It is not a secret that mobile electronics such as phones, tablets and wearables are slimming down when it comes to design. At the same time, product manufacturers are able to extract even more power from printed circuit boards and components in order to deliver new features that connect both consumers and professionals to nearly every other person on the planet. However, in order to pull this off engineers are designing PCBs much smaller and thinner than ever before.

Innovative PCB Designers Make New Products Possible

Not only are PCB designers under pressure to pack in as many components as possible into smaller spaces, circuit board manufacturers are being tasked with refining production processes to maximize efficiency and value for organizations in need of their services. In addition, reliability and durability concerns arise when dealing with smaller and thinner PCBs. In order to find the perfect solution, engineers continue to research new methods to solve problems such as overheating and low battery life.

The Rise of High-Performance PCBs

As a result of the move of the marketplace into “next-gen” technology, high-performance PCBs are growing in popularity among device makers. When it comes to advanced designs that are being installed in demanding applications, such as in the aerospace and defense industries, selecting the right materials to work under varying circumstances is essential for success. This is why industry experts continue to tackle issues surrounding the next generation of PCBs and how engineers can work to build the circuit boards needed to take projects and products to the next level. To learn more about high-performance PCBs and your options when designing your next batch of circuit boards, contact an expert at Advanced Circuits today.

According to an article published by Technology Review, electronic items in U.S. homes are estimated to have used 12 percent less energy in 2013 than they did in 2010. This is significant because during the same time frame nearly a billion more devices were sold on the market. The reduction in energy consumption signals a change in both how products are designed and how consumers behave when it comes to purchasing new devices around the house. Printed circuit boards are designed to require less energy in order to power high performance components. Televisions, computers and household appliances are increasingly optimized to perform at high levels without the need for more energy use.  As a result, Americans are able to conserve valuable resources and reduce the subsequent impact on the environment.

Printed Circuit Board Design Affects Power Efficiency

The increase in efficiency in electronics would not be possible without significant improvements in the design and manufacturing of printed circuit boards. New processes to streamline PCB production and improved materials allow engineers to design boards that meet a very strict and specific set of standards. This way, they are able to remain compliant with industry regulations and produce PCBs that support a wider range of features and capabilities. Aerospace and defense industry contractors, for example, can use improved PCBs to produce higher quality products and win more business.

As one of the few DoD Cleared board manufacturers in the US., Advanced Circuits is uniquely qualified to offer its views on this subject. The defense industry in particular, has specialized needs for advanced printed circuit boards for its guidance and weaponry systems. The DoD needs to be able to acquire these high performance PCBs at low cost. A road map that discusses the Future Needs of Printed Boards in Department of Defense Electronics Identified by the North American Electronic Interconnect Industry explains this current and ongoing need.

Advanced Circuits manufactures and assembles printed circuit boards for a number of aerospace and defense customers who depend on our capabilities to provide them with the highest quality PCBs for their applications.

Improved design software helps designers maximize power usage efficiency so that waste is reduced as well. You can learn more about improving your PCBs and submit your next order by contacting an engineer at Advanced Circuits.

A new study conducted by Research and Markets takes a look at PCB, material and interconnect trends and the needs for electronics assemblies for high-speed applications. This study, titled “Opportunities in the Supply Chain for High-Speed Electronics, 2012-2018”, explores the implications surrounding next-gen architectures and the supply chain as data rates increase. As devices and systems gain the capacity to support high-performance operations, new laminates will be needed for PCBs. In addition, components that offer advanced signal integrity, interconnect density and thermal management will also come into play. Consumers have seen much of this growth in the wireless communication sector, namely with tablet devices and new smartphones that continue to pack in features and hardware while improving performance and speed. The study also takes a look at laminates available now as well as forecasts for laminates and PCBs to 2018.

Choosing the Right Laminate for Your PCBs

Deciding on the right laminate for your PCBs is an important part of the design process. At the end of the day, you need your circuit board to connect all of your components and work efficiently in the intended application. As such, having the right laminate will allow you the functionality that you need and it can also have an effect on your project’s budget. When you are in the design stages for your PCB you should research the laminates that will work best and check with your manufacturer to ensure that the laminate you choose is compatible with their manufacturing and assembly process. If you have any questions you can contact an expert at Advanced Circuits to get the answers you’re looking for.