A ground is easily recognized as its path chains to several nodes. Originating from a wire in the cord or battery is the ground it usually gets spread throughout the PCB in a long path. Solder points consisting of an open metal plate with a hole in the center are used to connect wires that send and receive signals. In newer PCBs, both sides are often used by adding small, conductive through-holes in the PCB. In older PCBs, usually only one side of the PCB is used. On the metal that does not need to be exposed, a nonconductive protective layer (usually light-green and called a solder mask) is used.
![ps1 controller pinout ps1 controller pinout](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9Xk9cu-F7ts/maxresdefault.jpg)
On this is added the conductive metal (usually copper) that makes up all the paths in the PCB. On this another nonconductive layer (usually dark-green) that bonds well to metal is added. The bulk of most PCBs is made of a light, highly durable, nonconductive substance with a texture similar to fiberglass. Numerous and detailed conductive paths lay out the circuits and functions for a device. In order to compact, organize, and exploit many circuits, they are often printed on a board, making a printed circuit board, ie a PCB. When a signal is connected with a corresponding ground, a circuit is completed and the device does its work.Ĭircuits are at the heart of electronics. When a switch is engaged, the connected circuit is closed and completed, and work is done by the electricity. When a switch is not engaged, the connected circuit is open and not completed, and usually no work is done. And, in most circumstances, the ground has no charge it gets its name from the fact that the ground of the earth usually has no charge and is a good place to connect the outlet of an electronic device since the ground has no unique attributes, usually the same ground (often called a common ground) gets used by various signals, acting as a sink for the charge used by signals.Ī circuit is basically a connection between different charges. In most circumstances, the signal has the added charge each signal comes with unique attributes to send unique commands. The flow of electricity from one charge to a different charge is where the signal and ground come into play. Electrons flow quickly from an area with relatively more electrons to one with relatively fewer electrons. In order to flow, electricity needs an entry point and an exit point, and there has to be a difference in charge between the entry point and the exit point.
![ps1 controller pinout ps1 controller pinout](https://i.imgur.com/CN322dP.jpg)
In order to understand the function of a ground and a signal in a switch and its device, you have to understand a few things about electricity.įor electricity to do its work, it has to flow the movement of electrons is what usually gives electricity its effect on things. While this wiring concept is simple, implementing it can be more difficult as you can see by the size of this section. Wires and connectors, solder, and/or twisting are used to link the devices to the PCB.įor quality PCB wiring, the main goals are having required signals covered by the PCB, corresponding ground and signal connections and circuits, solid and secure connections, connections that will not cross or interfere, insulation, and some level of organization. Each device has switches when the switch is engaged, a circuit between the ground and signal should complete and send the signal from the PCB through a cord or remote to the computer or console. The simple goal in wiring is to have the grounds and signals of each device linked to the ground and desired corresponding signals on the PCB. A PCB from another source can be used in replacing the electronics in a standard device, or giving communications to a custom controller.