How Do PCBs Work?

How are PCBs made, how do they make modern electronics possible, and is it ever OK to drill through them to mount a cooler...?
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[@The_Horizon]

linus sunburn reviews

[@abdulazis400]

Hi horizon

[@I_HopeThatNoOneHasThisName]

Damn

[@RivRob]

uh hi

[@marine6680]

My solder and repair training in the military, actually included training on repairing internal traces in multilayer PCBs. Our final exam required us to go down to at least the third layer and make a repair, then build up and fix the layers above that we had to disturb to get into the lower layers. A process that takes days to do properly. Repairing surface traces is extremely simple in comparison.

[@Goldendeed]

Fascinating, thanks for sharing!

[@woodduck]

soldiers soldering over solder lol

[@cdogg183]

That's cool as hell

[@NoNameAtAll2]

...why?

[@marine6680]

@@NoNameAtAll2 Because things need to get fixed, and you can’t always order a new circuit board in the middle of a war. I was taught how to repair damage that went completely through a board as well… Basically I could fix bullet holes. Cards and boxes are getting more complicated, to the point that it may not be practical any longer. But the military still uses some older equipment that the technique could be used on.

[@dougglitch132]

Linus going for the alcoholic carrot vibe 👍👍👍

[@Finkelfunk]

FUCK I DIED WHEN I READ THIS

[@marcuscoster6529]

First thing I actually LOLed at instead of just doing a nose exhale in a long, long time.

[@josgeerink9434]

+Marcus Coster exectly like me

[@josephgarry4310]

Music therapy made easy fl studio

[@Anilkumar-xt5pz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpq6ZqOeg9-qrMU 👍

[@iLOLZU42]

Everyone was in cable management hell in the 20th century,

[@thestuffman8783]

+CroGaming woah

[@stryk187]

Ah, the good ol' days (actually those are even a bit before my time). Check out "Wire wrapping (electronics)" on Wikipedia sometime. Very similar but on a tighter, much smaller scale. Brings back fond memories of the Commodore 64/128/Amiga days.

[@CodeAsm]

most answers here and just like cars, they also did alott of the "wire harness" technique. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_harness

[@clifftonicstudios7469]

@@stryk187 The tv I'm fixing from 1958 has a large PCB

[@diar251]

linus what's up with that red forehead?

[@0M9H4X_Neckbeard]

Dat new blackmagic camera though

[@StizzyChrizzy]

Yeah, it was. They remade a scene from a movie, and got burnt in the process

[@Vertigotrueshot]

Removed the damaged tattoo

[@ionceateapinecone]

probably a sunburn, Vancouver has apparently been hot as fuck this year

[@TheJigglicious]

+Joseph Stalin possibly the best comment ever made. Kudos to you

[@SugaryPhoenixxx]

Wow Linus I could watch stuff like this all day! This is so interesting, thank you!

[@k1ngN0rk]

Can you make part 2? Like explaining more about the pcb architecture?

[@isilanes]

01:12 "making it possible to fit a PC in a backpack". No wonder. As the name implies: PCB -> Personal Computer in a Backpack. Everyone knows that :)

[@stephensnell1379]

Don't be so dumb

[@RitamSanyal]

@@stephensnell1379 says someone with that kind of face😑

[@InfinityBS]

@@stephensnell1379 don’t be so naive. He’s joking.

[@ninja.saywhat]

woo finally! i've waited for this for years! i pretty much know all about the basics of pcb as i used to be an electronics student back in high school but i've always wanted to see it presented and summarized by linus. more of linus please and less luke.

[@harrisonknockers2038]

How about a Tech Quickie on how Sun-block works?!?

[@dexterdykrataigos6911]

I support

[@FreemanCreations]

crazy to think ive watched your videos here and at LTT for years now for personal use, but i recently went into sales/customer service for design and fab of Test PCBs and this video helps with the understanding of the specifics

[@fakofakoson1667]

I worked in a printing shop for some time and had to do PCBs for a couple clients (not as complex as a PC motherboard), and although really simple it was quite risky because the washing was made with sulfuric acid...... and all done by hand

[@IsyEskenazi]

Why does the CPU socket at 0:14 has a swastika? O_o

[@Dowent]

Swastika would have an opposite orientation.

[@IsyEskenazi]

"Why does the CPU socket at 0:14 has a REVERSED swastika?" happy?

[@Scrungge]

+xtom That is the worst explanation I ever heard

[@thestuffman8783]

+xtom everything is clear now...

[@Dowent]

***** yes :) :D

[@AmxCsifier]

@2:45 I thought that would was coming from the street, got scared as hell

[@gateke1]

me too , nice special effect :D

[@triadwarfare]

Going back to this video after 6 years... does Lynda still exist?

