However, from the materials available to heat resistance, from transfer rates to size, circuit boards have evolved a great deal over time. They also continue to change as our demands do. Not sure what that change might look like as we move forward? Let’s take a few minutes to explore some of the most important current and emerging trends in circuit board design.

Medical Devices

One of the most notable trends today is the spike in demand for medical devices. These run the gamut from hospital and medical clinic equipment like ventilators to devices used by EMTs and paramedics and those designed for consumer use. Circuit board design for medical devices must meet stringent requirements in terms of safety, reliability, heat resistance, and more.

Wearable Devices

From medical devices to fitness trackers, there’s a massive shift toward wearable devices. These must contend with a broad range of stressors that other devices do not face, although mobile devices, such as smartphones, come close in some cases. These factors range from dramatically decreased footprints to how to safely discharge heat and even water resistance in some cases.

Embedded Antennas

Today’s low-profile electronics demand something more than massive mast antennas, and designers have offered up embedded antennas right in the circuit board. Of course, this requires some advanced materials and unique design considerations to ensure full functionality. They play a role in Wi-Fi enabled devices, IoT devices, and much more.

Lead-Free Designs

Another important trend is the shift away from lead-containing laminates. Lead has played a role in circuit board design for decades, but it appears to be slowly falling by the wayside. Why, though? It’s largely to do with the higher heat levels that some of today’s devices must contend with, which would reduce lead to a toxic puddle at the bottom of the device. New lead-free laminate materials are being introduced to cope with those high heat levels and maintain their structural integrity at all times (not to mention eliminating those toxic fumes).

High-Power Boards

Just as circuit board designs must contend with higher heat levels than ever before, they are also being designed for higher and higher power levels (which also affects heat, of course). Most of these boards are above 48 volts, and they can be found in a wide range of applications. Many of them harness solar power, while others are intended for use within electric vehicles. IoT devices, battery-powered devices, and those with additional components – all of these are high-power applications.

The Growing Role of IoT Devices

As touched on above, IoT devices are having a profound impact on circuit board design. One interesting trend here is that the PCB industry is expanding. In the past, it was largely focused on consumer electronics. Today, that is still the case, but there is a growing focus on serving industrial needs because this is where the vast majority of IoT devices can be found. While Alexa, Siri, Ring doorbells and the like are all being integrated into homes, the real demand is within the manufacturing and industrial sector where entire production lines are now integrating internet connectivity and being networked together.

Not only does this mean that there is an increasing demand for circuit board design and manufacturing, but that PCB designers face some unique challenges. One of those is the change in what “protection” and “security” mean. Previously, it was really all about protecting the circuit board against environmental changes. Today, though, it is becoming more about prevention against tampering.

Flex and Rigid Flex

Previously, both flex and rigid-flex boards were relatively rare in the PCB world. Today, that’s increasingly not the case. That’s due to a couple of the trends that we have already discussed. One of those is the rise of medical devices – ideally suited for flexible circuit boards. However, flex boards are also well-suited for consumer electronics, for use in a range of different sensors connected to IoT devices, and even medical implants.

On the other hand, rigid-flex boards combine the benefits of both flexible circuit board design and rigid boards. The result is a board that “plays well with others,” which makes these well-suited for use as sub-boards and for creating additional layers.

Waste Control

Waste is a growing problem. This is particularly true of e-waste. Finding ways to deal with the growing mountain of disposed-of electronics is a challenge, but one option is to use biodegradable circuit boards. Biodegradable PCBs offer some light at the end of the tunnel and a way to start greening up the industry. While workable circuit board designs using biodegradable materials are still some way off, they are coming. It will require the design of new substrates, as well as a shift away from chemical-based etching processes in many cases.

A Full-Service PCB Manufacturer

From IoT devices to wearables to future-looking technology, Advanced Circuits delivers critical capabilities. With over 30 years of experience, our team helps bring circuit board designs to life on any scale. We understand that each client’s needs are different, and we’re happy to produce everything from a single prototype to massive production runs. We work with clients in the defense industry, IoT, automotive technology, and virtually every other sector, as well.

