., 2 oz) increase costs but improve durability and current capacity.
- Surface Finish: HASL is economical, while ENIG adds cost for superior reliability in high-performance applications.
- Order Volume: Bulk orders significantly reduce per-unit costs. JHYPCB offers discounts for high-volume production.
- Assembly Services: Adding PCB assembly increases costs due to components and testing (e.g., AOI), but JHYPCB streamlines the process for efficiency.
Cost Optimization Tips
To minimize single-sided PCB costs, opt for standard FR-4 material, standard thickness (1.57mm), and bulk ordering. JHYPCB’s cost-effective production and precise manufacturing deliver high-quality PCBs at competitive prices, perfect for budget-conscious projects like calculators and vending machines.
Single-Sided vs Double-Sided PCB: Which to Choose?
Single-sided and double-sided PCBs differ in their conductive layers, impacting design complexity, cost, and application suitability. JHYPCB’s expertise in single sided PCB manufacturing helps you choose the right option for your project. Here’s a comparison to guide your decision:
- Conductive Layers:
- Single-Sided PCB: One copper layer, ideal for simple circuits like those in calculators and LED lighting.
- Double-Sided PCB: Two copper layers, supporting complex circuits in smartphones and industrial controls.
- Design Complexity:
- Single-Sided PCB: Suited for basic designs with fewer components, ensuring reliable performance. JHYPCB optimizes layouts for efficiency.
- Double-Sided PCB: Enables intricate designs with more connections, but requires advanced manufacturing.
- Cost:
- Single-Sided PCB: More economical due to simpler production. JHYPCB offers competitive pricing, especially for bulk orders.
- Double-Sided PCB: Higher cost due to increased materials and processing.
- Applications:
- Single-Sided PCB: Perfect for cost-sensitive devices like power supplies and sensor products.
- Double-Sided PCB: Used in high-performance applications like medical equipment and automotive electronics.
When to Choose Single-Sided PCBs?
Select single-sided PCBs for simple, budget-friendly projects where compact circuits suffice. JHYPCB’s high-quality single sided PCB production, with efficient manufacturing and rigorous quality checks, ensures optimal results for applications like vending machines and coffee makers.
When to Choose Double-Sided PCBs?
Opt for double-sided PCBs for complex circuits requiring higher component density. JHYPCB also supports double-sided PCB manufacturing for advanced needs.
Single-Sided vs Multilayer PCB: Key Differences
Single-sided and multilayer PCBs differ in conductive layers, manufacturing complexity, and applications. JHYPCB’s expertise in single sided PCB manufacturing helps you select the best option for your project. Here’s a comparison to guide your decision:
- Conductive Layers:
- Single-Sided PCB: One copper layer for simple circuits, with components on the opposite side, ideal for devices like LED lighting and calculators.
- Multilayer PCB: Three or more copper layers separated by insulating materials, supporting complex circuits in smartphones and medical devices.
- Manufacturing Complexity:
- Single-Sided PCB: Simpler production with non-metalized holes, requiring no electroplating. JHYPCB ensures efficient manufacturing for cost-effective results.
- Multilayer PCB: Requires advanced processes like electroplating for metalized holes and layer pressing, increasing production complexity.
- Cost:
- Single-Sided PCB: More economical due to minimal materials and processing. JHYPCB offers competitive pricing for bulk orders.
- Multilayer PCB: Higher cost due to multiple layers and intricate manufacturing.
- Applications:
- Single-Sided PCB: Suited for cost-sensitive, simple electronics like power supplies and vending machines, delivering reliable performance.
- Multilayer PCB: Used in high-capacity, high-speed applications like aerospace systems and industrial controls.
When to Choose Single-Sided PCBs?
Choose single-sided PCBs for budget-friendly projects with simple circuits. JHYPCB’s high-quality single sided PCB production ensures reliable performance for applications like sensor products and coffee makers, with efficient manufacturing and rigorous quality checks.
When to Choose Multilayer PCBs?
Opt for multilayer PCBs for complex, high-performance circuits requiring multiple connections. JHYPCB also supports multilayer PCB manufacturing for advanced projects.
Choose JHYPCB for Single Layer PCBs
JHYPCB is a trusted leader in single layer PCB manufacturing, delivering cost-effective, high-quality single sided PCBs for applications like power supplies and LED lighting. Our rapid production, design optimization, and rigorous quality checks ensure reliable performance. Partner with JHYPCB for your next project and experience exceptional service at competitive prices.
Single-sided PCB FAQs
A single layer PCB has one conductive copper layer, ideal for simple circuits. JHYPCB manufactures reliable single sided PCBs for devices like LED lighting and sensors.
Single layer PCBs have one copper layer, while multilayer PCBs have multiple, supporting complex circuits. JHYPCB’s single layer PCBs offer cost-effective solutions for basic applications.
They power devices like calculators, power supplies, and vending machines. JHYPCB ensures high-quality production tailored to these uses.
Choose standard materials like FR-4 and order in bulk. JHYPCB’s competitive pricing and rapid production reduce costs without compromising quality.
Common materials include FR-4 for consumer electronics, aluminum for heat dissipation in LED lighting, and Rogers for high-frequency circuits. JHYPCB selects optimal materials to meet your project’s needs.
The standard thickness is 1.6mm, but JHYPCB customizes single sided PCB thickness for applications like industrial equipment or compact sensors, ensuring durability and performance.
Single layer PCBs are less suitable for high-frequency signals compared to multilayer PCBs, but JHYPCB’s high-frequency single layer PCBs, using materials like Rogers, deliver reliable performance for RF equipment.
The process includes printing circuits on a copper layer, etching, drilling, applying solder mask and silkscreen, and testing with AOI. JHYPCB’s streamlined manufacturing ensures precision for devices like power supplies.
JHYPCB delivers single sided PCBs with design optimization, fast turnaround, and rigorous quality checks, ensuring performance for your project.
