Learn About the Different Industries That Use PCBs
It’s safe to say that circuit boards can be defined as the foundation of most technology and electronics utilized worldwide. Back in the 1900s, the world welcomed the first printed circuit boards that made a positive impact by decreasing the expenses of the circuit board assembly.
These boards are very thin and are made out of insulating material. Additionally, they can have a metal coating, on both sides, or even just one with electrical pathways engraved into it, enabling electricity to pass through numerous parts soldered to the board.
Now, when someone mentions PCBs, many people first think of computers, however, there are a lot of different industries that employ printed circuit boards, and today, we’ll discuss how these industries can reap the benefits of PCBs.
Communications
Printed circuit boards are crucial for industries that are related to telecommunications. From office communications, broadcasting networks, and mobile phones, Printed Circuit Boards can be perceived as the base technology without which we would never have communications equipment. Nowadays, it’s difficult to imagine how people used to communicate without communication equipment, like the aforementioned mobile phone.
By the virtue of the PCBs, today, every single person on this planet can normally communicate with one another.
Healthcare Industry
The healthcare industry is employing growing numbers of printed circuit boards as technologies prosper, uncovering new abilities. Precisely PCBs play a huge role in devices utilized for monitoring, diagnostics, treatment, and many other things.
Now, when developing medical PCBs, special attention must be paid to ensuring dependability due to the fact that proper functioning can be crucial to the health of the patients.
In many instances, printed circuit boards must meet various rigorous criteria for sanitation, particularly those employed for implants.
Furthermore, boards utilized for implants and many other things, for instance, emergency room monitors, must be very small. Precisely because of this, a vast majority of medical PCBs are HDI or high-density interconnect. PCBs are employed for medical devices like:
- Medical imaging systems: CAT, CT, and ultrasonic scanners oftentimes utilize PCBs, as well as the computers that put together and analyze these images
- Infusion pumps: Infusion pumps like patient-controlled analgesia pumps and insulin provide patients with precise amounts of fluid. Printed circuit boards make sure these products are trustworthy and accurate
- Monitors: Blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose monitors, and many other devices are dependent on components to provide precise readings
- Internal devices: Peacemakers and many others that are employed internally need some PCBs in order to properly function
It’s worth mentioning that the healthcare industry is constantly reaping the benefits of electronics. As technology enhances and denser, smaller more trustworthy boards become possible, printed circuit boards will play a huge role in this industry.
LEDs
LEDs, widely known as light-emitting diodes are more and more utilized for both commercial and residential commercial lighting. Namely, they are being used across numerous industries, for example, medical sectors, automotive field, computer, etc.
These diodes are an amazing chance due to the fact that they are extremely energy-efficient, compact, and can last very long. When it comes to LED applications, PCBs play a major role by transferring heat away from the bulbs.
Furthermore, printed circuit boards are utilized for LEDs composed of aluminum that is widely known for transferring heat. Moreover, LED PCBs are widespread in residential lighting, computer, storefront lighting, medical lighting, and automotive displays.
Consumer Electronics
Computers, cell phones, and many other devices that people frequently use, require printed circuit boards in order to properly function. It’s safe to say that PCBs have become a huge part of our lives.
Manufacturers are developing smaller and smaller cell phones and computers that still come with a lot of high-quality components which need PCBs with a high volume of connections. Namely, PCBs that are being utilized for consumer electronics must be relatively affordable so that the final product can be cost-effective as well.
Manufacturers want to use trustworthy boards because they need top-notch products if they want to stay competitive in their industry. A vast range of consumer products employ printed circuit boards, like:
- Computers: Computers intended for both business and personal use contain PCBs.
- Entertainment systems: This refers to items like stereos, TV, and video game consoles. All these things use PCBs.
- Communication devices: Mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, radios, and other communication-related products rely on printed circuit boards.
- Home appliances: A lot of home appliances contain electronic parts and PCBs including microwaves, fridges, and coffee makers.
It is easy to see that the use of PCBs in consumer products is on the rise. What’s interesting is the fact that seventy-seven percent of Americans own at least one smartphone. Furthermore, a lot of gadgets that weren’t electronic before are getting advanced electronic functionality and are becoming a huge part of the Internet of Things.
Let’s Not Forget To Mention Aviation
Even though to some this may sound strange, the truth is, that commercial aviation truly needs printed circuit boards. Namely, specialized PCBS are supposed to offer first-class performance, consistency and of course, dependability.
As the number of gadgets used for commercial aviation continues to grow, brand-new interfaces are necessary to enhance aircraft security and make sure that complex and multiple networks are capable of working together effortlessly.
Additionally, this industry has a lot of demands for PCBs and concomitant equipment. Namely, people from this industry want to be provided with something that is capable of resisting difficult mission-critical and mobile environments and conditions.
Military And Defense PCBs
The reliability and safety requirements for printed circuit boards are increased when it comes to military and defense applications. Namely, the military may employ PCBs for various vehicles, defense applications, and networked computers.
All of these things must be provided with the highest level of reliability and security in order to protect the country and military personnel the right way.
Based on the facts that were provided here, it seems like there’s no life without the printed circuit boards. All joking aside, there seems to be no end in sight when it comes to the use of PCBs.
