Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are critical elements of almost every electrical and digital device we use today. The most common multilayer boards are four, six, eight, and 10 layers. However, it is possible to manufacture PCBs with over 42 layers for more complex electronic circuits. Let’s review a few more common applications where PCB assembly houses and the product they make help us every day.

How do PCBs operate every day?

As we discussed earlier, PCBs are used almost everywhere, from the smallest phones to the biggest machinery in manufacturing plants. Some of the common areas PCBs are used include:

  1. Medical Devices: Monitoring, diagnostics, and treatment equipment all make use of PCBs to ensure proper medical care to patients. It’s crucial that PCBs function properly in these settings, as a misfire could be risking a patient’s life.
  2. LED Applications: Not only are LED lights energy efficient and compact, they made use of PCBs! PCBs are most typically used in LEDs to transfer heat from the bulb because high temperatures decrease the longevity of LEDs. PCB assembly houses must use aluminum for LED technology because it can transfer heat better than other metals.
  3. Consumer Electronics: The computer or smartphone you’re reading this on right now requires a PCB to function. In fact, most of the electronics you use every day require PCBs. Your television, game consoles, and even your digital clocks all make use of PCBs.
  4. Automotive industry: The automotive industry uses electronic components in multiple areas of vehicle manufacturing. PCBs used in cars must be reliable, resistant to extreme temperatures, and able to function through vibrations. A PCB assembly house must be conversant with the industry demands and advice on the most appropriate PCBs. Thru-hole technology is ideal for making PCBs to be used in cars because of their durability. Automotive components such as control systems, navigation, and entertainment systems as well as sensors all require PCBs to function.
  5. Aerospace Components and Maritime Applications: Some of the electronics used in aerospace as well as marine time vessels have similar requirements as those in the automotive industry. These PCBs are required for navigation, monitoring, control, and communication systems, among others.

Nearly every sector needs PCBs, from consumer devices to industrial equipment. The critical need for PCBs means that PCB assembly houses have no room for errors and must conduct thorough PCB inspections.