Single-Sided & Double-Sided PCBs – What’s the Difference & Its Key Benefits

Printed circuit boards stand out as a powerhouse for most modern electronic devices. From computers and mobile phones to radio and machinery, various circuit boards are used in a comprehensive range of applications. Single-sided printed circuit boards are used in many electronics, whereas double-sided circuit boards are used in high-grade technology electronics.

These printed circuit boards look like one another which often makes it difficult to choose between the two for manufacturing. Single and double sided PCB, they both provide their benefits for various applications, but what matters is all you need from these PCBs.

What are Single Sided PCBs?

Printed circuit boards or PCBs, are responsible for connecting electronic components and the boards are commonly used in a wide range of electronic devices.

Single-sided PCB is a type of circuit board with the conductive copper and components organized on one side of the board and the conductive wiring connected to the other side. These PCBs are very simple and basic.

Single-sided printed circuit boards are used in many electronics and applications, like: camera systems, printers, radio equipment, calculators, etc.

What are Double Sided PCBs?

Double-sided PCBs are similar to single sided PCBs. The only difference is that they have two-sided traces with a top and bottom layer. These boards can mount conductive copper and components on both sides of the circuit board, which enables the traces to cross over one another.

Double-sided circuit boards are the most popular PCBs as they assist manufacturers to produce complex circuits, which can benefit uses in high-grade technology applications and electronics. Whereas, double-sided PCBs are used in lighting systems, vending machines, amplifiers, car dashboards, and many more.

Benefits of Single Sided PCBs

Single-sided circuit boards are found to be the best choices for a wide range of applications due to its benefits.

Here are top 3 advantages of single sided printed circuit boards:

• Simple & Basic: The cost of manufacturing and producing single sided circuit boards are very affordable because its design is simple, basic and low density.

• Used in a Variety of Applications: As single-sided boards are multiplexed, there will be fewer problems during the manufacturing process, making it easier to produce these boards at higher volumes and at a faster rate. This is why they are commonly used in several applications and electronics.

• Highly Affordable: With higher volume orders, single-sided circuit boards can be more cost-effective.

Benefits of Double Sided PCBs

Double-sided PCBs are an extensively used component for various applications as it extends more flexibility in the design.

Here are top 3 few advantages of double sided boards:

• More Components: Double-sided boards are backed with more components, which increases the density of the circuit, and draw extra connections.

• Perfect for Advanced Applications: Double-sided circuit boards tend to be more complicated as there is more space. This makes these boards ideal for advanced electronics circuit design or demanding applications.

• Utilizing both sides of the circuit board effectively reduces the size of the board. This can be cost-effective which makes double sided PCBs less expensive.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to invest in a single-sided PCB or double one depends upon your choice and the required application.