PCB multilayer board and PCB single-layer board have significant differences in many aspects, these differences are mainly reflected in the structure, performance, application range, cost and design complexity. Here is a detailed explanation of the difference between the two:
1. Structural Differences
PCB Single-Layer Board:
▪ Simple structure, consisting of only a layer of copper foil (conductive layer) and a layer of substrate. The copper foil layer is usually attached to the surface of the substrate and is used to connect the individual components in the circuit.
▪ In appearance, the single layer board has only one obvious layer of copper foil, and there is no complex internal hierarchy.
PCB Multi-Layer Board:
▪ The structure is complex, consisting of multiple conductive layers and insulating layers alternately stacked, usually designed with more than 3 layers.
▪ The interior contains multiple layers of copper, which are isolated by insulation and run through the board by structures such as via or blind via to enable electrical connections between layers.
▪ The multi-layer board design allows different circuits and components to be laid out on different layers, thereby increasing layout flexibility and circuit complexity.
2. Performance Difference
PCB Single-Layer Board:
With only one conductive layer, its circuit performance is relatively limited. In high-frequency or high-speed applications, single-layer boards may have problems with signal interference or transmission loss.
▪ The line width and line spacing of single-layer plates are usually large (such as more than 0.5mm), which limits their current load capacity and conductive speed.
PCB Multi-Layer Board:
▪ The multilayer board is composed of multiple conductive layers superimposed to provide better circuit performance. It reduces signal interference and transmission losses and is suitable for high-frequency or high-speed applications.
▪ The line width and line spacing of the multilayer board can be very small (such as 0.075mm), thus improving the current load capacity and conductive speed of the circuit.
3. Difference In Application Scope
PCB Single-Layer Board:
▪ Suitable for some simple electronic equipment or circuit design, such as small computers, audio, radio equipment and LED lights, electronic toys and other low-complexity products.
Because of its simple structure, low cost and ease of manufacture, single-layer boards have advantages in low-cost, low-complexity application scenarios.
PCB Multi-Layer Board:
▪ Suitable for large electronic equipment or complex circuit design, such as computer motherboards, communication equipment, high-end electronic equipment, and occasions requiring high-density layout and high performance requirements.
▪ The high density layout and flexibility of multilayer panels enable them to meet the needs of complex circuit designs, improving product performance and reliability.
4. Cost Differences
PCB Single-Layer Board:
▪ Relatively low manufacturing costs. Due to the simple structure of the single layer board, the required materials and processes are relatively less, so its manufacturing cost is usually lower than that of the multi-layer board.
▪ In the case of mass production, the cost advantage of single-layer panels is more obvious.
PCB Multi-Layer Board:
▪ Relatively high manufacturing costs. Multilayer boards are composed of multiple conductive and insulating layers and require more materials and complex manufacturing processes (such as lamination, drilling, plating, etc.), so their manufacturing costs are usually higher than single-layer boards.
However, in applications that require high performance, high reliability and high complexity, the cost of multilayer boards often leads to higher cost performance.
5. Differences In Design Complexity
PCB Single-Layer Board:
▪ Relatively simple design. Since there is only one conductive layer, the design of the single-layer plate is mainly focused on the layout of the circuit and the placement of the components. Designers do not need to consider issues such as electrical connections between layers and signal interference.
However, this simplicity also limits the application of single-layer boards in complex circuit designs.
PCB Multi-Layer Board:
▪ The design is relatively complex. The design of multilayer board needs to consider the electrical connection between multiple conductive layers, signal interference, power distribution and other problems. Designers need to reasonably plan the layout and wiring of each layer to ensure the performance and reliability of the circuit.
▪ At the same time, the design of multilayer panels also needs to consider the feasibility of the manufacturing process and cost control.
6. Other Differences
▪ Reliability: Single-layer panels usually have high reliability due to their simple structure. Although the multi-layer board is complex in structure, the well-designed and manufactured multi-layer board can also have high reliability.
▪ Environmental protection: Both single-layer and multi-layer boards can be manufactured with environmentally friendly materials. However, multilayer panels need to pay more attention to environmental issues in the design and manufacturing process to reduce the impact on the environment.
In summary, PCB multilayer board and PCB single-layer board have significant differences in structure, performance, application range, cost and design complexity. When choosing which type of PCB board to use, it is necessary to make comprehensive consideration according to the specific application scenarios and needs. For low cost and low complexity application scenarios, single layer board is an economical and practical choice. Multi-layer boards are more suitable for applications that require high performance, high reliability, and high complexity.