Multi-layer PCBs are often used in various professional electronics such as computers, mobile phones, heart monitors and much more. Multi-layer PCB fabrication consists of laminating more than two conductive layers together and there can be various amounts of layers, depending on the application requirement. Having more layers inside the circuit board allows more circuitry and wiring for more complex applications. For example, mobile phone printed circuit boards can have as many as 12 layers as they are very complex devices.

In this passage, we will provide you all the details of the multilayer PCB. If you are curious about the uses of multilayer PCB in our daily life, please check and read the content below for more information.

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What are the advantages of multilayer PCB?

In terms of technicality and design, multi layer PCBs provide numerous advantages. Here are a few main benefits of these boards:

Increases Functionality & Capabilities – By laminating together multiple layers of boards, you can efficiently increase the functionality and capabilities of the printed circuit board. With more layers, you can fit more circuitry and wiring into the board.

Can be made Rigid or Flexible – These multi-layer printed circuit boards can be made in either rigid or flexible configurations, depending on your requirements. However, the more layers you add to the board, the less flexible it will become.

Generally Smaller Sizes – As you are combining layers on top of each other, this can save space. Multiple layers allow you to have high capacities with smaller footprints which may be beneficial for smaller devices.

Lightweight – Due to the layered configuration of these printed circuit boards, it eliminates the need for connectors for separate PCBs. This allows the manufacturing process to be simplified which not only saves space but also reduces the overall weight of the board.

Why multilayer PCB is used widely?

The multilayer PCB is made up by two or more PCBs which are stacked together with reliable predefined mutual connection between them. There are at least three conductive layers in one multilayer PCB with two layers outside and the one layer synthesized in the insulation board. Due to the complex manufacturing process and lower production, the cost of multilayer PCB is relatively higher.

The out coming of multilayer PCB results from requirements of the development of electronic technology, such as high speed, multi-function, high-capacity, small size. On one hand, as the electronic devices is becoming smaller and lighter, single-sided PCB and double-sided printed pcb cannot match increasing assembly density due to the limit of available space. On the other hand, , there are many problems in the PCB layout such as noise, stray capacitance, crosstalk and so on. Therefore, the design of PCB must be committed to minimizing the length of the signal line and avoiding the parallel routes.

What are the applications of multilayer PCB in our daily life?

This all depends on your application. If you need a product to be lesser weight and smaller with more electronic circuitry then go for multilayer or if you want a product where size is not a matter than go for single sided PCB.

Consumer Electronics:

The term “Consumer Electronics” is a wide term that includes many electronic devices that comes under the umbrella of commonly used devices that are directly relevant to common users like you and me. The consumer electronics include, smartphones, smart watches, calculators, TV remote control, mp3 music player, toys, kitchen appliances, washing machines, electric kettle, e-cigarettes, LED bulbs and energy savers etc.

Computers and Devices:

Today our world is highly dependent on computers and automation. Multilayer PCBs are commonly found in computers and associated products like motherboards, graphics cards, EEPROMs, Power supplies, keyboard, computer mouse, ADCs, GPUs, Image processing circuits etc.

Telecommunication Electronics:

The industry of telecommunication is very huge that includes many electronic devices and equipment that contain sophisticated electronics and can contain multilayer PCBs up-to 8 layers. Some of the applications of telecommunication electronics is GPS, satellite, computer servers, GPRS, communication towers, Radar electronics, Sonar / Lidar, Antenna, Power amplifier, filter, PLLs, Mixers, Attenuators, LNA, on board telemetry and telecommand processing circuits etc.

Industrial Automation:

The electronics operating under industrial environment faces harsh and stressing factors like heat, temperature, pressure, shocks, vibration, dust and humidity. Thus PCB with solid form and rigidity is essentially required and that type of PCB is multilayer PCB. Some of the application of industrial electronics is robotics, automated assembly lines, car manufacturing, spray painting robots, packaging conveyer belts, PLCs.

Medical Devices:

The electronics is the integral part in the medical devices and sensitive equipment being used to monitor patients and serve patients. These devices are usually portable and handheld like ECG/EEG machines, blood pressure measuring device, electronic sugar testing device and infrared temperature monitoring. Moreover large equipment using nuclear, radiology, MRI, CT scan machines and X-Ray machines very widely use multilayer PCBs.

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