Are you planning to create your own printed circuit board? Or is it time for you to purchase the ideal PCB for your home use? With a printed circuit board being an important electric component for every personal and professional environment that supports other electric components usage, it’s crucial for us to invest in the best one available. But with so many options of 2-layer PCB, 4 layer PCB, 6 layer PCB, and 8 layer PCB available in the market, how do you exactly make the best purchase? Is it mainly about how many sockets or attachment areas you need inside your PCB to attach the other electric components? But in an era of technology, it’s never possible to determine the right amount of electric components you wish to use, right? Having that said, making sure that you don’t get dragged along by the most captivating or budget-friendly option is crucial to making a cost-efficient purchase.

But when you’re new and unfamiliar with the PCBs and the difference the 2,4,6, and 8 layers PCB make, it’s always a struggle to understand which one is the ideal purchase for you. But worry no more as we’re here to help you compare each of them with one another and make the ideal purchase. Sow without further ado, let’s go ahead and explore below what makes a 2-layer PCB and a 4 layer PCB different from one another, and how does the 6 layer PCB and an 8 layer PCB carry out even more differences among each other.

What is the Role of Layer in a PCB?

A PCB’s layers are simply the copper layers present on the printed circuit board. Normally, these PCB boards are manufactured around the increments of two layers, which are enough to make the board perform its function. As per this structure, if your needs are basic, then the 2 layers of copper are going to be enough to support the board for performing its desired function for you. Yet, if you’re expecting a more high-level and advanced function from your board, then adding more layers is what’s going to work for you. Eventually, the increase in two layers will end up being a 4-layer board. But in case even the 4 layer PCB board doesn’t fulfill your usage demand, then a 6 layer PCB or an 8 layer PCB is what you need to upgrade your printed circuit board to.

The Difference: 2 layer PCB, 4 layer PCB, 6 layer PCB, and 8 layer PCB

·         2-layer Printed Circuit Board:

If we start with the basic and normal type of PCB that is commonly constructed and used, i.e., the 2 layer PCB, then these boards are what many people prefer using with their basic functionality demands. These boards are also known as double-sided boards, having two copper layers only. These copper layers are comprised of a substrate material that is sandwiched between the copper layers. 

These types of boards are mainly able to mechanically support and electrically connect technical components on both of their sides. Its holes, which are also called the vias, are drilled in a way that they appear within the board with a copper lining around them. With this structure, it is easier to connect circuits from one side to the other side’s circuits connected with the board itself. As a result, these PCBs promote high-density circuit connections on a single board. 

·         4-layer Printed Circuit Board:

If we talk about the 4 layer PCB, it’s evident that the added layers expand their functionality with more copper layers in their structure. Having that said, the 4 layer PCB features 4 layers of copper inside that are laminated together in alternating layers of substrates. 

These boards also feature vias. However, the function of this board is more advanced and efficient as compared to a 2 layer PCB. In a nutshell, these boards let you attain ground and supply layers of copper in their design that prevents EMI (electromagnetic interface). This is much needed in the circuits that have RF components to add more to the efficiency and safety in the usage of these boards. Adding more to the efficient performance and added functionality, the 4 layer PCB also offers features like:

• Short return signal path
• Reduced loop impedance
• Low resistance power supply 

·         6 Layer PCB and 8 Layer PCB:

In relevance to the earlier mentioned PCB boards, a 6 layer PCB comprises 6 layers of copper in its infrastructure. These layers add more to the functionality and efficiency of the circuit board. Similar to other models, the infrastructure of this 6 layer PCB board is also similar, as it comprises each layer laminated together in alternating layers of substrates.

With the 4 layer PCB enhanced in its functionality and performance, it’s evident that the 6 layer board is a more efficient and advanced option for usage ease. One certain feature that enhances the efficient performance of this board as compared to the prior model, i.e., the 4 layer PCB, is the reduced PCB. Hence, while the 4 layer PCB can be noisier, the 6 layer PCB is more on the smart and smooth performance OCB list.

Since we use PCBs in different ways for connection with electrical components, the different criteria’s that the enhanced layers of a 6 layer PCB can offer can hugely differ from one user to another. Yet, what can be certainly identified with the reduced noise of the 6 layer PCB is the higher attainable speed that these PCBs offer.

In a similar approach, when we speak about the 8 layer PCB and how it makes usage more advanced and electrical components attachment and performance more functional – one can hardly debate on its legitimacy. Besides, when you can attain a reduced noise and higher speed from a 6 layer PCB, then it’s evident that the 8 layer PCB has much more to offer with its 8 layers of copper present in the infrastructure.

Having that said, the more the layers, the better and more advanced the efficiency. However, if we speak about comparing the 8 layer PCB with the prior PCBs, another obvious factor is the highest price rate of these boards as compared to ones having lesser copper layers inside its infrastructure. 

Choosing the Ideal PCB:

Even when you understand what the added layers in a PCB board offer, it’s hard to ensure that you know what board is suitable for you. As a result, going for more and choosing an 8 layer PCB just because you think it’ll be more efficient in the future isn’t a good enough reason to purchase that printed circuit board or make one with 8 layers of copper. 

So how do you choose the best PCB for your needs? It’s simple. Just by properly considering the below-mentioned factors, you can make the best choice for your present and future PCB usage needs. These factors include:

• Circuits Complexity: The more complex features you need your PCB to offer you, the more you will need the layers to increase. Now, if we talk about the go-getters that have a complex circuit, these boards usually have RF circuitry, switched-mode power supply, long digital buses, and similar other complex features. To meet these circuit demands, a 4, 6, or 8 layer PCB is more suitable rather than a 2 layer PCB that would only cause excessive radiation emission and compromised signal integrity when you use it for these many complex components and connection demands. Only if you made a simple circuit, then a 2 layer PCB can be a preferable choice. 
• The Density of Circuit: Another crucial feature to consider is the density. Since the 2 and 4 layer PCB offer mounting on both sides, these PCBs are considered to offer equal amounts of mounting space. However, in the 6 and 8 layer PCB, you may attain more mounting space. Now depending on the density demands in a circuit, you need to choose a circuit that won’t fail to fulfill your circuit’s demand with its mounting space. 
• Cost: Finally, the cost is a must-consider aspect of purchasing or making any PCB. As mentioned earlier, the more layers you add up in your PCB, the more it will cost you. Hence, even when you are purchasing a 4, 6, or 8 layer PCB, each added layer collection will increase the price significantly. This great increase in price may offer you great functionality. But this added functionality and pressure on your budget is of no use if your usage demand is only limited to DIY or relevant hobby projects. Therefore, depending on how much complex circuitry and capability requirements your board demands, it’s better to invest as per your needs rather than making a hole in your pocket for the added functionality that you may not need very often.

Conclusion:

If we conclude our discussion on the 2 layer PCB, 4 layer PCB, 6 layer PCB, and 8 layer PCB comparison, it’s evident that each of these PCBs has different functionality preferences and efficiency offering criteria. There’s no denying that a 2 layer PCB is also an in-demand and suitable option for many users looking for a basic functional Printed circuit board.

Yet, what adds to our usage convenience when it comes to making our technological lives more efficient and smooth is the speed and expanded functionality of what connects us to this technological world. Having that said, there’s no denying that more is better, especially when you’re talking about making or purchasing a PCB that is going to advance your electrical components usage and work/personal life convenience.

 But while we’re at it, the more, the costlier is also a trait that comes with advanced efficiency demands in technology. So the best PCB can only be determined in accordance with your usage demands and budget. Now go make the best decision. Good Luck!