PCB: what it means.
A printed circuit board uses conductive traces on insulating material to connect mounted components. Conductors can be arranged on one side, both sides or multiple separated layers. Boards can be rigid or use flexible substrates. (Analog Devices: printed circuit boards)
Integration on a semiconductor die and interconnection on a PCB happen at different physical levels. A board can contain many packaged ICs along with connectors and other components. (Analog Devices: printed circuit boards)
Put the definition to work.
The board and the IC are not the same thing. An IC is one component that may be mounted on a PCB alongside resistors, capacitors, connectors, and other devices. (Hybrid Electronics glossary)
Questions to ask next.
Use these questions as a reading checklist, not as a device-selection recommendation. Exact manufacturer documentation takes priority over a general definition.
- Board stack and routing needs
- Component footprints and orientation
- Assembly and interconnection requirements
For the broader explanation, explore the complete integrated circuits guide. This page defines the term; the companion guide connects it to the rest of the system.
Common PCB questions.
Must every PCB use through-hole components?
No. PCBs support surface-mount and through-hole assembly methods. The board design and component packages determine the required mounting arrangement. (Analog Devices: printed circuit boards)