[@MattSpeiser]

I've been looking/waiting for a great video to understand the basics of PCB manufacturing. Thanks for a great vid. :)

[@RealCaptainAwesome]

best segue ever

[@jordz4089]

i love this channel, full of education and linus tech

[@youtheneyes]

i've been waiting for this video for so long. Thank you.

[@jackadam01]

I just got an ad for a product and the ad stared the man him self in the video we are all watching now. Yes the pulseway ad.

[@avi_mukesh]

Computerphile also recently made a video on this stuff. This looks like a good follow-up on the details.

[@pigolus]

I... actually didn't know how that worked before... Thanks Linus!

[@dedominator]

Linus is feeling the burn 😂

[@tjcat2997]

2:45 *cough* JAY *cough* haha :)

[@eliadbu]

RIP jay's Asrock motherboard he really killed it, didn't he ...

[@Arek_R.]

Hahah really? What a dumb moron haha!

[@speedyboishan87]

Why would anyone want to drill through a expensive motherboard, not only is drilling going to damage the motherboard it will refuse to work or Turn On...

[@stephensnell1379]

There are foolish and dumb people who would end up doing exactly that

[@lykourgakhs]

"How do PCB's work" me: Ok.. lets see what a PCB is xD

[@YOURSHORT2]

Nice video I've always wondered about how motherboards were made

[@dennisplayinglacrosse]

If I were to put a vinyl wrap on PCB, would it still function?

[@mika2666]

yes, tweet dbrand to make mobo skins pls

[@jmonsted]

As long as it isn't conductive (vinyl isn't. the glue probably isn't either.) and you don't screw up cooling, it should be just fine.

[@dennisplayinglacrosse]

Thx guys!

[@Rok_Satanas]

Also changing the application method to not use a heat dryer.

[@daffertube]

Wouldn't it melt under the heat?

[@Bytemybits]

lol shots fired at Jayz2cents

[@andrewnorfleet6524]

Haha exactly what I thought, not his brightest moment

[@martinvranovsky7085]

What? Where? When?

[@martinvranovsky7085]

Wow. I wasn't aware Jay tried to do that...

[@EngineeringNibbles]

That episode hurt so much really sooo much

[@oraviram]

Is there a video of it? Were is it!? I must see it! it.

[@jonresanovich154]

Hey man I’m not a weird or anything but I love you you have educate me so much that is actually help me in my career so I want to say thank you and if you stop making videos I’m probably gonna cry

[@hmmmyes6934]

I couldn't focus on what Linus was saying this entire video, I was too distracted by Linus' big, red forehead.

[@daveluther7955]

Thanks linus. You explain things so well

[@carlodimaandal]

Learned about this in HS. We used to make our own PCBs as one of the school projects. We designed the circuits ourselves then we covered the traces with tape and soaked them in acid then washed them afterwards. Ahh nostalgia...

[@niri108]

Deep learning fast as possible please

[@vizkiz.4431]

Linus? A second channel? *Chuckles* That can't be possible.

[@MdotAmaan]

linus the red-nosed human!

[@Jake-wz7wy]

has a very shiny noses and if you ever saw you would even say it glows like a l.e.d strip

[@JackLe1127]

it was not an led strip. It was actually the amd chip he ran underneath that got burning hot

[@Jake-wz7wy]

+Jack Le yep his fans might be broke

[@JackLe1127]

TEA N CRUMPETZ the cpu melted the fan motor

[@stephensnell1379]

Linus is the red forehead and red nose person

[@matyasamlesom1958]

This video has changed my life

[@posborn321]

Drilling through a motherboard... Jayztwocents springs to mind...

[@GuitarSlayer136]

"Coated in a chemical called photoresist" Oh cool, whats that do "Afterwards....." Oh so your not going to tell me. 10/10 educational video.

[@saskiavanhoutert3190]

Techquickie thanks for your explanation and kind regards.

[@AnteoSerani]

@linustechtips There are other ways to manufacture pcbs as well. Some are more suited towards mass production. Your video is good. It covers a more general and broad view of pcbs that is more suited towards the average pc user, but there is more to pcbs than that.