Advanced Circuits: Your Go-to PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Resource

Whether you need end-to-end assistance, or just want to create a test board to explore your designs, we can help. With the best turnaround time in the industry; weekend turns; same day turns and more, it’s no wonder our clients keep choosing Advanced Circuits for everything from prototype PCBs to large PCBs runs. Contact us today for an instant quote or to learn more about our capabilities.

They should get quality work with a quick turnaround time while having someone they can talk to who helps ensure they stay competitive against other companies. However, knowing what they need from the PCBs for their circuit designs doesn’t always mean it’s easy to immediately find the right company to step into their corner. We’ll share a few tips to make that process easier.

Know the Right Questions That Should Be Asked

When a person chooses someone to create their PCBs, it’s essential to ask them questions to be sure they can handle their needs. Sometimes the answers to the questions can be found on company websites and reviews. Other times individuals might need to contact the company on their own and ask the questions that are important to them. Having answers will provide peace of mind that they’re choosing the right company for their needs.

How Much Experience Does the Company Have?

Experience is important for any product or service that someone chooses to pay for, whether that’s a car repair or PCBs to fit their circuit designs. When it comes to printed circuit boards, a manufacturer’s experience is essential to ensure customers get boards that are right for their needs. Knowing how much experience a company has will give insight into how many resources they have and what amount of knowledge is available. It also shows competence if a PCB company has been in business for a long time. That means they have adapted to the times and continuously put out great products.

What Certifications Does the Company Have?

This is another question that can speak to how qualified a company is with PCBs for a person’s circuit design. Certifications typically require a third party to verify that the company complies with certain standards or requirements. For example, IPC creates standards with regards to PCBs and industries related to electronics manufacturing. Any company someone decides to work with should be capable of meeting the standard required by their products and industry. This includes broad regulations as well as those that apply only to their industry. The best choice is a company that has experience working with other people in the same industry.

How Does the Company Stand Out?

This might seem like a broad question that could have any number of answers, but it can help people narrow down the right business to help with their product. This is especially the case when they have a few options for companies that offer all the services and products that they need. This question can be as simple as asking what makes the business different from others or can delve into what value-added services are provided. For example, Advanced Circuits can help with their circuit designs by providing free PCB design and file check software which will save customers money and time.

Important Considerations When Choosing a PCB Company

The reality is that there are tons of companies that provide PCBs and many of them also have services to assemble and create circuit boards that match specific needs. This can make it a challenge to choose between them since some companies may appear to be quite similar. However, there are a few things people can look at early in the search to get a grasp on which company may best fit their needs.

Types of Products Provided

The first thing for people to check is what products are offered by a company to be sure they even provide what is needed. If the company specializes in the needed products, that’s even better. Once they know the products exist, they can find out more about the pricing and quality of the products.

For instance, what kind of PCBs are available? These can range from rigid to flexible and rigid-flex. They might be metal core, aluminum backed, or hybrid board. People can ask about which substrates are used in the board. They can also look into the quality and consider the prices and how they stack up to the competitors. All of these things can help with the decision.

Services Available

In addition to products, people should consider services that they might need. If the company offers everything they need, they won’t have to go between businesses to get their product ready. Some of the services that should be considered are:

• Prototyping – Ability to create prototype PCBs before moving into production so customers can reduce costs and timeframe through thorough testing.

• Layout and Design Services – These can speed up their production by offering a complete design or providing software to make someone’s own designs.

• File Review – File reviews can help by ensuring a design is free of errors and that the company has all of the needed components to start creating its PCBs.

• SMT Prototype Stencils – Stencils are laser cut and made of stainless steel foil to ensure the solder is placed in the right areas of the PCB. The stencil helps with accurate circuit designs.

