Commercial – Advanced Circuits | PCB Manufacturing & PCB Assembly https://www.4pcb.com/blog Printed Circuit Boards and PCB Assembly Manufacturer Blog Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:57:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Powerful PCB Performance – Fabrication & Assembly Under One Roof /blog/powerful-pcb-performance-advanced-circuits/ Fri, 15 May 2015 14:43:39 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=917 Continue reading ]]> Trusted Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing | Advanced circuits

Advanced Circuits has become North America’s leading one-stop-solution for PCB fabrication and Quick Turn, Small Quantity PCB Assembly. Providing advanced capabilities for high reliability and powerful PCB performance to meet the most demanding requirements and specifications. Advanced Circuits is a flight & space approved supplier, ITAR registered, and DoD contracts ready; offering up to 40 Layer Boards, Cavity Boards, Microvias (HDI), Heavy Copper, Blind & Buried Vias, Via-in-Pad, Oversized Boards, & more. Whether you need a small quantity prototype and custom PCBs or full production run, you will receive the same high quality craftsmanship on every PCB order.
For more info, visit www.4pcb.com or contact1-800-979-4722

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Soluble Printed Circuit Boards Can Benefit Environment /blog/soluble-printed-circuit-boards-can-benefit-environment/ /blog/soluble-printed-circuit-boards-can-benefit-environment/#respond Fri, 07 Nov 2014 16:07:48 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=412 Continue reading ]]> soluble printed circuit boards

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.

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Printed Circuit Boards Assist Emergency Personnel /blog/printed-circuit-boards-assist-emergency-personnel/ /blog/printed-circuit-boards-assist-emergency-personnel/#respond Fri, 07 Nov 2014 16:06:57 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=410 Continue reading ]]> life saving printed circuit boards

For many, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about printed circuit boards is consumer electronics. Computers, phones, entertainment systems and more have the features and performance we’ve come to expect due to the quality of PCBs housed inside each product. However, emergency responders around the country are beginning to test new products and processes that rely on PCBs to help save lives.

  • Firefighters – Imaging tools allow fire crews to map out the size and location of a fire so that they can plan the best course of action moving forward. Firefighters can also use existing geography and topography to predict when locations are most vulnerable for fires and how they may spread.
  • Police Officers – Technology is being developed that will allow officers involved in shootings and other emergencies to signal for the help they need. For example, PCBs can be placed in gun grips or other equipment that will register when an officer has fired his or her weapon. That can then alert other units nearby or a dispatcher.
  • Paramedics – Mobile technology allows paramedic teams to get information they need to assist crash victims or others that require medical attention during transport to the hospital. These are life-or-death situations that depend on high quality computers, communication systems and medical equipment to save lives.

Quality Assurance for Printed Circuit Boards

Due to the rigorous demands of each individual application, it is important that printed circuit boards be designed and tested to withstand every requirement. Especially when it comes to medical equipment and gear that assists emergency crews, product designers and engineers must ensure that their PCBs will perform as needed. To learn more about the manufacturing and assembly processes of PCBs and how Advanced Circuits tests that all of your boards meet the highest standards, contact a representative today.

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Will Engineers Be Able to Read Robots’ Minds? /blog/will-engineers-be-able-to-read-robots-minds/ /blog/will-engineers-be-able-to-read-robots-minds/#respond Fri, 31 Oct 2014 16:05:37 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=408 Continue reading ]]> printed circuit board PCB robots

Sure, it is easy to build a robot and program it to carry out routine tasks. But what happens when you increase the sophistication of the technology and it is able to make decisions for itself based on its environment? This question is being addressed by engineers at MIT who are working on a system that will allow them to read robots’ minds as a decision is being made. To do this, the team set up an experiment that asked a robot to navigate a course with a moving obstacle – a human pacing back and forth. Normally, the robot evaluates its environment, detects where the object is and charts a path that allows it to move safely around it. In this experiment, engineers used printed circuit boards with motion-capture components and other technology to set up projectors that showed the real-time intentions of the test subject. This technology can help scientists and researchers better understand the “thought processes” of robots to be able to predict how they perform in certain conditions.

Integrating the Right Software with Your Hardware

When you are working on a project you want to be able to create something that can perform as you need it to, especially under pressure. Without the right hardware – printed circuit boards, components and product casing – your robot or other machine will not be able to carry out the functions that you need. To ensure that your hardware and software match up it is important to design your PCBs with your end result in mind. What components are critical for your project to succeed? How can you maximize the space you have on your PCB while also reducing energy consumption and eliminating instances of overheating? To get your questions answered and place your order for the exact PCBs you need for your next project, contact an expert at Advanced Circuits today.

