In that sense, the continuous need for technological advancements and implementation will inevitably call for the advancement of PCBs. In this post, we’ll cover three of the most likely future trends of the circuit board.

What does the future hold for the circuit board?

3D printed electronics

3D printing technology is one of the most interesting and innovative technological advancements in recent years. From 3D printed tools to complex digital designs, 3D printing technology is traversing almost every industry, and PCB manufacturing is no different.

The technology is already being used in PCB manufacturing and is predicted to revolutionize how future electrical systems are designed. The technology allows PCB manufacturers to print a substrate item layer by layer, then add liquid ink on the parts that contain electrical functionalities. Future advancements in this mode of PCB manufacture will pave the way for the innovation of circuits that can take any shape imaginable.

Flexible PCBs

Between flexible displays, wearable electronics and medical applications, the electronics industry is pushing increasingly toward flexible PCBs. Flexible PCBs can handle more stress than their rigid counterparts. They can even be folded into awkward 3D spaces. This makes them very useful in applications where bending is a common occurrence.

Biodegradable PCBs

Electronic waste is one of the biggest environmental concerns in the modern era. Considering the number of electronics a person goes through in a decade, coupled with the industry’s trend for short-lived electronics, we’ll need a drastic solution to minimize electronic waste.

Some scientists are proposing that we attack the pollution problem by changing the PCBs themselves. This would mean switching from traditional PCB manufacturing materials to more environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials. There is also talk about switching up the harmful etching chemicals used in today’s assembly process with more environment-friendly alternatives.

The bottom line

PCBs have come a long way since they were invented. What was once a big rigid blocks is now the slim, compact designs we know today. As the future unfolds, we’ll see further advancements in PCB technology. Are you ready to embrace the future? Call us today for all your PCB needs.

It is no secret that the market for wearable technology continues to grow at a fast rate. Smartwatches, fitness trackers, biometric readers and more are all sought after for their ability to connect consumers with their existing devices. However, while wearables continue to add in new components and features, the fact remains that consumers demand high quality data that they can then analyze. High quality printed circuit boards are required in order to make this happen.

Zulki Khan’s article of September 28, 2015 in Embedded.com, Fundamentals guide wearable PCB designs, discusses finding the ‘sweet spot’ with PCB laminate materials that are cost-effective and that deliver the characteristics necessary in today’s wearables, such as low dielectric loss. Khan also points out: “Wearable PCBs require much tighter impedance control, which is an essential element for a wearable device, resulting in cleaner signal propagation.” Khan continues with a comparison of FR4 and Rogers 4000 Series laminates and declares: “Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for Rogers 4000 Series has exceptional dimension stabilities.” This discussion continues on EETimes.

Since the market for wearable technology is also exploding for first responders, aerospace firms and defense applications, it is necessary to tool your product to provide the most value to the end user. Due to the size of the product, PCBs must be made smaller and thinner than ever before while delivering accuracy that older generations of technology failed to accomplish. As the market for wearable technology expands, expect more focus to be put on biometric sensors and accuracy over calling and texting features.

Looking Toward Future Printed Circuit Boards

As with all technologies, printed circuit boards continue to evolve over time. From the earliest PCBs, which were made from materials like Bakelite, Masonite and even layered cardboard, to the advanced laminates used today, a lot has been done to improve PCB design, function and performance in the last century. New printed circuit board technologies, such as flex circuits and those created from 3D printers, are being tested as engineers continue to look for ways to maximize value while minimizing costs. Stay up-to-date on the newest capabilities for PCBs and learn more about the laminates and materials available for your next order by contacting an expert at Advanced Circuits today.

With the amount of mobile devices in the world growing faster than the global population, a serious question must be addressed. What do we do with all of the consumer electronics and other products when they are no longer in use? It is clear that piling devices up in landfills has a drastic effect on the environment and our economy. Researchers at the University of Illinois are working to tackle this problem by developing printed circuit boards that are soluble and will essentially dissolve completely over time. This technology is primarily aimed to assist the medical industry, but would also do wonders for the world of consumer electronics. There is still much to be developed and worked out in terms of ensuring that components work the same, if not better, than what is available now.

Potential Applications for Soluble Printed Circuit Boards

In order for soluble printed circuit boards to succeed on the market and earn worldwide adoption, product designers and engineers in all industries must find ways to integrate the technology into everyday applications. Potential uses for this new technology that could be seen in the coming years include:

• Medicine – Brain monitors and other medical devices that need to be implanted can be made form these components so that once they have served their purpose they do not need to be removed.
• Cell Phones – Cell phones and other portable electronics end up in landfills or desk drawers when people stop using them. Instead, they will now be able to safely and responsibly recycle.
• Machinery – Machines that rely on PCBs can have their parts easily swapped out as needed without needing to start from scratch, saving time and money.

Learn more about the capabilities of PCBs and how you can ensure your next project reaches its full potential by contacting an expert at Advanced Circuits today.