Other services that can be helpful include DXF to Gerber conversion, panelization, and PCB design for manufacturing services.

Accessible Capabilities

It’s also important to be sure the company is capable of offering what is needed for a customer’s PCBs. This includes everything from being capable of handling the size of their order to having a certain lead time and offering the right layers on a PCB. Other things to consider are the surface finish options available, the via options, specs and tolerances, and other things that they prioritize with their circuit designs. It might take some time to get answers to all these things, but once someone does, they will know whether a company is right for them.

Advanced Circuits is the third-largest manufacturer of printed circuit boards in the United States and offers excellent customer service and reliability. The company also offers a variety of services to customers like free PCB layout software (PCB Artist) and a free PCB file check. Those who want a streamlined PCB company in their corner can get in touch with us to learn more.

Benefits of Today’s PCBs

As mentioned, printed circuit boards today are compact. Even though they are smaller, they can have a larger number of components on them. This means that not only is it possible to make technology smaller, but it’s also possible to improve it. They can be extremely complex, allowing for far more functionality in a smaller space.

Printed circuit boards also tend to be far more reliable than they were in the past. This is because of the way they are created and because they don’t require leads to connect the various components. Instead, they can be soldered right onto the board. This means no broken leads, better overall reliability, and PCBs that don’t suffer from the same types of problems they did in the past.

Another nice benefit is that the PCBs today tend to be affordable. It is possible to create high-quality boards that will last, for less than you could in the past, even though they are more reliable and have better functionality.

Using PCBs allows you to create the types of electronic devices you need no matter how simple or complex they might be. The size of the boards and components means that it is often possible to shrink the size and the weight of the device, which can drive down your costs even further.

Create the Best

If you are creating a printed circuit board design, for your own needs or your company, you naturally want to create the best. The board needs to do exactly what you need it to do, and it needs to be as efficient as possible. In the past, when creating a PCB, the design work started in the mind and then moved on to breadboard testing before creating the board. Today, the work still starts with an idea, but the means used to take that idea and move to production is a bit different. Fortunately, it is also far more efficient. Let’s look at how it’s done.

Figure Out What the Board Needs to Do

The first thing you will have to do is consider what the board’s functions will be. What type of device will the board be used to control? What do the device and the board need to be capable of delivering? Knowing what the board needs to do and how it will function in the machine will help you get a better idea of how to design it. Once you have your idea firmly in place, you can move on with the design.

Use Software to Make the Process Faster and Easier

Today, the best and simplest way to create a PCB is by using software for the design. Of course, you need to be sure you are choosing only the best software for the job. There are many options on the market, but that does not mean that they will all do a good job. It’s also true that some of the pieces of software can cost thousands of dollars.

Instead of using expensive software, or software that doesn’t have all the features you need, you will want to check out our PCB Artist software, instead. This is fully-featured software that features more than half a million parts and up to 28 layers. The software is intuitive and easy to use, so most people will not have any trouble getting started and creating their PCBs.

Of course, one of the best features of the software is the price. When you choose to use PCB Artist, you won’t have to pay anything. We provide this software entirely free because we want to make sure that you are getting the best possible tool to create your PCBs. This will help to make your work easier, and it will ensure you are happy with the results when we manufacture those boards for you.

The software also has a way to check the board to ensure there are not any issues. Additionally, we will provide you with a free engineer check and review. This helps to cut down on any potential issues that could otherwise arise with the board.

You Need to Test the Boards Before Mass Production

Of course, even when you have a board that you are certain will work just the way you need, it is still a good idea to get a prototype. Ordering one or several of the prototypes is a good way to ensure the board works well when it is used in the real world. You can test it out in the electronic device to ensure that there are no issues with overheating and that it functions as it should.

If there are issues, you can correct them and then choose another prototype. Once you are satisfied with how it works, you will feel more comfortable placing your full order.

