The Future of PCB Manufacturing: Emerging Technologies and Trends
The printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing industry is one that has seen many immense changes take place since the first PCB was developed in 1948. Each year since, new technological developments and trends have taken innovations within this realm in a new direction.
As technology continues to develop and advance, these changes often trickle down to the PCB industry and affect it in various ways. This includes changes to the design approach that PCB manufacturers take to adhere to the requirements of the latest devices. As well, it includes technological changes that improve the PCB design and manufacturing process itself.
It is essential to be aware of relevant emerging technologies and trends that impact the PCB manufacturing industry, as it is easy to fall behind if you allow your knowledge of this quickly changing industry to become outdated.
What are some of the latest emerging technologies and trends in PCB manufacturing?
There are a number of different emerging technologies and trends in PCB manufacturing that are worth learning about, as through these changes, the industry will be taken to a whole new level of innovation.
The following are some of the latest and greatest advances that are creating a buzz within the world of PCB manufacturing:
1. The rise of sustainability in PCB design
Currently, almost every industry has turned its attention to sustainability and has set goals relating to such changes. Global warming has made the prioritization of sustainability a necessity, and the PCB manufacturing industry is no exception.
As a result, PCB manufacturers are starting to place an increasing amount of focus on designing PCBs that are not only high-performing but are also environmentally friendly.
One perfect example of this is the development of the Soluboard by Jiva Materials, which is the world’s first water-soluble PCB. This clever new PCB design helps reduce e-waste, as it is made of a flax-fibre-based composite. Although the full potential of this new tech is still being explored, it is expected to see an increasing amount of use in the near future.
After all, environmentally conscious consumers will seek out products that are optimally sustainable, and will likely be willing to pay extra to get their hands on such items.
2. The impact of IoT on PCB manufacturing
One of the most significant technological developments in recent times is that of the Internet of Things (IoT). Many aspects of our lives are becoming increasingly integrated through devices of all types that conveniently link to one another via the internet and can be remotely controlled by wireless technology.
To meet the demands of this trend, manufacturers have been designing PCBs that are tinier and more powerful so that they are well suited to certain products (such as wearable devices). These products are smaller, more densely packed, and more flexible while performing at higher standards.
The main innovation that has made this possible is the development of flex PCBs that can twist, bend, and fit into casings or housings of any shape without compromising their performance or reliability.
3. The spread of high-density interconnect
Another significant technological trend in PCB manufacturing is the development of high-density interconnect (HDI). This has been developed in tandem with every layer interconnect (ELIC) and any layer interconnect (ALIC).
This innovation came about in response to growing demands for faster and more compact means of interconnectivity between devices. HDI has made it possible for manufacturers to mass-produce smaller wireless products that can quickly transmit signals and have higher routing capabilities and lower power consumption.
In addition to all of these functional improvements of HDI technology, the increasing power of HDI has also made it possible for PCB manufacturers to develop units that have simpler stackups.
4. The development of higher power boards
One of the main things that computer technology continues to require as it becomes more advanced is an increasing amount of energy and processing power. This higher amount of power allows these devices to perform faster and have more functions.
Therefore, manufacturers have developed PCBs that pack more power than ever before. Indeed, some of the highest-powered boards can now operate at 48V or even higher. This advancement in the power of PCBs has been inspired by the rising trend of solar energy use, as solar panels tend to run on high-range energy levels.
PCBs with higher levels of power are also critical in the mounting of battery packs in computer-powered devices. In addition, such boards are increasingly more capable of resisting interference.
How Circuits Central Leverages Emerging Technologies While Manufacturing PCBs
If you would like to contribute to the growing technological advancements that have become intertwined with so many different aspects of our lives, the first step involves developing high-performing and reliable PCBs to meet the varied needs of your particular device(s). For reliable PCB manufacturing, it is thus crucial to work with a reputable manufacturer like Circuits Central.
We offer a wide range of services ranging from PCB design and PCB prototyping to PCB assembly and PCB testing and everything in between. So, no matter what stage of the process you are in, you can leverage our knowledge, expertise, and state-of-the-art turn-key facility to come out on top with your next PCB-related project.
With over 25 years in the industry under our belts, we bring an unmatched level of experience to everything that we do. We also constantly update our approaches to various PCB processes to ensure the incorporation of the most innovative technologies and modern solutions.
No matter what industry you are in or what kinds of electronic devices you want to produce, we are equipped to help set you far ahead of your competitors when it comes to your end products.
We work closely with customers in communications, commercial electronics manufacturing, the medical field, aerospace and defense, and power and renewable energy. We handle the particular needs of our clients in each of these domains with precise and customized solutions.
For more information about our approach to PCB manufacturing or to learn more about the latest technologies that we employ in our production facility, call Circuits Central at 1 (888) 602-7264 or email us at info@circuits-central.com.