Printed Circuit Board Assembly

PCBs are the fundamental building blocks of most electronic devices that we use today. They contain conductive pathways engraved on laminated copper sheets inside of an insulating substrate, and they connect small integrated circuits (ICs), discrete components, and other electronics through a series of soldered connections. When complete, the result is a fully functional electrical circuit that can perform a multitude of functions in devices like mobile phones, laptop computers, and cars.

Modern PCBs can be single- or double-sided, with or without a back surface. They can also be made from rigid or flexible material. Originally, most electronic components had wire leads that connected them to the PCB through holes in the insulating substrate. These wires could become tangled, and the design was difficult to debug or maintain. With the advent of printed circuit board assembly technology, these tangled wires were replaced by the copper PCB traces that are now used in modern electronics.

There are many different industries that commonly use PCBs. These include consumer electronics, automotive, military, and industrial. They are found in everything from laptops and smartphones to car engine control systems, antilock brake controls, and audio equipment.

Types of Industries Commonly Use Printed Circuit Board Assembly

Consumer electronics use many types of PCBs, including motherboards, IC chips, capacitors, and other components that are vital to the function of each device. Many consumers rely on these electronic devices for work and play, so it’s no wonder that the demand for these products is strong.

The automotive industry also relies on PCBs, especially in newer vehicles that incorporate advanced features like digital displays and electronic ignition systems. This includes the power relays, antilock brake systems, and battery control systems that are now commonplace in most cars.

Increasingly, people are taking their fitness and health more seriously, which has led to the rise of wearable devices that track activity like heart rate and the number of steps taken. These devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, are powered by quality PCBs that handle microprocessors responsible for control.

Industrial applications often require PCBs that are more durable than those found in consumer electronics, due to the harsh physical environment of warehouses and production facilities. They may be thicker and use thru-hole technology, or they may be built with more durable metals to withstand the rough handling and vibrations of heavy machinery.

Despite the demands of manufacturing for industrial PCBs, they continue to grow in popularity due to advancements in technology that allow more functions to be built into smaller packages. PCBs can be used for robotics, industrial IoT tech, and other types of automation that make manufacturing operations more efficient and safer. This has increased the demand for these high-performance, low-cost devices. PCBs are also becoming increasingly common in medical devices, such as monitors and implants. These devices can be made from flex PCBs, which have a thinner, more flexible design that is easier to install in tight spaces. They can also be manufactured using high-density interconnect designs, which reduce the number of copper lines and minimize the size of the board.