PCBteknik

PCBteknik is a term used in electronics engineering to denote the technology and practice surrounding printed circuit boards (PCBs). It covers the design, fabrication, assembly, testing, and reliability engineering of PCBs, and is commonly used in Scandinavia as both a generic field descriptor and the name of firms or publications offering PCB-related services.

Core activities include schematic capture and PCB layout, design for manufacturability, signal and power integrity analysis, impedance control, and thermal management. The data prepared for manufacturing typically includes Gerber files, drill drawings, fiducials, and assembly instructions, which guide fabrication and component placement.

Typical materials and finishes: FR-4 or other substrates; copper thickness from 0.5 to 2 oz; laminates and prepregs; solder mask and silkscreen; finishes such as HASL, ENIG, or ENEPIG. Fabrication steps involve lamination of copper-clad laminates, drilling for vias and components, copper plate, photo-etching, plating and surface finishing, lamination, and depaneling.

Assembly processes include reflow soldering for surface-mount components, wave soldering for through-hole, as well as selective soldering, test points, and inspection methods such as automated optical inspection (AOI), X-ray, and functional testing. Reliability engineering covers thermal cycling, moisture sensitivity, lead-free processes, and adherence to standards such as IPC and IEC.

Trends in PCBteknik include high-density interconnect (HDI), microvias, flex and rigid-flex designs, embedded passives and components, advanced materials, and sustainable manufacturing practices. The field plays a critical role in sectors ranging from consumer electronics to automotive, aerospace, and industrial equipment.