Re-Use PCB Modules for Designing New Products

During the research and development process it can be time consuming to start from scratch, especially when working on a tight budget. By taking elements of your existing printed circuit boards and their design, your team will be able to reuse valuable parts and information that will help in the creation of new products. For example, it makes financial sense to reuse PCB modules when possible to not only save money but also speed up the time it takes to prepare a product for the marketplace.

Save Time & Resources When Updating Circuit Boards

Being able to quickly access saved PCB designs that have already been shown to perform as needed also helps cut down on the time and resources needed when updating circuit boards. An effective design in early generations leads to faster and more efficient PCBs down the line.

Design Challenges for Printed Circuit Boards

Of course, designing and reusing printed circuit boards for your applications comes with a set of challenges that must be addressed in order to be successful. Some threats to success include:

• An Eternal “Arms Race” – With the competition continuing to introduce new products and features, your organization must constantly improve on existing methodologies.
• Miniaturization – As devices and PCBs get smaller, it can be more difficult to develop circuit board designs that translate easily to future applications.
• Regulations – Meeting strict quality regulations is a necessity so you can win more contracts and grow the business. Changes to regulations require new approaches to PCB design.

Learn more about PCBs and how to incorporate new design techniques and materials by contacting an engineering expert at Advanced Circuits.

For years, epoxy laminates and glass fiber have been the foundation of the printed circuit boards in use throughout the world. In essence, these materials make up the green board that houses the components, resistors and connections needed to run the entire operation. It is no surprise that the PCB market has the largest demand for these materials, which is leading to projected growth in the industry. As more and more product makers retool and improve home appliances and other devices, the performance limits of epoxy laminates and glass fiber will be tested. For the time being, these materials will continue to dominate due to their proven track record and the need for trusted PCBs for critical and delicate applications, such as those in the medical, defense and manufacturing industries.

Could New Laminates be on the Horizon for Printed Circuit Boards?

While epoxy laminates and glass fiber have been the top choice for printed circuit boards, the latest trends in technology could usher in new materials quickly. This is due to the fact that it is unknown how the current materials will perform under a variety of tests from newer devices. For example, new wearables and other devices that need to improve performance in smaller packages are springing up every day. As such, engineers and product designers are working to find solutions that meet the individual needs of each project.  CompositesWorld reported in October of 2014 that changes were in the works, with market research firm Lucintel predicting that glass fiber yarns could change from ‘200 or 400 filaments in a 7- or 9-micron diameter, giving way to 50-filament, 4-micron yarn.’ Lucintel mentioned that manufacturers could actually move away from glass fiber due to greater performance requirements in most markets. By examining the laminates that are available to you the next time you place a PCB order you will be able to get a sense for how your circuit boards will perform under various conditions. Learn more about your options and get started on your next PCB design by contacting an expert at Advanced Circuits today.