Why A printed circuit boards is important in Electronics Industry?

The smart devices and electronics we use today are functional just because of printed circuit boards. From computers to smartphones, tabs, and other devices, all depend on the PCB. The advanced gadgets are shrinking with time, but all their features work just like their large versions, and the circuit boards made it possible.

These boards have different types to meet the needs of different devices and applications. Circuit boards will develop more with time due to the changing technology. There are many benefits of a printed circuit board that we will discuss here.

1-It Accommodates Components

Electrical devices depend on several components and PCB can contain them all. Instead of wires, there is copper plating and vias that help pass current, so the board provides a compact solution in this regard. Printed circuit boards can have any size according to the device without affecting its function. Even, different industries can use complex circuits in small devices.

2-It Prevents Short Circuits

Since connections are durable, there won’t be any short circuits. However, the manufacturing has to be good and long-lasting. But, if there are wires in a device, they might get loose, resulting in short circuits. It also becomes hard to find connection issues in wires, whereas such issues don’t exist in the circuit boards. Besides, you can easily detect any issue in a PCB and can remove it faster.

3-It Reduces the Cost

You can have cost-effective electronics and gadgets by using printed circuit boards. Even, you can produce many devices at a time if you test the PCB design and function in the beginning. Besides, a PCB does not involve lots of components that help industries develop economical goods and equipment.

4-It Helps save Time

Circuit boards can help you connect various components faster than a traditional method of hand assembling. Though it takes time to design a PCB, you can reduce it by using advanced software. You can also use an online platform for design and both free and paid options are available. In other words, circuit boards are both time and energy-saving that you can use elsewhere.

5-PCB is Effective

Whether it is a small or large product, PCB makes everything functional and compact. The electronics can work for years if they have well-developed circuit boards. So, users get confident while using advanced electrical gadgets as they find them reliable. Even large industrial and military equipment becomes durable due to PCBs. The boards are safe and make the end product reliable compared to the old products without PCBs.

6-Fast Installation

Printed circuit boards are easy to install as they have color codes and markings that help in a perfect installation. Likewise, it’s easy to remove the board while repairing or during some other issue.

7-No Electromagnetic Interference

The electronics have different components which have to face electromagnetic interference due to changing frequencies. Such issues can damage the components, making the device function slow. The printed circuit board can protect the components from electromagnetic interference. So, the products remain safe from damage and last longer.

Printed Circuit Boards and Their Applications 

Each circuit board has different capabilities, depending on its usage. Though the basic elements of all circuit boards are the same, they come up with different configurations due to customization. We will discuss some general PCB applications, so let’s begin.

PCB and Consumer Electronics

Today’s lifestyle can’t be complete if there are no electronic devices. From home appliances to communication devices and entertainment equipment, all have printed circuit boards inside. Below. you will find a few PCB applications though there is a huge range.

Smart Devices: you can’t communicate from a distance without any device, and the PCB helps a device work. From a smartphone to tablets and radios, all have circuit boards. Similarly, the smartwatch also functions due to PCB, as well as all GPS devices’ core feature is a circuit board.

Appliances: It is hard to manage a home without appliances, including refrigerators, microwave ovens, coffee machines, electrical ovens, air fryers, etc. All these products have circuit boards with essential components.

Computer Systems: the core feature of all types of computer systems is a circuit board that contains the rest of the components and elements. From PCs to laptops and workstations and iPads, all work through a PCB. Hence, almost every device with a screen has PCB and so is a peripheral system.

Entertainment Devices: life becomes boring without a TV as it gives you interesting programs, dramas, movies, music, etc. Similarly, DVD players and the latest gaming consoles are so much in demand, as they all entertain people. But, these devices can’t function if they don’t have circuit boards. Whatever smart device you use has a circuit board in it that gives it a compact design. On the other hand, such devices will work slowly with traditional manufacturing.

Printed Circuit Board and Medical Equipment

The medical industry consists of treatment and diagnostic equipment having printed circuit boards. New equipment needs more advanced PCBs, so there is continuous development in this regard. The following medical equipment has electronic parts arranged on the circuit board, such as:

• Blood Sugar Monitors
• Pulse Monitors
• Blood Pressure Monitors
• CT Scanners
• X-Ray Machines
• Ultrasound Equipment

Other than the above, researchers need different instruments in the medical field, such as compressors, microphones, control devices, etc. Remember that a PCB for the medical industry has to be highly durable and functional, as it involves health testing tools.