[@d3stinYwOw]

It's not exactly how PCB's for motherboards are made. they have traces between top and bottom layers etched too,and You didn't show that. They etch and make 'vias' to connect inner layers and drill holes for outer 'vias' with something called "Maltese cross" marked in inner layers of pcb to perfectly fit the holes from outer layers. my description can be wrong, too but It explained how multi layer PCB's are made :)

[@stephensnell5707]

Of course it is how PCBs are made you prune

[@firstnamelastname6118]

rencently my parents have passed away sadly, which meant i was sent to an orphanage. I was on the streets for the past couple weeks until they finally took me in. Thankfully i have a pc in the orphanage which I'm able to use. Because of the tragedy with my parents I haven't had anyone there for me and I've had nightmares ever since of the day they left for another world. Yesterday i drove over my dog while practicing for my driver's test which really ended my life. Right now i don't have much to live for, I've lost everthing close to me in my life. Because i haven't had anyone to raise me in my life, i haven't been the best at learning like other kids. I am how you say it autistic, which i find very cruel when people make fun of it. This is many reasons why i may become out of control in chat. Thanks for making vids, very thankful for being able to watch since it's the only thing that's still in my life right now.

[@DemonDante1000]

I have learned much about computing from you, sensei. You have my thanks.

[@seamusfrederick2927]

these videos just keep getting better XD

[@SFXCarly]

you really took something out of that 980ti "accident" on your forums linus

[@ScullyBrewing]

That shot at Jay in the description lmao

[@abirneji]

can't get enough quickies from linus

[@jameslowell9656]

I thought he was going to talk about process control blocks and thought that it was going to be outside the scope of the channel

[@Arek_R.]

These "small holes" are caled VIAs. And there is up to 18 layers in modern mobos. I designed/made few 2-layer PCBs and it can be quite hard, 18 layers would be a nightmare...

[@abhishekgidde]

Thank You linus

[@andrewsanchez4988]

Now what I would like to know is how pcbs are made into guitar pickups. Would love to see you guys rip apart some Fishman Fluence pickups and do some explaining....as much as it will hurt to watch lol they claim to not use traditional copper windings but instead use thinly sliced pcbs? The tech has interested me since the first time i saw them. They are some of the best guitar pickups I have ever played and would love to know just how they work!

[@galmolab]

2:43 helped me understand it a bit better so it just sends power and is easier than using cables idk who thought of this but they smart af.

[@eenayeah]

I've wanted to know about this for so long! Nice video!

[@am-hm4oz]

i have a circuit consisting of a battery, LED, motion sensor and switch. all the components are around 30cm apart connected with wires so how can i program this? would i need to include a PCB and join all the components on there?

[@mfc_plowing6591]

Hey can you guys do a video about surge protectors... there is really nothing describing what to look for and what the different ratings mean or if it is worth it to get a higher rating.

[@devjitpaul1191]

i really got a feeling of jumpscare when the lightning sound effect was played, anyone else...

[@filemot25]

It was twice as loud as him talking, all the effects were. Really shoddy editing.

[@BeHappyTo]

At this point I think they intentionally make those mistakes just to make people comment under their videos...

[@ggfilms2751]

I swear to god it just started raining like 30 seconds ago where I live and I thought it was real thunder

[@devjitpaul1191]

G&G Films lol, really my nigga :)

[@stephensnell1379]

What is it with people moaning over this video there is nothing wrong with it otherwise it would not be on KZbin

[@fireaza]

One of you guys might be able to explain this to me. Why do circuit boards have so many un-populated pads? It looks like something could be soldered there, but the trace leads to nothing. I was thinking maybe it was because they decided they didn't actually need the component in a later board revision so they removed it and left the board itself unchanged. But even first model hardware have them!

[@horicannl]

looks like its nice weather in canada. linus got a bit of sunburn

[@justinleokennedy]

Awesome and super clear video!

[@DvApps]

I love the audio levels

[@kyraa6320]

2:46 I almost had a heart attack man, I was listening with headphones and it sounds so real😂😅

[@harrytsang1501]

LOL, Linus, you are the one who drill through an LGA2011 motherboard to mount a noctua cooler and broke the motherboard

[@fskymera]

Happy Birthday Linus :D

[@tennesseeminnissi2445]

We built our own circuit board from start to finish in the Army. That was 19 years ago. I still have mine somewhere.

[@salahalosali9708]

I wish you ordered all the videos for letting us know how we could start

[@robertmotion]

Great video. Question, I'm replacing my ebike motor pcb board. The replacement has 7 holes/copper rings for wiring. Bu my original has 6 - 5V, GND, SP, H1, H2, and H3. The replacement has an additional ring for wiring labeled "K". What does K stand for in this case? Keyswitch, ohms, resistance? Can't find any information or diagrams online. And if I solder/connect the "regular" wires, will I have a problem if I leave "K" unsoldered? No info online + could use the help. /bklyn 👑

[@GTechOfficial]

Happy 30th Linus

[@nasaruddinajare9926]

Very nice video. Thanks.. Very clear information...

