# PCB

## System definition

* PCB = Printed Circuit Board
* Other name: printed wiring board (PWB)

### What is it used for?

* It is used to connect components to one another in an electronic circuit.

### Are they different types and technologies?

TBC


## Life cycle

### Manufacturing

#### What is it made of?

* Raw materials
    * FR-4 = glass-reinforced epoxy laminate material (epoxy resin + glass fiber)
    * copper
* Chemicals
    * potassium carbonate
    * dicyanoaurate
    * sodium hydroxide

#### How is it manufactured?

* laminating
* drilling
* etching
* plating

#### Who are the main manufacturers?

TBC

#### Where are they located?

TBC



## Environmental footprint

### What are the main environmental impacts associated to the materials?

TBC
### What are the main environmental impacts associated to the manufacturing processes?

* Processes
    * PCB factory

* Energy use
    * Electricity

Data needed from manufacturer :

* production volume
* line capacity
* installed power
* water usage

### What are the potential parameters affecting environmental impact?

Impactful parameters :

* Number of layers (1 to 16)
* Surface
* Type of surface finish

##  Next steps

### What do we know we don't know?

TBC

### What are the identified challenges?

TBC

### What paths/ideas should be explored?

TBC