Entrepreneur Matt Mullenweg once remarked that “Technology is best when it brings people together.” Do you agree? Emerging technologies will continue to shape the future that lies ahead of us. As expected of our world’s wonderful innovations, change is inevitable.
Much of present-day technology wouldn’t be possible without innovations of the past. Humanity has harnessed so much power and potential in PCBs. Almost a century has passed since the first development and use of printed circuit boards. Ever since, their applications have only evolved into bigger and better things, as the boards themselves become increasingly smaller and intricate.
PCBs are the core functional cornerstone of most electronic products within the modern world. Whatever sector, industry, or field you think of utilizes PCBs in some way, shape, or form. Let’s examine closer the top five applications of printed circuit boards to know about.
PCBs: The Basis of Innovative Products
Engineers design and configure each circuit board to meet the specific functional needs of a device. The main objective of printed circuit boards is to connect electronic components on a singular surface. That being said, you’ll find varied configurations and multi-layers that provide a wider array of capabilities. These variation options include single-sided vs. double-sided boards or the use of SMT vs. through-hole design. After achieving proof-of-concept and completing thorough testing, engineers can incorporate the final designs of PCBs into end products for assorted applications and purposes.
Patient Health: Medical Devices
Technologies continue to advance rapidly in the health care sector today. PCBs play a critical role in medical devices for diagnostic purposes, dependable monitoring, and treatment solutions. Be aware that printed circuit boards within the medical sector are held to a higher quality standard due to their potential impacts on individual health.
Medical Imaging and Scanning Technologies
CAT machines, X-ray machines, CT machines, ultrasound scanners, and electronic analysis devices function on PCBs. This medical imaging machinery is key for the proper diagnosis and the provision of effective treatment strategies.
Monitoring and Reading Vitals
The ability to acquire highly accurate readings of an individual’s health vitals is possible because of PCBs. Personal and health care-grade blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose monitors rely on the complex functioning of their electronic components.
Infusion and Internal Devices
Up-to-the-minute internal medical devices—such as heart pacemakers—run on tiny PCBs at their cores. Controlled analgesia infusion pumps also rely on PCBs so they can deliver crucial medicine or insulin reliably each time.
Light-Emitting Diodes: Energy-Efficient LEDs
The popularity of light-emitting diodes increases every day for environmental and cost-saving purposes. LEDs are an innovative lighting technology that provides longevity, compactness, and ultra-energy efficiency. Printed circuit board applications for LEDs are helpful solutions to transfer heat away from the bulb. This decrease in temperature increases their average life expectancy.
LED PCBs are found in interior and exterior residential lighting, commercial storefront lighting and signage, medical lighting in surgery centers or ERs, computer displays on laptops and desktops, and automotive displays for brake lights or headlights.
Industrial Applications: Production and Equipment
Controlling machinery and manufacturing products in harsh factory conditions is a challenging endeavor. These types of industrial machines depend on robust PCB-controlled electronic components.
Industrial PCBs are generally thicker, made from hardy thermal-resistant materials with through-hole technology. Their applications include controlling heavy-duty power devices, measuring and pressure equipment, and electric drills, ramps, and assembly machines.
Automotive and Aerospace Components
Manufacturers of transportation vessels—such as consumer automobiles, commercial planes, and space-bound rockets—also use electronic components. These days, PCBs are imperative to enable advanced system features that make diverse types of travel both simpler and safer.
PCBs in automotive applications support engine control and fuel management systems, parking and drifting sensors, and navigation and entertainment systems. Innovative PCB development could make fully autonomous vehicles the norm of the automotive industry.
PCBs in aerospace applications has amplified requirements for harsher environments. PCB materials must be able to withstand extreme vibrations and temperature fluctuations. You’ll find PCBs in the power supplies of aircraft and satellites, critical communication systems for air travel, and pressure and acceleration monitoring equipment.
Consumer Electronics: Smart Tech Operations
Last but certainly not least of the top five applications of printed circuit boards to know about is consumer electronics.
Think of smartphones, laptops, tablets, TVs, microwaves, smartwatches, and so much more. Millions and millions of people around the globe rely on PCBs within their communication devices, home and work computers, household appliances, and entertainment systems. Numerous quality control and compliance measures are in place to ensure safe and efficient PCB use in products on the consumer market.
Printed Circuit Boards: Prototype Development
PCB design engineers commonly develop a preliminary prototype before full-scale manufacturing. Assembling a quick-turn prototype is a wise idea to ensure quality and functional design for end-product use. Prototypes are also ideal for developing limited-function PCBs or reliably testing a singular function of a high-density board in a complicated electronic product. Don’t forget about scenarios where an accelerated concept-to-production process is of the essence.
Is your company in need of quick-turn PCB prototypes? Look no further than Advanced Assembly. Our pioneering specialty quick-turn service is a cost-effective method to build new electronic products fast—and get the job done right. You can trust in our experience working with engineer clients around the country for a wide variety of innovative products. Advanced Assembly is here to work with you, no matter the scope of your project. Reach out with any questions you have about our professional services, capabilities, or partnerships.