[@Fun--knowledge]

thank you Good lesson

[@Chris-el4hd]

Lord... I’m a noob at this stuff, but you set the record straight when you show the old school TV circuit board.

[@AwsmBuff]

Lol, I just really like this video and the amount of information it gives me!

[@YouLittleApple]

100 Layers of fiberglas challenge.

[@CodeAsm]

For the thickness of the board or amount of trace layers in the board? because most fabs can do 10 or less, 0.062inch/1.6mm (Default), or the FR4/G10 itself 3 in. (76.2 mm) thick itself. buy 10 of the smallest and stack em, and you have a 100 layer one :D but you comment was probably some kind of "gamer" or "car tuning" joke... src: www.g10fr4.com/g10_fr4_sheet_material.html

[@mejiqal]

great explantion

[@LibriumMusic]

Very interesting and informative!

[@stephengiacobozzi7785]

what is 2 pin plug on a circuit board with CN2 mean on a power circuit board

[@MasterGeekMX]

Here in the DIY electronics world we often make our own PCB without that fancy pens. The method is this: In electric stores you can buy the copper plates without holes or paths. Just the plain fibergalss with copper. Then we mark the path with two methods: simple designs can be made with permanent marker by hand, but more complex designs are printed in glossy paper WITH TONER (inkjet doesn't work), then fused in the copper with some ironing. When the thing cooled down the PCB with the paper is dipped in water so the paper soaks and can be peeled with the fingers, leaving the toner heat-sticked to the copper. Then you dip the PCB in ferric chloride (also avilable in electric stores). The parts covered in toner or marker are the protected ones and the uncovered are washed away by the chloride. Finally you poke the holes for the componets witht a drill.

[@sohailjanjua123]

Hi, I like your lecture. Thanks

[@That_fox_guy]

thanks linas

[@iconca]

Thanks sir! for usefull information

[@alwan171ify]

sir what major will you prefer.....computer science or computer information system or computer engineering?

[@mortalkombatmaster15]

imagine the cable management struggles we would have had back then xp

[@diamondboy3484]

KZbinrs: Please don't demonetize me Linus's Forehead: I would love to get demonetized >:)

[@neonhvit]

can you guys do a video on sorting algorithms?

[@rocknrollmanic]

There are other ways to make pcbs for custom circuits. I HAVENT try yet. But there are plenty of guides online on how to do this at home relatively cheap.

[@CodeAsm]

He explained basicly how the big fabs do it for obvious reasons. but at home, cost or availeble tools can make you choose for other ways. Any etchant for copper could work or even a dremel/cnc could route those traces. Ive also seen people make circuits with no traces at all, google: "pcb manhattan style", "bug style" or try protoboard. But I think i go with my laserprinter and just an cheap echant. and maybe build a CNC to do it later when I get some steppermotors. Buying a pcb from china is also dirt cheap... so maybe ill buy the controller board from there.

[@tacticalhighland2523]

awesomeness in information

[@BakoomishCips]

0:16 did nobody notice the swastika in the socket?

[@danieljohnson574]

The "卍" symbol is the reverse of the Nazi swastika - you'll also find it on several Buddhist statues

[@Japgunner]

Thanks, very interesting!

[@XylimirGaming]

Just when they finally get the color correction correct Linus goes and gets sunburnt...Nice work yo XD

[@DSCKottawa]

The making of a PCB seems almost like developing a photographic film.(Before digital cameras were widely used).

[@djscottdog1]

Some traces have zig zags to keep traces the same length. For example so that signals reach a point at the correct time.

[@Riddimsofcreation]

Finally someone who breaks down everything

[@DoubleDee364]

You guys should do IDE as fast as possible

[@psrikanth2086]

Thanks Sir. I am Indian. I like ur videos

[@AliciaBurrito]

Did I just see Lenny faces on the Lynda course at 4:11??

[@girirajhiranandani4367]

They should do more like this.

[@Jkauppa]

try blu-ray uv "burn" photoresist pcb-board/micro-device coating curing, then etch the non-cured resist and copper away

[@apersonyoudontknow3346]

Thanks I know how they work some what already this help clear things up lol

[@muhammad.2]

0:52 what a chaos

[@TheMazzken]

Weird question cause I'm new to learning about PCBs, but what do the conductive tracks serve as and why?

[@desmond-hawkins]

I know it's been 5 years and all but if you're still wondering, the conductive tracks… conduct electricity. It's much tidier to do it this way than to connect all of the components using wires. Well, you could think of conductive tracks as wires, there's not much of a difference really and PCB design software will often refer to traces as wires (e.g. KiCad does).