Always Choose a Manufacturer with Quality Materials and Facilities

When buying PCBs, you must learn more about the company that will be doing the manufacturing. You want to be sure that they have the knowledge and experience to provide you with what you need. You also need to know that they are using only the best quality materials in the PCBs.

Advanced Circuits understands your concern. We’ve been in business for a long time, and we aren’t going anywhere. We have state-of-the-art facilities that are used for manufacturing the PCBs you need. We always use the best quality materials possible, and we strive to get your boards to you as soon as possible. We have a fast turnaround time that you won’t find with other companies. Put your trust in Advanced Circuits and see what we can do for you.

Develop a Strong Idea

Perhaps you have a great idea for a printed circuit board that you want to create for a large project you are developing. Maybe you need to make improvements to the boards you are currently using. Regardless of the reason, a circuit board always starts with a need and an idea. This is a very important phase, as it will be when you are making choices and decisions that can affect the rest of the design process.

Create a strong idea and have an understanding of how to make it work, but do not become so married to the idea that you are not willing to make changes that will make the end result that much better.

Turn the Idea into a Design

Once you have a strong idea, it is time to turn it into a design. Creating the design of the PCB itself is easier than ever today thanks to various types of software that are available. If you are looking for quality software, consider PCB Artist from Advanced Circuits. It has the largest component library of software in its category and it is easy to use. There are also tutorials on how to use the software right on our site. PCB Artist has more features and options than expensive software options that sell for thousands. One of the best things about our option is the price. It is entirely free.

You can take your time to learn how to use the software properly and to create your design. You might even find some ideas that you hadn’t thought of before.

Make Sure the Design Works

Once you have built your design, it is important to make sure that it works. The file check software we offer, FreeDFM, will help with this. You can run the checks and make changes to the design to make sure it works properly. That will then provide you with a printout of the design. It makes it easy to see if there are any issues that will need to be fixed. If there are, that is the time to make those changes. You want to be sure that you have a high-quality file that will actually work.

One of the benefits of working with Advanced Circuits is that there is around-the-clock support. This means that you can always reach someone in person at the company. You can be in contact with a CAM engineer at any time of day if you have questions or concerns about your design that you want us to manufacture. The files will even be checked by an engineer before moving forward.

This is a huge benefit that is not available everywhere. There are some companies that will take the files, move forward to the PCB assembly, and provide circuit boards that do not even work properly. Knowing that everything is working properly gives you confidence going forward.

Get a Quote

You will be able to get an instant quote, so you have a good idea of how much you will have to pay for the services that you have chosen. Keep in mind that our company is able to provide both large and small orders. In fact, you can even get a prototype if you would like. If you only need to have a prototype right now for your project, you can get one. It will then be possible to come back and order more of the PCBs as needed. Having a prototype that you can test out with the other components in your design is a huge benefit. It will give you more confidence in going forward with the design.

Move Forward with Manufacturing and PCB Assembly

After you are certain that the design works properly, you can then move ahead through the manufacturing and PCB assembly process. While there may be other companies offering these types of services, there are a number of benefits to choosing to work with Advanced Circuits. We do all of our work in-house since we have a large facility and the capabilities. This means that we aren’t a broker and you never have to worry about your items being made by a company that has been outsourced to.

There are many features and options available through the company that can help to make us the ideal choice for your PCBs from the initial stages all the way through PCB assembly. One of the other benefits is the speed of shipping that we can offer. In some cases, it is possible to have the items shipped on the same day. Even if you do not have same-day shipping, you will find that it takes just a short time for the PCBs to be made and then sent to you. This means less wasted time before you can start using those boards in your company’s projects, whatever they might be.

Get Started

It takes time to develop a circuit board design, and it takes time to make sure that the design is right. You will find that by working with the right software, such as PCB Artist mentioned above, and by working with Advanced Circuits, many of the more difficult elements can be made quite a bit easier. Take some time to look at all of the services and options that are offered through Advanced Circuits and get started. It’s time that you moved ahead with your design. It might surprise you just how easy it is.

