Printed
circuit boards (PCBs) are an essential part of electronic devices available nowadays. Most of the electronic devices
contain this PCB, as the assembly of electrical components, such as chips,
resistors, and capacitors, are mounted on them. Moreover, they are used in our
computers, laptops, smartphones, and industrial machinery. The color of a PCB
is not just for show but also a consideration that manufacturers pay attention
to. So along with functionality and design, the color of a PCB matters too. This
article will discuss the importance of PCB colors, the most common PCB colors,
such as red, yellow, blue, etc., and the best color PCB for your circuit.
What
Do PCBs Look Like?
PCBs contain
multiple layers of copper and insulating materials to function correctly. The
color of the solder mask defines the look of the PCB. This is a protective
layer that signifies the look of the PCB and prevents any copper traces from getting shorted or oxidized. The
most popular choice for PCB color is green. This is because green is very easy
to read, and also, it is much cheaper. However, the PCB colors have expanded
with technological advancement and better aesthetics.
Different
Colors of PCBs
The color
you see on PCB boards is the color of the solder mask. It is the solder mask
that determines the color of a PCB. Impact of Solder Mask on PCB's Design
Electronics can lead to solder mask not affecting the PCB's electrical
performance; it does have some effect on the PCB's visual appearance and visual
function. PCBs with certain functions require a certain color solder mask, and
the PCB manufacturer might ... The most commonly used PCB color in history has
been green. This is mainly because green is very visible and easy to make.
With PCB
manufacturing developing further and designers growing a taste for different
colors, designers have started experimenting with all kinds of colors. These
colors include red, blue, black, white, yellow, purple, and so on. High-end red
PCBs give an edge to electronics product appearance and are one rare use of red
PCB colors.
Red gives
high contrast, which helps to detect production faults such as misalignment of
components or soldering problems. Blue PCBs are a popular choice due to their
professional and sophisticated appearance, and they are commonly used in the
aerospace, automotive, and robotics industries. The blue color contrasts well
with the components, allowing you to inspect the board easily and check for any
issues.
The black
PCBs are highly in demand these days due to their sleek, elegant look.
Moreover, black color absorbs heat faster than any other color because of a
process called 'black body radiation.' The consumer electronics industry favors
black PCBs because they require high quality and an attractive look and feel
for the products. Although white PCBs are not common, nevertheless, they have a
clean and polished look and are often used in consumer electronic devices such
as smartphones, wearables, and medical devices. White is an excellent color for
verifying the quality of PE, as it creates a great contrast when inspecting
solder joints or components. This helps engineers assess quality during
manufacturing and assembly.
You will
find yellow PCBs less often than other colors, and they are used in
applications requiring high visibility. Often utilizing high-quality enameled
steel, these PCBs are applied for easy identification and clarity for
industrial and medical equipment. Although green and blue graphics cards are
more common, yellow or gold PCBs can be eye-catching and unique, which may be
needed for designs that require special attention.
Purple PCBs
may be rare, but they're getting a lot of love as well. Purple color is linked
with creativity and innovation and is likely associated with high-end and
custom-made products and devices for niche markets. The use of specialized
equipment to create vibrant-looking purple PCBs increases their complexity and
prices. This particular type of PCB is good-looking and worth the money if you
want it to stand out. The color of your PCB does not impact the electrical
functionality. However, it contributes to the product's appearance as well as
the efficiency of the manufacturing process.
Choosing the
right PCB color is more than just aesthetics—PCB designers must be aware of
their practical implications as well. Here's a rundown of common PCB colors
that may help designers and project managers choose the best possible PCB color
for their latest projects.
Importance
of PCB Colors
The color of
a PCB is not as crucial as its functionality, but that does not mean it doesn't
matter. Various PCB colors can offer benefits in terms of design as well as
manufacturing processes. Choosing the right PCB color will enhance the
visibility of its components, help differentiate between the various circuit
layers, and even minimize the chances of a manufacturing failure.
Moreover,
the use of some colors is favourable in some applications of the PCB. Darker
shades like black or navy blue can absorb less heat. Hence, they can be the
best choice in heat-sensitive designs. Moreover, manufacturers may use color to
'version' a product or a design to aid quality control and production.
Common
Types of PCB Colors
Red
PCB
Red PCBs are
trending these days because they stand out and create a strong visual effect.
Although red PCBs are mainly used for aesthetics, they also find their place in
high-end consumer electronics and automotive applications. Using lessee shades
also helps assessors see more clearly the entire plant and layout. This color
is being used by premium products that want to be prominent in the market.
Yellow
PCB
Yellow PCBs
are not that common in daily-use devices. However, they are utilised in
specific applications, especially in industries where color differentiation is
essential and unneglectable. Such as, yellow PCBs are used in medical devices
and tools so they need to be very visible. The yellow bright color of this PCB
helps the board identify itself from the other components for a safe and easy
experience. Yellow PCBs are less popular than other colors, but they can be
very useful when you need high contrast and visibility.
Blue
PCB
Blue PCBs
are usually employed in high-end electronics where appearance and functionality
both share an equal weightage. Blue will contrast with other commonly used PCB
components, making it easy to distinguish. Blue PCBs are commonly manufactured
for use in aerospace, robotics, and any automotive application where precise
component placement is required. Further, blue gives a soothing aura to
settings and is preferred on displays of devices that are for constant handling
or extended use.
White
PCB
White PCBs are clean-looking and professional. It's frequently selected
for consumer electronics where design is important, like smartphones,
wearables, and gaming consoles. A white PCB gives the perfect contrast for
inspecting components and solder joints with detail. However, white color may
be stained in rough and harsh conditions.
Black
PCB
Black PCBs
are becoming more popular and look very modern and sophisticated. This is often
used in high-performance computing devices, luxury electronics, and products
with a sleek and minimalist design. Black PCBs have lower heat absorption,
making them useful in designs that generate considerable heat during operation.
Also, they can provide a higher contrast for component visibility, making them
a great choice for some types of consumer electronics.
Purple
PCB
Purple PCBs
are a rare but beautiful choice. They are used for distinctive designs and
custom products to make them look different. Purple is a good color choice for
products that are typically high-end or custom and innovative. However, the
production of purple PCBs can be more difficult due to color-imparting
materials, which would also make the price costlier.
How
to Choose the Color of the Circuit Board?
The
selection of PCB color depends on its application and product aesthetics, apart
from the advantages offered by the colors chosen. There are several things to
think about when deciding on the best color for you.
Choosing PCB
colors can be tricky, so consider this. Colors like blue or black are
preferable in high heat as they handle heat well. The visibility of assorted
colors like green & yellow offers better contrast for inspecting components
and traces. Some branding and aesthetics are also very important and for a
different look, colors such as red and purple can be utilized. Some colors
require a more complex manufacturing process and are, therefore, expensive.
Blacks are very good at absorbing heat while regular colors like greens and
blues usually come at a cheaper price.
The color of
a PCB is not just a design choice; it can affect its manufacturing,
performance, and the visibility of the finished project. Each color of PCB,
whether red, yellow, blue, black, purple or any other, has its own advantages
and disadvantages. Having insights on PCB colors will help you make an informed
choice for your next project in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Choosing
the right PCB color can enhance functionality as well as improve the quality of
your circuit board. In an increasingly competitive technology market, creating
a unique product is essential, and using custom colors can help achieve that.
