A double sided PCB is used widely. It comes with 2 sided traces, a bottom and top layer. If you have a PCB that has double side traces but the electronic components are on one side this is also a double sided one but the assembly has been done differently. This kind of PCB is seen quite commonly in prototype and production circuits. They are used because they make laying tracks easy and increase the density of components. These PCBs are made of a non-conductive material as the substrate just like you see with regular circuit boards. Over the substrate comes a copper layer and with a double sided one, this copper layer goes on the top and bottom side as well. There are advantages of using this type of PCB as follows:
• Density of components–
Since they have a full extra layer one is able to add more tracks that will then connect to the components on the other side. With space freed up, you can place more components and put them close together or you may decide to have extra connections.
• Increased heat dissipation–
When you decide to use these double sided boards, you will realize that heat dissipates more because of the extra copper layer. This is achieved during the process of etching by removing just the copper needed to allow for track creation. Instead of removing the extra copper, leave it in place to help dissipate heat.
If you are considering the use of a double sided PCB you should do it carefully because the production of the board will be more complex and once it has been assembled it will need delicate handling. You also need to consider the costs that are associated with making this type of board vis a vis a single sided PCB. In fact, the cost of manufacturing is usually the biggest consideration for most people because the manufacturers will ask for more money in order to process the second side. This cost will include solder mask, etching, and component layout.
If you are looking to add your own custom considerations, then you can expect that you will be charged for the process of designing the board. The manufacturer wants to make sure that you will be pleased with the end product, one that functions well and avoids the various issues that affect high speed and analog digital circuits such as parasitic capacitance and inductive losses.
In summary, with a double sided board you can expect to enjoy more design flexibility, a higher level of complexity in the circuit, increased density, lower costs and a smaller board size since you will be using both sides and not just one. With all these benefits, it is no wonder that the double sided board continues to be the most widely used component for multiple applications.