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Customizing Printed Circuit Boards and Consumer Electronics /blog/customizing-printed-circuit-boards-and-consumer-electronics/ /blog/customizing-printed-circuit-boards-and-consumer-electronics/#respond Fri, 24 Oct 2014 16:04:03 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=404 Continue reading ]]> printed circuit board consumer electronics

A growing trend in consumer electronics is the desire of the customer to get a customized product tailored to their individual needs. This is either accomplished with a completely custom product that is built from the ground up, such as a home computer, or with a semi-custom product, which adds or changes features and components on a mass-produced item. An example of a semi-custom product is a digital camera, which can be modified with new hardware or software. To support this new functionality, device manufacturers need to be flexible in the design and manufacturing process, especially when it comes to printed circuit boards. While offering customized versions of your products may require more lead time for production, it can also help smaller companies compete directly with larger organizations by bringing in more business and notoriety.

How do Custom Products Affect Printed Circuit Boards?

When your customers or clients request a customized product or changes to an existing offering of yours, your team will need to ensure that you can deliver. Designing base printed circuit boards that you can use and add onto can help you lower production costs without sacrificing customization options that are popular with your audience. Working with the largest component library when designing PCBs allows you to incorporate the features and options that will take your products and applications to the next level. This is also true if you’d like to add new hardware or functionality to your finished product later on. Learn more about the PCB design process and how to maximize the efficiency and performance of your circuit boards by contacting an expert at Advanced Circuits.

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Is Robotics Replacing the “Human Element” for Printed Circuit Boards? /blog/is-robotics-replacing-the-human-element-for-printed-circuit-boards/ /blog/is-robotics-replacing-the-human-element-for-printed-circuit-boards/#respond Fri, 10 Oct 2014 16:00:35 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=395 Continue reading ]]>  printed-circuit-boards-human-element

Although robotics is undoubtedly helping advance society and unlock new possibilities with technology, there is a debate taking place about whether or not this is a good thing. The question arises when manufacturing printed circuit boards, as more and more companies replace human operators with robots and machines. This is due to increases in the cost of operators for manufacturing test, according to an article for EE Times. This increase is forcing PCB assembly line managers to look for ways to reduce expenses in order to stay competitive. While a solution for many has been to replace manual operators with automated systems, the machines at times need the human element in order to maintain quality. As scientists and engineers work to find a perfect system for PCB manufacturing and assembly, expect a balance to be found between machine precision and human design and functionality in the future.

Simplifying the Structure of Printed Circuit Boards

When you are designing your printed circuit boards a main goal is to maximize the quality and output of your PCB while expending resources such as money and product space efficiently. For example, size or packaging restrictions may force you to get more creative with your PCBs in order to ensure desired functionality. Refining your PCB designs to ensure that you have a simple and effective structure will allow you to get the circuit boards you need that will work in the intended application. During the design stage, consider operating temperature, material and laminate requirements and necessary components so you can seamlessly create and order your PCBs. Get started by contacting an expert at Advanced Circuits today.

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What Recent Vehicle Recalls Say about Printed Circuit Boards /blog/what-recent-vehicle-recalls-say-about-printed-circuit-boards/ /blog/what-recent-vehicle-recalls-say-about-printed-circuit-boards/#respond Fri, 03 Oct 2014 15:59:53 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=393 Continue reading ]]> printed circuit board auto recals

You hear the story every so often on the news that a major automobile manufacturer is recalling vehicles due to an unforeseen malfunction that can make the car unsafe. From faulty accelerators to headlights that short circuit, there are many different parts of our vehicles that rely on high quality electronics and printed circuit boards in order to work properly. When the PCBs are asked to do too much or are not built to excel in the intended application driver safety can become compromised. To keep this from happening engineers continue to develop new materials for PCBs that are designed to meet the rigorous demand of future vehicles, including:

  • High Temperature
  • Compact Space
  • Sophisticated Entertainment and Driving Assistance Modules
  • Safety Systems

As vehicles become more advanced, the materials that run the electrical side of things must be able to withstand any challenges that stand in the way. PCB designers and manufacturers are working together on new materials built for advanced applications, such as aerospace and defense, which may be seen in consumer vehicles in the future.

Being Innovative with Printed Circuit Boards

Altering designs for your printed circuit boards can help you discover new ways to integrate different components and find the most efficient PCBs for your intended application. Advanced Circuits provides engineers with free PCB Artist software and comprehensive submission tools to make the process of ordering and receiving your boards seamless. Our multifaceted quality assurance process checks your PCBs against criteria for over 90 fabrication processes, as well as the unique requirements of your order. Learn more about our design and fabrication systems by contacting an expert today.

