A rigid PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is a traditional type of circuit board with a solid, non - bendable substrate. It is typically made of materials like fiberglass - reinforced epoxy resin. The copper layers are laminated onto this substrate, and the traces and pads are etched to create the desired electrical connections. Rigid PCBs are widely used in applications where stability and mechanical strength are required, such as in computers, servers, and industrial control systems. They can support heavy components and are suitable for complex circuit designs with high - density components.

Flexible PCB, also known as FPC, is designed with a flexible substrate material, often a thin polyimide film. This allows the PCB to be bent, folded, or twisted, enabling it to fit into compact and curved spaces. The copper conductors are patterned on the flexible substrate, and vias are used for inter - layer connections. FPCs are commonly used in applications like mobile phones, wearables, and medical devices, where space constraints and the need for flexibility are crucial. They can reduce the size and weight of the overall product and improve the reliability of connections in dynamic environments.

Rigid - flexible PCB combines the advantages of both rigid and flexible PCBs. It consists of rigid sections and flexible sections within a single board. The rigid parts provide mechanical support and are suitable for mounting components, while the flexible parts allow for bending and folding to connect different parts of a device. This type of PCB is often used in complex electronic systems that require both stability and flexibility, such as in aerospace and automotive applications. It simplifies the overall structure of the device by integrating multiple functions onto one board and reduces the number of connectors between different circuit boards.

An aluminum PCB has an aluminum substrate instead of the traditional fiberglass or other materials. The aluminum core provides excellent heat dissipation properties. A thin layer of dielectric material is coated on the aluminum, and then the copper circuit layer is laminated on top. Aluminum PCBs are widely used in high - power applications, such as LED lighting systems, power amplifiers, and power converters. The good heat - conducting ability of the aluminum substrate helps to keep the components at a suitable operating temperature, improving the reliability and lifespan of the circuit.

PCB reverse engineering service is a specialized technical service. It involves analyzing an existing PCB to obtain its schematic diagram, component list, and design details. Advanced techniques such as X - ray inspection, scanning electron microscopy, and circuit tracing are used. This service is valuable in various situations. For example, when the original design documentation is lost, or when a company wants to improve or clone an existing product. It helps in understanding the functionality of a legacy PCB, enabling repair, modification, or reproduction of the circuit board for different purposes like product improvement, obsolescence management, or competitive analysis.