The devices should be highly reliable to meet medical standards that’s why their design involves more effort compared to the ordinary boards. Smart medical devices have smart and compact circuit boards.

PCB and Industrial Equipment

High-power equipment can’t survive in all environments, but printed circuit boards can help them in this regard. Those in production use heavy manufacturing equipment which depends on circuit boards. Moreover, PCBs provide automation to help an industrial sector make mass production. Let’s see how PCB is effective in the industrial field.

High-Power Equipment: many high-power devices function due to PCB which contains all essential elements. From power inverters to supplies and distribution, all have circuit boards. Similarly, many other power management devices depend on circuit boards to continue their operations.

Industrial Machines: you will see heavy machines in different factories that make multiple products, and that is possible because of the circuit boards. Various equipment like ramps, assembly tools, pressing machines, and many others need electronic elements and components. So, it’s the PCB where different components are installed to pass on heavy currents for high-power tasks.

Measurement Tools or Equipment: you need certain tools to measure the pressure, heat, temperatures, and other variables while manufacturing that further depends on well-designed circuit boards. Such PCBs are highly durable and can tolerate high heat and pressure, such as rigid and flex-rigid circuit boards. In other words, each PCB comes up with a unique design according to its application.

PCB and Automotive Industry

All new vehicles consist of advanced features like navigation tools, media equipment, monitors, and control systems, all having electronic elements.

• The navigation devices can’t work without circuit boards as they make them smart and compact featuring the same functions as large devices.
• From radio to media players, all depend on the circuit boards to have a continuous flow of current.
• Vehicles need certain control gadgets to stay safe, such as fuel regulators, engine monitoring systems, and power supplies. All these elements have circuit boards to manage them, eventually, the vehicle remains functional.
• Advanced vehicles need built-in monitors or sensors to help you detect the location, distance, and blind spots. All such operations need high-end circuit boards to prevent any issues.

Remember that PCBs for the automotive industry should be able to withstand tough environments having high temperatures, pressures, and vibrations. Generally, a flexible PCB goes well in such environments compared to a standard board. The designer and the manufacturer should develop compatible PCBs to meet automotive standards.

Frequently Asked Questions  

What is a PCB Fabrication?

A board having electrical components is known as a printed circuit board. These components are placed on the PCB through soldering. The board has pads, holes, and tracks to facilitate the current to run a device. It also gives mechanical strength to the product.

Why is PCB a Cost-Effective Solution?

 The printed circuit board can take different components that help manufacturers make compact devices. So, manufacturers don’t need more resources to develop electronic devices. It also helps make mass production and reduces the total cost of all items.

 What are the Most Common PCB Applications?

PCB has many uses, and its applications include different industries, such as medical, automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics.

 Final Thoughts

Since technology is growing fast, the demand for a PCB is increasing that’s why manufacturers should focus on its quality in terms of, material, finishing, safety standards, etc. The design and the DFM are also too important in the circuit board development. Most importantly, you must carefully choose a PCB Manufacturer that has experienced workers and the right equipment. The company should consider each detail and also test the first product before a huge production.

Would like to know more about the PCB Circuit Board or  pcb assembly and its importance? Email us at sales@pnconline.com

Written by Sam Sangani

Sam Sangani is the President & CEO of PNC Inc., a Nutley, NJ based Printed Circuit Board manufacturer. Sam graduated from L. D. Engineering College with a BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also continued his education and graduated from Steven’s Institute of Technology where he acquired a Master’s degree in Computer Science.

After completion of his BS, Sam worked as a QC Manager, for Xerox, Romania and London. He was responsible for the Quality Control of Cable and Wire Harness imports from Romania. After completing his Master’s Degree, he worked as a Senior Programmer with IBM, Tucson, Arizona. Sam was responsible for leading the Mainframe System Programming Team.

In 1997, Sam acquired PNC INC., a Nutley, NJ based PC Board fabrication Shop. From 1997-2013, Sam has made tremendous improvements and changes within PNC INC., as he added many new Products and Technologies in PNC’s portfolio. With his proven track record and leadership, PNC has never had an unprofitable year and has continued its growth yearly since 1997.

His current responsibilities are Strategic Planning, Corporate Management, New Business Ventures, Sales & Marketing, Trade Shows, Professional Services and leading productive teams to achieve peak potential. He has also utilized Lean Management techniques which have built a foundation for PNC’s high-paced growth. Sam also enjoys real-estate investing, web design & SEO, trading stocks, options, futures and Forex markets.