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Batteries and Printed Circuit Boards for Next-Gen Products /blog/batteries-and-printed-circuit-boards-for-next-gen-products/ /blog/batteries-and-printed-circuit-boards-for-next-gen-products/#respond Fri, 26 Sep 2014 15:57:39 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=387 Continue reading ]]>  printed circuit board bateries

As a consumer, you know how frustrating it is seeing your computer or phone battery drop and not being able to get through an entire day without your charger. This frustration could be a thing of the past, however, as the technology that goes into batteries, printed circuit boards and energy usage advances. According to a recent report from Navigant Research and as reported by PCB007, new battery chemistries are being developed that could replace lithium ion and open up more applications down the road. Current negative aspects of Li-ion batteries relate to input costs, safety issues and the scarcity of materials needed for production. These open the door for new battery chemistries that can solve these problems and also deliver on the longer battery life that customers are clamoring for. Integrating these new technologies and improving PCB performance will likely lead to faster adoption of next-gen products in the world.

Printed Circuit Board Trends

Knowing trends in the printed circuit board industry allows engineers to get the most out of their applications. From new materials that resist high temperatures to PCBs built to operate complex consumer technology, engineers continue to expand on capabilities and introduce new solutions for businesses every day. PCB experts can give you details and information on emerging trends and new processes so that your next PCB design incorporates all of the components your project needs to be a success. Get in touch with a representative today to see design and ordering tools available to streamline the process and get the PCBs you need.

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Nike Using Printed Circuit Boards in LED Basketball Court /blog/nike-using-printed-circuit-boards-in-led-basketball-court/ /blog/nike-using-printed-circuit-boards-in-led-basketball-court/#respond Fri, 22 Aug 2014 15:49:01 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=367 Continue reading ]]> printed circuit boards used led basketball court

When you think of new technology makings its way into the sports landscape, you think of machines that are designed to help athletes get stronger and faster in order to be more successful. However, Nike recently raised the bar when it debuted a new basketball court in China that is made entirely using LEDs. Along with high-performance printed circuit boards and computers, engineers are able to show whatever image, pattern or animation desired. The result is a court that has unparalleled capabilities for player development and fan experience should it ever gain widespread acceptance and use.

Potential Uses for Printed Circuit Boards and LED Court

In Nike’s unveiling of its new LED court a few potential uses are shown that would revolutionize the sport of basketball. Printed circuit boards and computing technology are able to spotlight the position of each player on the court and use automated training programs to test athletes against a computerized defense. Additionally, the court can be potentially used to boost the fan experience at games by allowing people the chance to play in interactive contests. Advertisers can use the court to run promotional spots during breaks in the action, while entertainers can incorporate the LEDs and their capabilities into concerts and shows.

As this technology begins to make its way into new industries, there will be a greater demand for engineers that can design the PCBs needed to run the system and develop a customized solution that is one-of-a-kind. To get started on the design for your next order of PCBs, contact Advanced Circuits to learn more about getting free PCB Artist software today.

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Printed Circuit Boards Vital in Future of Traffic Control /blog/printed-circuit-boards-vital-in-future-of-traffic-control/ /blog/printed-circuit-boards-vital-in-future-of-traffic-control/#respond Fri, 08 Aug 2014 15:45:09 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=361 Continue reading ]]> traffic control printed circuit board

Driving down the street, you may not give a second though to the traffic lights on nearly every corner. For the past hundred years or so traffic lights have helped control the flow of cars moving through cities in an effort to reduce collisions, pollution and commute time. From 1914 until the 1970s, these lights consisted of simple mechanical controllers that changed the lights around town. In the 1970s, however, engineers added printed circuit boards to create the modern lights that use the red, yellow and green phases we know today.  Fox News Technology offers a discussion of the evolution of stoplights and how they have changed from the first usage of PCBs to the traffic management systems now prevalent in most cities.

As vehicles begin to incorporate new technologies we can expect to see a change in how cities manage traffic through stoplights. New PCB capabilities are expected to allow stoplights to communicate with vehicles in close proximity so that drivers will know when the lights will change and what their expected commute time is. This can lead to a further reduction in pollution and can help cars safely navigate intersections.

Cars, Drivers and Printed Circuit Boards

Printed circuit boards are taking on many more roles than just supporting entertainment and navigation systems in cars. The next generation of PCBs will interact with traffic lights and other vehicles as people begin to rely more on automatic driving. It will become necessary for technology and equipment in cars and trucks to be relatively standardized so that this communication is safe and seamless. To learn about the next wave of circuit board technology and to see how you can improve the quality and efficiency of your PCBs, contact a representative at Advanced Circuits today.

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