What is Base

What is Base

In the PCB industry, the base is the fundamental material used as the foundation for manufacturing PCBs. The base material serves as the carrier for the assembly and circuits of the PCB. It is typically delivered to the PCB manufacturer in the form of a “panel” and is subsequently cut into the appropriate production panel size.

There are several types of base materials available for PCBs, each with its own set of characteristics such as thickness, laminations, and electrical and mechanical properties. One widely used base material is fiberglass with epoxy, commonly known as FR4. FR4 can be obtained in two forms: core (copper-clad) or prepreg. Other materials like polyimide (PI), aluminum, and ceramic are also commonly used as base materials in the PCB industry.

The base material is important in the overall performance and reliability of the printed circuit board. It provides structural support and electrical insulation between the different layers and components of the PCB. The choice of base material depends on specific requirements of the PCB design, including desired electrical properties, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength.

Base material is just one component of the complete PCB structure. It is typically combined with copper layers, solder mask, and other materials to create a fully functional printed circuit board. The base material serves as the foundation upon which the conductive traces and components are built.