Top Notch Support for Circuit Board Fabrication

Advanced Circuits is well known for its outstanding service.  When you source your circuit boards from Advanced Circuits you can be sure to get personalized support from a dedicated team that is ready to assist to ensure a smooth ordering process.  Customers can count on the industry’s largest support team that includes 24 hour live technical support Monday through Friday and even Saturdays until 4pm EST.

One Advanced Circuits customer says, “I was quite impressed with fab managers even calling me past 9 pm to obtain a clarification on a board issue that arose. This is the first time I’ve ever been able to straighten out a fast-turn PCB order from the middle of a shopping-mall food court”.  Our sales and support team treat each and every order as a time-sensitive order and provide immediate communication and full documentation to help resolve any issues that may arise quickly and efficiently.

Advanced Circuit Board Qualifications & Certifications

Electronic design engineers and some of the world’s top brands rely on Advanced Circuits for high quality precision craftsmanship for their circuit boards.  The company operates three USA based manufacturing facilities with advanced PCB industry certifications and the latest state-of-the-art circuit board manufacturing equipment to offer high accuracy and precision fabrication.  Powerful PCB solutions range from the simplest designs to the most rigorous requirements for the medical, commercial, defense, and aerospace marketplace. Advanced Circuits is MIL-PRF-31032, MIL-PRF-55110, AS9100D, ISO 9001 Certified, IPC 6012 3/3A, IPC 6018 Class 3 Qualified, and ITAR Registered as well as being DOD contracts ready.

To learn more about Advanced Circuits circuit board manufacturing capabilities, certifications, and innovative PCB fabrication services, please contact your Advanced Circuits Sales Representative or call 1-800-979-4722.

• Converting the Schematic to PCB Layout
• Design Rule Check
• In-App PCB Ordering

PCB Artist™ makes it extremely easy to “translate” your PCB Schematic to your PCB layout.  Simply click on PCB Artist™’s Tool Menu and select the Schematic <–> PCB option in the dropdown.  Then, hover over to Translate To PCB.  A shortcut to this would be to hit Ctrl+P.  This will display the PCB Wizard; The wizard allows you to use a set of dialogs which you step through in sequence to define aspects of your design in the PCB design editor.

Once you have converted the Schematic to PCB have your components placed automatically, you are ready to begin the Routing process.  The design can be routed manually or automatically. This is the process of converting the electrical point-to-point connections into physical copper tracks or traces.  Choosing the Autoroute option can save many hours of work for printed circuit board designs that are dense and instead can be completed within minutes using the software’s automated features.

To use PCB Artist™’s Autorouter, simply go to the Tools Menu at the top go the screen and select Auto Route Nets and select All Nets.  You may choose to leave the default settings as they are or adjust them to fit your PCB design needs; then, hit Route and a dialog box will display the results of the Autorouter data once completed.  The PCB design can be Un-Routed and it can also be completely routed manually.

PCB Design Rule Check

It is very important to run a Design Rule Check before sending your PCB design files to the manufacturer for production.  Doing so can save you headaches over production delays, PCB functionality issues, and of course, money.  PCB Artist™ can make the necessary checks to ensure your PCB design is free of design rule errors.

To begin to check for possible errors, simply select the Design Rule Check from the Tools Menu.  The tool will prompt you to select or unselect the different areas it can look for issues such as Spacing, Nets, Silkscreen Overlap, and Manufacturing Issues.  You can leave the defaults or be as selective as you need before running the check.  Once the check has been completed, you can locate the DRC error markers in the Interaction Bar where each error is displayed.

Manufacturing Your PCB Design

Sending your PCB design to Advanced Circuits can be done quickly and easily within the PCB Artist™ software.  Making sure all necessary files and checks are ready to send over to the manufacturer can sometimes be a bit complicated, but when you use the PCB Artist™ design software, this final step is a simple one.

