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This section provides an overview for universal boards as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 3 universal board manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked universal board companies as of January, 2025: 1.hps SystemTechnik, 2.PHOENIX CONTACT.
Table of Contents
A Universal Board is a board that does not have a fixed wiring pattern, in contrast to a printed circuit board, and is also called a universal board, snake-eye board, or discrete board.
Universal Board can be mounted by inserting components into the holes on the board. Some require soldering, while others are called breadboards, which do not require soldering and can be used repeatedly. Wiring can be easily done by mounting electronic components in the holes on the board and soldering them.
Universal Boards can be used for a variety of applications, depending on how they are used, since components can be freely installed and wired. Unlike printed circuit boards, which have predefined wiring and locations for electronic components, universal boards are often used for personal electronic construction because of their high degree of freedom in allowing users to install components at their desired locations. They are also included in commercially available electronic construction kits.
In cases where there is no ready-made printed circuit board available, the user must design his or her own circuit board, and in such cases, the universal board can be used to design freely.
Universal Boards can be divided into two main categories: those that require soldering and those that do not (breadboards). In the former, copper foil is affixed to the holes where components are mounted on the board, and these are called lands. Components are soldered to these lands and connected to the lands of other components with lead wires or other means.
There are two types of lands: one with copper foil on only one side and the other with copper foil on both sides. Some double-sided ones have a through-hole process, which allows for a more flexible design since both sides are conductive.
The latter type of breadboard has a two-layer structure, with a layer with holes for inserting components and a layer with metal rails for inserting wiring. Since wiring depends on the placement of the metal rails, it is less flexible than those that require soldering, but it can be easily mounted by simply inserting and removing components. Besides, since soldering is not required, the board can be reused many times.
Wiring a universal board can be done in any way you like, but to avoid mistakes, place the components on the universal board roughly as shown in the circuit diagram (select a universal board suitable for your application).
For example, to realize a single power supply circuit using an OP amplifier on a Universal Board, the components should be placed in the following order from the left: input point, input coupling capacitor, input bias circuit, inverting amplifier circuit using an OP amplifier, output coupling capacitor, output level adjustment circuit, and output point.
In addition, one horizontal row at the top of the board is used as the power line and one horizontal row at the bottom as the GND line. This visually obvious arrangement makes it easy to locate the point to be checked when debugging or modifying the circuit.
Wires connecting circuits should be made of component leads (component legs), tinned wire, or heat-resistant coated wire. For soldering, preheat the component leads and lands thoroughly so that the solder will fully fuse to them. Be careful not to get solder on adjacent lands, and use flux if the solder does not spread well.
Wire the components together using the component leads and tinned wires. Since component leads and tinned wires are conductive, wiring should be done with careful consideration of component placement and wiring routing to avoid unnecessary contact. When wiring crosses each other, use heat-resistant coated wires to prevent electrical contact.
When installing leaded components on a universal board, make sure that there is room for at least one hole so that the lead of the component will not be bent more than necessary. For transistors and other components with model numbers or other information on the package, place them in an orientation that allows you to see the component name. If a wiring mistake is made, use a desoldering machine to suck out the solder, remove the component, and correct the wiring.
Since the size of Universal Board is determined by each manufacturer, it is not always the size desired by the user. However, they can be easily cut.
*The reason for cutting into the backside of the board is to ensure that the land pattern is cut into the board to prevent accidental continuity. Note that cutting the board after soldering is finished is not recommended due to the possibility of circuit damage or injury.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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hps SystemTechnik GmbH is a manufacturer of training systems for electrical engineering and electronics based in Germany, founded in 1971. The company's training systems are designed to be hands-on and interactive, allowing students and trainees to learn by doing. Its products cover various topics, including digital technology, installation technology, electrical machines, and automation technology. These modular training systems can be combined to create customized solutions for specific needs. The company also offers various accessories like software, cables, and connectors. Its products are used by schools, universities, and businesses worldwide.
Phoenix Contact is headquartered in Blomberg, Germany, originally founded in 1923. Phoenix Contact’s Israeli subsidiary was founded in 2006 and located in Quadima Tzoran. Phoenix Contact provides tools and components for e-mobility, power, infrastructure, process industry, production manufacturing, system manufacturing, and others. Phoenix Contact’s product lines include automate including cloud computing, connect including PCB terminal blocks, “mark, assemble, and install” including hand tools, “supply, charge, and protect” including power distributors, and “switch, measure, and monitor” including relays and optocouplers.
Ranking as of January 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | hps SystemTechnik |
70.0%
|
| 2 | PHOENIX CONTACT |
30.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the universal board page as of January 2025. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
Germany
|
1 | 50.0% |
Japan
|
1 | 50.0% |
81 products found
81 products
System Gear Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 9 hours ago
Standard Response
H.ims Co., Ltd.
190+ people viewing
Last viewed: 9 hours ago
Universal board with double-sided through holes and 2.54mm pitch
2 models listed
Japan INSDAC Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 9 hours ago
Standard Response
Japan INSDAC Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 9 hours ago
Standard Response
■Features ・Multiple DC power supplies for sharing ・Two types of power output terminals
System Gear Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 38 minutes ago
Standard Response
Takachi Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
70+ people viewing
Last viewed: 38 minutes ago
A universal expansion board for Raspberry Pi. Although it is made of glass epoxy with excellent strength, heat resistance, and insulation, it is a ...
Takachi Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 2 hours ago
Universal board with through holes on both sides and 2.54mm pitch. Although it is made of glass epoxy with excellent strength, heat resistance, and...
Takachi Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 38 minutes ago
This is a universal board that uses lead-free solder in consideration of environmental protection. You can choose from 25 sizes at a low price. The...
Yokoo Co., Ltd.
290+ people viewing
Last viewed: 38 minutes ago
This is a board for converting PFC series flexible cable to discrete wiring.
6 models listed
Eblen Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 38 minutes ago
■Features A universal board of CPCI standard size that is ideal for prototyping evaluation of local I/O boards for Compact-PCI. On the panel I/O si...
