Glossary of PCB Terms (Introduction)
05/01/2026
As circuit board designers, the understanding and effective use of terminology are essential elements in the process of searching for information as well as communicating with customers, factories and suppliers; toward the ultimate goal of producing high-quality boards. This article, the first in our series, is the foundation for building a database of the PCB terminologies you should know.
PCB (Printed Circuit Board) / PWB (Printed Wiring Board)
An electronic assembly that uses metal conductors (usually copper) to create electrical connections between components. The mechanical structure of PCB is made from layers of non-insulating material and highly heat-resistant insulating material interspersed. PCB only includes the circuit etched on board, without any electronic components assembled.
PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly)
The entire process of turning a blank circuit board into a board with its necessary electronic components. The PCBA process includes passing the unpopulated (blank) board through PTH and SMT processes, which provide the board with its electronic components that are then soldered.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
The use of computer tools to develop and implement a PCB layout, create the PCB design files which are used during the fabrication and assembly of the board.
ECAD (Electronic Computer-Aided Design)
The software is used to design and create electronic structures, allowing an electrical designer to create a PCB layout from a schematic.
MCAD (Mechanical Computer-aided Design)
The software is used to design and create mechanical systems, allowing the designer to create physical structures such as device enclosures and mounting components.
CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)
The use of computers and programs to control the equipment and operations that produce the PCBA.
Mother Board
The main circuit board of the system unit serves as the foundation, which carries key interconnections and supports the primary functions of the device.
Daughter Board
Expansions board that connects with the motherboard directly to enhance the functionalities of mother board.
Schematic
A fundamental circuit drawing shows the functionality and connectivity between electronic components using a standardized symbol system. One of the most common standards for symbols is IEC 60617.
Netlist
A list that containing the electrical connections between the components in textual format, used to carry out an electrical test (E-test) to find incorrect or missing connections.
BOM (Bill Of Materials)
Essential information list about electronics components used on board, which is served for the accurate placing of components in design and assembly process.
MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)
A series of numbers assigned by the manufacturer to identify each components type.
Reference Designator
Code assigned by the designer, including letters indicating class (capacitor, resistor, etc.) and numbers to identify the component’s specific location on board.
DFM (Design For Manufacturing)
Process of designing products with optimum manufacturing efficiency in mind regarding time, money, and quality.
DFT (Design For Testability)
Design with testability features by inserting some logic circuits into the existing design without changing the circuit’s functionality, thereby reducing the difficulty and cost associated with testing an integrated circuit.
Reference:
- Zachariah Peterson (2021, August 28). What is a PCB? Retrieved from: https://resources.altium.com/p/what-is-a-pcb#types-of-pcbs
- Mark Harris (2022, December 4). What is the Difference Between ECAD and MCAD Software? Retrieved from: https://resources.altium.com/p/what-difference-between-ecad-and-mcad
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