A solder mask is a protective coating on printed circuit boards that prevents oxidation. The traditional green coating you see on PCBs is a solder mask. Some circuit boards also use different colored solderless masks. The material of the solder mask can be, for example, epoxy resin. The solder mask must also be resistant to the fluxes and cleaning agents used. Resin is a good choice for a solder mask because it is durable, effective against moisture and insulates, maintains a good appearance over time, and can withstand high temperatures. In addition, it does not conduct electricity.

We will focus on design techniques that enable better thermal management. In this article, we will discuss design techniques that improve thermal management, including some common methods for removing excess heat from a printed circuit board.