Dissection of a Circuit Board - Simple guide that defines the makeup of a PCB .

To fully understand how a circuit board works, a little circuit board dissection can help. Once the different parts are understood, it’s much easier to see how they all come together to form a vital part of every computer system.

Capacitor - component that stores and regulates the flow of electrical charge through the circuit board.

Circuit board - the thin, laminated sheet of epoxy resin sandwiched between two layers of copper onto which all other components are attached.

Component - any device attached to a PCB to create an electronic circuit that produces a specific function, such as radio receiver or amplifier.

Magnetic devices - inductive devices that use the power of magnetism.

Motherboard - the main circuit board to which all peripheral circuit boards are connected.

Node - the pin that connects two components.

Pad (also land) - the blank board before layout or component attachment.

Printed circuit board (PCB) - a circuit board that has the design of the board etched into it, much like a blueprint for a building.

Resist - coating material that protects selected PCB areas during etching, plating, or soldering.

Resistor - Component used to regulate the flow of electrical current and/or diffuse heat build-up.

Route (also track) - wiring layout for electrical connections.

Surface mount - point of attachment for components connected to PCB surface.

Transistor - component that amplifies and/or switches electronic signals or power supply.

Via hole - channel used to connect conductors to different layers or sides of a PCB.

The addition and configuration of these elements on a circuit board determine what type of electronic system will be used. These devices are used to design circuit boards to operate everything from personal computers to space ships.