What Is a PCB Substrate?

Every home needs a foundation upon which to build. Likewise, every printed circuit board needs a substrate. The PCB substrate is the physical material that holds the traces and components. Choosing the right substrate is the first step toward building a high-quality PCB.

Why the Substrate Matters

A printed circuit board needs structure and shape. It also needs a platform or canvass to hold all of its other components. This is the job of the substrate. The characteristics of the substrate will affect how the PCB performs. For example, a rigid substrate may add strength and durability to the PCB. A flexible substrate allows for more design options.

Substrate Materials

As the PCB industry continues to evolve, we are seeing the use of many different kinds of substrates, everything from solid fiberglass to flexible polymers. Traditionally, fiberglass has been the most common form of substrate. It is a low-cost, highly reliable material that provides a good, solid base for the PCB.

Want to learn more about PCB substrates?

Contact Yun Industrial ACME PCB Assembly today.