padboard

A padboard is a type of printed circuit board (PCB) that is specifically designed with a large, unetched copper surface area. This surface is intended to be used for soldering components directly onto it, rather than through pre-defined holes or pads. It essentially acts as a large, flat area for electrical connections.

Padboards are often used in prototyping, experimental circuits, or for making custom connections where standard PCB layouts are not suitable. They can also be useful for creating temporary grounding points or for mounting components that require a significant amount of heat dissipation. The large copper area helps to distribute heat away from the component, preventing overheating.

These boards are typically manufactured with a single layer of copper on one side, providing a robust and easy-to-work-with surface. Users can create their own traces by etching away unwanted copper or by using conductive ink or solder to connect components. This flexibility makes padboards a valuable tool for electronics hobbyists and engineers who need a simple and adaptable platform for their projects. They are a less common but effective alternative to breadboards for certain applications where a more permanent and robust connection is desired.