Which component does not typically belong on a printed circuit board?

A printed circuit board (PCB) is designed to provide both mechanical support and electrical connections for electronic components. This typically includes elements like transistors, resistors, and integrated circuits, which are all essential components that function together to create electronic devices.

Cables and external peripherals, on the other hand, do not reside on a PCB. Instead, they are used to connect the PCB to external components or devices. Cables act as conduits for electrical signals and power to flow to and from the circuitry on the board, linking it to various peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and monitors. Thus, they play a vital role in the overall electronic system but do not form part of the PCB itself.

This distinction highlights the role of a PCB as a substrate for internal components rather than a medium for external connections and devices. Therefore, the choice that does not typically belong on a printed circuit board is indeed cables and external peripherals.