To package your PCB design and place the order with Advanced Circuits, click on the Submit Order button at the top of the screen or under the Output option.  The Submit Order dialog will appear to indicate your PCB order information and manufacturing options.  Click on the Place Order button at the bottom of the dialog box to be taken directly to our website where you can finish the order and payment process.

For more information about Advanced Circuits’ PCB artist, please contact the dedicated support line at 1-800-979-4722 x.1025.  For more detailed tutorials, frequently asked questions, and guides, click here.

Advanced Circuits’ three manufacturing facilities have the capabilities and advanced industry certifications to handle PCB fabrication of many different types of circuit boards; including PCBs for military/aerospace, medical, and commercial applications.

Below, we list common types of PCBs manufactured for various applications. For a complete list of Advanced Circuits’ PCB manufacturing capabilities, click here [PDF].

Common Types of PCBs

●    Single Layer PCB

A single layer PCB can also be referred to as a single-sided board. These boards possess a conductor pattern on one side only and may have non-conductive components on the opposite side of the board. The board is comprised of merely one layer of a conductive metal layer (usually copper), finishing with a shielding solder cover called Solder Mask. These single layer PCBs are most commonly found in more simple electronics.

●    Double Layer PCB

Also known as double-sided boards, these PCBs possess two conductive copper sides on opposite sides of a non-conductive substrate. The two sides may be connected to each other by small plated thru holes known as vias that let signals pass through from one conductive side of the board, through the non-conductive substrate, to the other side.

●    Multi-Layer PCB

Three or more conductive layers in a PCB is commonly called a multi-layer PCB.  A multilayer board is fabricated by using epoxy resin, immense pressure and precision.  Materials used in the lamination process include: inner layer core, sheets of “prepreg” (woven glass cloth with epoxy resin), and sheets of Cu foil.  Once cured, the resin will join the glass sheets, core, and foil together into the multilayer PCB panel.  Advanced Circuits is able to manufacture up to 40 layers boards.

●    High Frequency PCB

Each design of high frequency PCBs differs from the next. These boards were designed and created to carry electronic signals comprised of over 5 Gigahertz and require advanced PCB laminate materials for optimum performance.  High frequency PCBs found in high-speed electronics and advanced technology communication products.  Advanced Circuits works with top PCB laminate providers to bring you a wide range of material options such as high-frequency ceramic filled laminates, and other suitable materials for high frequency applications.

●    High Density Interconnect (HDI) PCB

HDI PCB manufacturing requires an advanced level of technical expertise and the latest state-of-the-art equipment for exacting precision.  Fitting more technology in less space through miniaturization, multiple conductive layers, advanced components, and lasered through-holes offer steady and rapid processing on a much smaller scale than its counterpart boards.  Advanced Circuits achieves high quality and precision with in-house laser drill capabilities that include precise depth control. Laser direct imaging (LDI) capabilities ensure exacting registration and all multilayer inner cores receive a thorough check using Automated Optical Inspection units for excellent defect detection of the finest features.

Advanced Circuits is the leading PCB manufacturer known for its high quality and innovation.  The company offers expanded circuit board manufacturing capabilities, quickturn circuit board prototyping services, and in-house circuit board assembly.  To learn more about how Advanced Circuits can help with your PCB design, manufacturing, and assembly requirements, click here to contact your Sales Representative.

In this blog post, we discuss the basics of circuit boards in a general sense.  For more in depth information and PCB manufacturing resources, click here to access our Circuit Board Resources page.

What is a Circuit Board?

The purpose of a circuit board is to hold copper circuitry (or trace) to conduct signals equivalent to the way a wire would, while acting as the physical support to mount the independent electronic components it connects together for a desired function. The copper trace etched on the circuit board supplies the direct connection. The material used as the foundation for circuit boards is customarily glass-reinforced epoxy laminate, but there are many different types of laminates that can be used to support different circuit board requirements and end-use specifications.

