PCB Fabrication Technology
EE-41005
Learn How Circuit Boards Come to Life, Step by Step
Ever wonder how smartphones, drones, or robots actually work? At the heart of these devices is the printed circuit board (PCB)—the unsung hero of modern electronics. PCB Fabrication Technology is a hands-on, fully online course that opens the factory doors to anyone curious about how circuit boards are made. No engineering degree required—just a desire to understand the technology that powers today’s world. Through expert-led lectures, interactive cleanroom simulations, real case studies, and a final capstone project, you'll learn how PCBs are manufactured from raw materials to finished boards. This course is ideal for learners who want more than theory—it's built to give you real-world insights into electronics manufacturing, all from the comfort of your home.
Inside the PCB Fabrication Process
The course is organized into three major stages of PCB manufacturing, helping you gradually build both knowledge and hands-on familiarity:- Material Preparation & Imaging: Get introduced to the raw materials that make up a PCB—laminates, copper foil, and prepreg. You'll also explore how cleanroom processes and imaging techniques like photolithography are used to transfer intricate circuit patterns onto the board.
- Copper Patterning & Via Formation: Dive deep into copper etching, plating, and drilling techniques. Learn how vias are formed to electrically connect multiple layers of a board, and understand the chemistry and precision involved in creating conductive pathways.
- Surface Finishing & Final Processes: Discover how boards are finished and protected. From solder mask applications to advanced surface finishes like ENIG or HASL, this stage shows how final steps ensure reliability, durability, and functionality.
Each lecture includes practical activities such as defect analysis, yield monitoring discussions, and collaborative learning to reinforce your understanding of fabrication in real-world contexts.
Course Topics
- Fundamentals of PCB Technology and Fabrication
- Cleanroom Practices and Contamination Control
- Photolithography, Imaging, and Etching
- Copper Plating and Multi-Layer Drilling
- Via Formation and Interconnect Strategies
- Solder Mask Application and Surface Finishes
- Process Control, Defect Detection, and Yield Improvement
- Virtual Capstone Project: Simulate a Full PCB Fabrication Line
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:- Identify core PCB materials and explain their manufacturing roles
- Understand cleanroom standards and contamination control
- Describe imaging processes and copper patterning techniques
- Explain how multilayer connections and vias are created
- Compare types of surface finishes and their use cases
- Recognize common defects and their impact on product quality
- Connect fabrication decisions to device performance and reliability
Who Should Take This Course
This course is designed for:- Students in electronics, electrical, or computer engineering seeking hands-on manufacturing knowledge
- Aspiring hardware developers and IoT engineers looking to better understand the production process
- Professionals pivoting into electronics or product design
- Electronics hobbyists and makers who want to level up their technical understanding
- Educators incorporating hardware fabrication into their teaching
Course Details and Next Steps
- Course Typically Offered: Online during Fall and Spring quarters.
- Next steps: Upon completion of this course, consider taking other courses in the Antenna Engineering Certificate.
- More information: Contact unexengr@ucsd.edu to learn more about this course.
Career Paths & Average Salaries
Completing this course can lead to a range of rewarding roles in electronics manufacturing, PCB design, and hardware engineering. Whether you're entering the job market or shifting careers, the knowledge you gain here aligns with industry needs and well-compensated positions.
PCB Fabrication Engineer
Average Salary: $75,000 – $105,000
Leads and refines the end-to-end PCB manufacturing process. Ensures quality, yield, and process efficiency across fabrication stages including imaging, etching, and lamination.
CAM Engineer (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)
Average Salary: $70,000 – $95,000
Prepares and validates design files (Gerbers, drills, stack-ups) for production. Ensures that PCB layouts are manufacturable, helping translate design intent into accurate fabrication.
Process Engineer (PCB Fabrication)
Average Salary: $80,000 – $110,000
Focuses on optimizing key processes such as copper plating, photoresist application, and multi-layer lamination. Works to improve yield, reduce defects, and standardize operations.
Quality Assurance / Test Engineer
Average Salary: $75,000 – $100,000
Tests and inspects fabricated PCBs to ensure they meet electrical, structural, and regulatory standards. Identifies defects and drives improvements in manufacturing quality control.
PCB Manufacturing Technician
Average Salary: $55,000 – $75,000
Operates equipment in the fabrication process, including imaging systems, etchers, and plating tools. Supports production and ensures proper handling of materials and boards.
Field Applications Engineer (PCB Vendor)
Average Salary: $90,000 – $125,000
Collaborates with customers to troubleshoot issues, improve board designs, and ensure successful manufacturing outcomes. Acts as the technical liaison between clients and fabrication teams.
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 9/29/2025