Printed circuit boards (PCB) are self contained modules and ensure the proper operation of the circuit. PCBs have survived the tests at different points of time and have earned wide acceptance across industries. Today, they are used in making of goods from toys, radios to complex computer and space applications – no circuit can be literally converted into meaningful application without the role of PCB.
Present scenario and electronic industry expanse
Prices of radios, computers and mobile phones come down because of the development in PCB technology. PCBs are transforming and accommodating the world. For example, the evolution of small-sized PCBs not only makes the devices handy, but more features embedded in a single chip in devices like calculators, cameras, GPRS, GSM, etc.
Importance
The early electronic circuit used to come with an end-end or point-point connection wiring electrically connecting the components of the circuit. Clumsy wiring posed problems in detecting made it difficult to detect issues and fix them.
Also, it was a failure on the part of the circuits to withstand the mechanical shocks and jolts. For example, short circuiting and the heat generated by the circuits owing to the long lengths of the wires and improper conducting material was another problem.
The advent of PCBs came as a boon to the electronic industry and things started getting simpler. The circuits were now free from issues that happened earlier, and added advantages of compactness, enhanced data transfer limits and more features on a single chip. They are more reliable in terms of workload.
Widespread usage
Printed circuit boards have evolved to be used in sectors ranging from simple devices to a complex satellites or missile guidance systems. The technology is advancing over the time getting more sophisticated to cater to the needs of the growing electronic industry. The present 2D and 2.5D PCB CAM software and technologies are capable of printing complex and compact PCB and have changed completely the domain with multilayer, flexible and ELIC technologies.
Role in revolutionizing the industry
Due to small size and other benefits mentioned earlier, PCB is revolutionizing consumer and industrial electronics industries. It is undergoing innovation like flexible PCB, and 3D printing is yet to see changing trends in the days to come.
To conclude, we can say that the contribution of PCB to the industry is immense. It is going to undergo multiple changes to suit the needs of users.