A PCB is the electronic device’s skeletal frame and a solid base.  A PCB possesses electrical interconnections amid the mechanisms. There are a variety of circuit board types including: single-sided (one copper layer), double-sided (two copper layers), and multi-layer (inner and outer layers), microwave and RF circuit boards and more.

The 2 layer and multi-layer PCBs rank among the most popular and can harbor 40 or even more stacked conductive layers into a single circuit board.

How Does a Circuit Board Work?

Circuit boards are engineered to for many different applications and every circuit board design is intended to connect different electronic components to achieve a desired result, but most circuit boards make use of the following common components to manipulate electrical conductivity:

Capacitors – Store the electric charge of the circuit board

Resistors – Provide set amount of electric current resistance

Inductors – Stores energy as a magnetic field

Diodes – Enable the electric current to move in one direction

Other essential elements found in circuit boards are:

Copper – The copper layer is essential to the PCB and are thinner than its counterparts. The copper is responsible for carrying the electric charge.

Via holes are drilled by precise drilling instruments and cleaned to ensure they do not become clogged. Electric charge flows through these holes and is carried between each layer of the PCB.

 Solder Mask – The last layer protects the copper and metal from damage. The solder mask provides a protective plating, which is usually green in color, but it can be any other color.

For a more complete list of key industry terms, please visit our online PCB Glossary.

That canvas, layers of copper and substrate, represents an ever-growing multibillion-dollar business. Having existed for the better part of a century, printed circuit boards are used in virtually all facets of electronics. As technology advances, the circuit board design continues to evolve.

Printed Circuit Board Design Advancements

From hobbyists to the aerospace industry, the applications of the printed circuit board have grown over the years. As these expand, so does the need for advancements in material and capabilities. This trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Imagine the world before the advent of the Information Age.

Before smartphones and the internet craze, PCBs were already widely used – from toys to fighter jets. There was a time when pocket calculators were considered high-tech. As society grew more dependent on technology, newer innovations continued to be introduced.

Moving forward into the new century, electronics have become more powerful, compact and mobile. People have grown accustomed to being connected. The advances that provided greater connectivity also required more to be packed into each PCB.

Modern Applications in the Automotive Industry

Technology has become firmly integrated into all facets of our lives – including our automobiles.

The demands for safety, convenience, and connectivity require circuit board design to keep pace – if not stay a step ahead. Advancements in the automotive industry meant PCB applications had to accommodate these complex systems.

All new cars require computers to operate. PCBs are at the heart of these system designs and can range in type – including single-sided, double-sided, multilayer, rigid, flexible, and so on. They cover a broad range of applications that are spread throughout a vehicle’s operating systems.

Trucking & Delivery Industry

The initial investment is only the beginning, as there are expenses involved in keeping any vehicle roadworthy. This is particularly true of large trucks that spend their days traversing the nation’s highways.

It’s been stated that as much as 43% of the operating cost of a commercial truck is putting a human in the driver’s seat. With costs continuing to rise, it’s no wonder that the industry has shown great interest in self-driving technology.

Personal Automobiles

While the trucking industry might be looking at autonomous vehicles as a means to save on costs, the consumer market seems focused on other goals. Today, personal automobiles offer incredible technological capabilities made possible by printed circuit board systems.

Convenience is certainly a factor. Still, it’s the potential benefits of safety that make the promise of self-driving cars so attractive. Many auto manufacturers are investing heavily in the future of this technology. It’s not a matter of if but when we’ll see cars driving themselves.

For now, personal automobiles offer precursors to self-driving systems, that take full advantage of PCB technology.

Powertrain Components

An automobile’s engine, transmission, and other components have various electronic control modules. As powertrain designs require more functionality, the number of modules must also increase. Without this medley of synchronized computers, your car wouldn’t get very far down the road.

Comfort and Technology Features

It’s easy to surmise that automotive features like smart keys and navigational systems require computers. Less obvious ones – including numerous sensors and the automatic braking system – are also peppered throughout modern automobiles.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

ADAS systems are electronic safety measures that provide state-of-the-art protections. These system safeguards – video cameras, radar receivers, and other sensors – enhance the driver’s ability to avoid potential accidents.

