Definition

Noun: 1. A type of electronic circuit board: A printed circuit is a flat board, typically made of a non-conductive material like fiberglass, which has thin layers of copper "printed" or etched onto its surface to form the electrical pathways (conductors) that connect electronic components. 2. The foundational structure for modern electronics: It serves as the physical platform upon which components like resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits are mounted and electrically interconnected, replacing the need for complex hand-wired connections.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The technician repaired the device by replacing the damaged printed circuit.
  • Modern manufacturing relies on automated machines to assemble components onto a printed circuit.
  • The design of the printed circuit is crucial for the device's speed and reliability.

Advanced Usage

• "printed circuit board (PCB)": This is the full and most common term. "Printed circuit" often implicitly refers to the complete board assembly.
  • The heart of the computer is its main printed circuit board, often called the motherboard.

Variants and Related Words

• PCB (abbreviation): The standard abbreviation for Printed Circuit Board.
  • The engineer reviewed the PCB layout before sending it for fabrication.
• Circuit board: A more general term that can include printed circuits and other types.
• Motherboard / Mainboard: A specific, large printed circuit board that is the primary circuit board in a computer.
• Flexible printed circuit: A type of printed circuit made on a flexible plastic substrate.

Synonyms

• Circuit board
• PC board (informal)
• Etched wiring board

Related Phrases

• Populate a printed circuit: The process of soldering electronic components onto the blank circuit board.
  • The factory uses robots to populate the printed circuit with chips and capacitors.
• Printed circuit assembly (PCA): A printed circuit board with all components soldered in place.

Noun

1. computer circuit consisting of an electronic sub-assembly; copper conductors are laminated on an insulating board or card and circuit components are inserted into holes and dip soldered