General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Design Technology Practice Exam

PCBs, or printed circuit boards, are known for their compact size, which allows for a more efficient use of space in electronic devices compared to Veroboards. This compactness is achieved through the use of layered designs and precise routing of electrical connections, which can integrate numerous components closely together without occupying excessive physical space.

Veroboards, while versatile for prototyping, often require more area since they rely on manual connections using wires or soldered components. Therefore, PCBs offer a significant advantage in creating smaller, more densely packed circuits, which is particularly beneficial in modern electronics where minimizing size is crucial for functionality and design aesthetics.

The other characteristics, such as larger size or more robust structure, are generally not true for PCBs in comparison to Veroboards. Rather, PCBs are designed to be both compact and efficient, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. Similarly, while PCBs can be less time-consuming to manufacture in bulk due to automated processes, this trait does not directly relate to physical size or compactness in the way the correct choice does.