Stripboard

Stripboard, also known as Veroboard, is a prototyping printed circuit board used to assemble electronic circuits without custom PCB fabrication. It consists of an insulating substrate with a grid of holes spaced at 2.54 mm (0.1 inch) and parallel copper strips running in one direction along the board. Most common versions have copper tracks on one side only, though double-sided variants exist.

Each copper strip acts as a continuous conductor, connecting multiple holes along its length. To create separate electrical nets, the copper track is selectively cut with a sharp knife or small saw, interrupting the connection between sections. Holes in the board accept through‑hole components; component leads are inserted into the holes and soldered to the copper tracks or to pads formed at the hole, forming the circuit connections. Power and ground rails may be implemented by cutting strips to isolate sections or by running long rails along the board.

Stripboard is widely used for rapid prototyping and experimentation because it is inexpensive, readily available, and does not require custom manufacturing. It is convenient for small to medium-sized circuits and allows easy modification by cutting tracks and re-soldering wires. However, it is less suitable for high-density or high-frequency designs due to long copper paths, potential for crosstalk, and manual layout limitations. Layout discipline and careful cutting are important to avoid shorts and unintended connections.

Variants include double-sided stripboards and boards with different track widths or pad patterns. While not a replacement for a proper printed circuit board, stripboard remains a popular, flexible option for hobbyists and engineers during development.