Dawn of the Autonomous Vehicle Revolution

Imagine a future where a self-driving car stops to pick up passengers. The autonomous drone navigates the roadways along a preset destination – while managing to avoid plowing into anything along the way.

Sound like something in a science fiction movie?

Fiction tends to become reality eventually. Autonomous vehicles already exist. In fact, many segments of the industry are actively testing this technology. Their wide-spread and commercial use are just around the corner.

Printed Circuit Boards in the Self-Driving World

Regardless of the industry, the move to autonomous vehicles requires advancements to make it happen. Printed circuit boards are more than an essential part of the equation – they’re a requirement.

Though technology has helped alleviate human errors that generally cause accidents, people are still skeptical about allowing machines to pilot themselves. A combination of reliable software and hardware is required to ensure as failsafe of a system as possible.

PCB Technology Pushes the Envelope of Emerging Innovations

The automobile had already grown into a complex collection of systems and software – even with humans at the controls. With the ambition of having vehicles take over the driving as well, it’s paramount that the brains of these decision-making vehicles are of the highest quality.

PCB manufacturing and assembly companies, such as Advanced Circuits, are positioned to be key contributors.

Advanced Circuits Leads the Way

In an impatient world awaiting the self-driving car, it makes sense to let a leader in PCB technology take the wheel.

Since 1989, Advanced Circuits has been a leader in printed circuit board manufacturing and assembly. As one of the three largest manufacturers of circuit boards in the US, Advanced Circuits is renowned for quality, reliability and customer service.

One of the few PCB suppliers for DOD contracts, Advanced Circuits manufactures 100% of their boards in the US. Along with the best on-time PCB shipping record, there’s also 24-hour tech support (where you’ll get a live person). Contact us today to discover our advanced PCB manufacturing capabilities.

Below is a list of the common types of printed circuit boards.  For a complete list of Advanced Circuits’ PCB manufacturing capabilities, click here.

Single Layer PCB

Single layer printed circuit boards are among some of the simplest to design and manufacture.  These boards have a single layer of conductive material (such as copper) on only one side of a non-conductive substrate.

Double Layer PCB

Double layer PCBs have one conductive layer on top of a non-conductive substrate and another conductive layer on the reverse side (top and bottom layers).  The two conductive sides can be connected using plated holes in the substrate that connect to pads on both sides of the circuit board; these are called vias.

Multi-Layer PCB

This term refers to a circuit board that has three or more conductive layers.  The conductive layers are at the top and bottom, as well as at least one conductive layer sandwiched between non-conductive substrate.  Advanced Circuits has the capability to fabricate up to 40 layer boards, but the most commonly used have lower layer counts such as 4, 6, or 8 layer boards.

High Density Interconnect (HDI) PCB

HDI PCBs take advantage of precision based manufacturing technology to pack as much functionality into a small space.  This is done by using many conductive layers, laser drilled microvias, fine lines and tolerances, and advanced laminate materials.  HDI PCBs can accommodate the complex routing of high pin count chips and other high-tech miniaturized components.

High Frequency PCB

The main difference in manufacturing high frequency printed circuit boards pertains to the design itself.  These PCB are designed to facilitate signals over 1 gigahertz.  Depending on the application, high frequency printed circuit boards may require the use of advanced laminate materials and controlled impedance.

Advanced Circuits’ PCB manufacturing capabilities range from the simplest of designs to the most complex builds with rigorous design requirements.  Our capabilities include laser-drilled microvias, cavity boards, heavy copper up to 20 oz., via-in-pad, microwave & RF boards, up to 40 layers and others.  We are your one-stop solution to all of your printed circuit board manufacturing.  For more information about our PCB capabilities and services, contact your Sales Representative or call 1-800-979-4722.