advanced circuits – 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 Timeline to the Future: Tracking Automotive PCB Applications /blog/timeline-to-the-future-tracking-automotive-pcb-applications/ Fri, 12 Apr 2019 14:06:52 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1911 Continue reading ]]> At some point in your life, curiosity might’ve prompted you to crack open a computer or another electronic device. With its interior exposed, you discovered an assortment of chips, circuits, and etchings painted upon a green canvas.

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.

 

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How to Use PCB Artist, The Best FREE PCB Software /blog/how-to-use-pcb-artist-the-best-free-pcb-software-advanced-circuits/ /blog/how-to-use-pcb-artist-the-best-free-pcb-software-advanced-circuits/#respond Thu, 09 Apr 2015 15:47:40 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=855 Continue reading ]]> how to use PCB layout software PCB Artist

Advanced Circuits’ PCB Artist™ is the best free PCB design software in the industry.  Available  as a free software download on our website (www.4pcb.com), it has become a favorite not only with engineering students but also advanced engineers due to its easy schematic to PCB layout, Gerber format, controlled autorouter, and extensive library of over 500,000 thousand parts.

Easy to Learn PCB Layout Software

To get you started, we can provide you with a PCB Artist™ Tutorial Manual.  This downloadable manual can show you step by step instructions from creating the schematics for you printed circuit board, converting the schematic to PCB, and how to use the software’s PCB Design Editor.

On our website you can also find links to our video tutorials for our printed circuit board design software as a 7 part series with step by step instructions.  To view the PCB Artist™ tutorial videos, navigate to our Tips and Tools page.

Instant Online PCB Web Quoting, Ordering & Status Tracking

You can also order your boards right from the PCB Artist™ design software, making it really fast and convenient for our customers.  Advanced Circuits has been an early pioneer in offering instant online web quoting, ordering, and status tracking, taking a giant leap forward with the introduction of FreeDFM; a free pre-order file-check service that has become an indispensable tool for engineers to avoid design errors and fabrication delays.  Upload your files to FreeDFM.com and within minutes we will send you a detailed quote along with a graphical report identifying any file design issues.  All orders at Advanced Circuits receive a FREE detailed design file review by our large CAM engineering staff prior to fabrication, unlike some “no touch” shops.  If we find problems, we work with you quickly to fix any issues as soon as possible.

For a FREE download of our PCB Artist™ software, please click here.

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Developing Efficient Printed Circuit Boards and Batteries for Vehicles /blog/developing-efficient-printed-circuit-boards-and-batteries-for-vehicles/ /blog/developing-efficient-printed-circuit-boards-and-batteries-for-vehicles/#respond Thu, 05 Feb 2015 17:02:43 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=785 Continue reading ]]> efficient PCB and batteries for cars

Safe & Reliable Power Sources – The Role of PCB Boards

A lot of focus in recent years has been on developing long-lasting and environmentally friendly power sources for cars, trucks and other vehicles. This includes for electric bicycles and other battery-powered transportation that people rely on every day. In addition to improving safety and adding new features, designers continue to work on reducing the risk of battery failure. While it is a rare occurrence, rechargeable batteries on bicycles and electric carts can overheat and cause fires. Having a power source that is safe and reliable is necessary for all of the vehicle’s components to run properly. Spending time finding a battery and designing an efficient printed circuit board will allow your team to deliver the quality consumers expect.

How Printed Circuit Boards Affect Safety

In vehicles, a number of complex systems must all be able to communicate. If even one system is off, such as the deployment of airbags, there can be catastrophic consequences. Maximizing the capability of printed circuit boards not only ensures these systems work together; it also gives consumers peace of mind when choosing to purchase a new vehicle. As your team works to develop new products and features for vehicles, from electronic bikes to cars that can park themselves, consider ways to increase performance without sacrificing space or the quality of your PCB.

When it comes to electric devices and consumer electronics you are developing start with a PCB that is designed to fulfill the unique needs of the application. Learn more about circuit board design and place your next PCB order by contacting a representative at Advanced Circuits today.

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Existing Printed Circuit Boards Lead to Future Success /blog/existing-printed-circuit-boards-lead-to-future-success/ /blog/existing-printed-circuit-boards-lead-to-future-success/#respond Tue, 03 Feb 2015 17:02:32 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=782 Continue reading ]]> future PCB technology

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.

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Advanced Circuits Delivers Reliable Service Every Time /blog/advanced-circuits-delivers-reliable-service-every-time/ /blog/advanced-circuits-delivers-reliable-service-every-time/#respond Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:36:06 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=121 Continue reading ]]> Getting the high quality service you expect when ordering printed circuit boards is likely your top priority so that you get the PCBs you need quickly and without hassle. At Advanced Circuits, you will be able to experience the quality and customer service that makes us a leader in the PCB industry. Advanced Circuits has more than 200 new Company customers each month, most of which come from referrals from our satisfied and loyal clients. Since we are not a broker and manufacture everything on site, you get the attention to detail and expertise you are looking for all in one place.

Conveniently Order PCBs Directly from Advanced Circuits

When you use the free PCB Artist Layout software from Advanced Circuits, you get the benefit of working with the industry’s top-rated program. Design your PCBs in a program that has more features than the competition, including the largest component library. Then place your PCB order online or by getting in contact with our representatives at any time.

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How Easy Is It To Place a PCB Order with Advanced Circuits? /blog/how-easy-is-it-to-place-a-pcb-order-with-advanced-circuits/ /blog/how-easy-is-it-to-place-a-pcb-order-with-advanced-circuits/#respond Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:25:38 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=112 Continue reading ]]> To begin the process of ordering printed circuit boards, start by getting an online quote. This can be done by using the instant quote tool or by getting a traditional quote from an expert at Advanced Circuits. Once you have a quote, you can place your order in a number of ways. You can log into your account, recall your quote that you received and continue with the ordering process. You can also attach Gerber files to an email and send it to your Advanced Circuit salesperson or place your order by fax or phone. All of these options allow you to quickly start the production process so you get the turn times you need.

Support Options Available from Advanced Circuits

Advanced Circuits has live specialists, salespeople and CAM engineers available to help you with every part of your order and any support needs you have. Whether you are an engineering student, hobbyist or industry professional, you will find all of the dedicated support and quality products you need to make sure your applications are successful.

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PCB Tolerances at Advanced Circuits /blog/pcb-tolerances-at-advanced-circuits/ /blog/pcb-tolerances-at-advanced-circuits/#respond Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:06:46 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=108 Continue reading ]]> Knowing the requirements of your printed circuit board manufacturer is a crucial step in the design process because it could potentially limit your ability to get the PCBs you need for your exact application. At Advanced Circuits, a minimum of a 0.010” inner layer clearance is required. Also, a minimum of 0.010” for outer layers and 0.015” for inner layers are needed between the copper plating and the edge of your printed circuit board. By using the free PCB layout software available from Advanced Circuits and uploading your files to the free DFM file check system, you can get any issues with your design ironed out before production.

Advanced Circuits Keeps You Updated on PCB News

In addition to being a top manufacturer of PCBs in the industry, the team at Advanced Circuits helps customers stay current on the latest news and products. With “Tech Talk for Techies,” Advanced Circuits takes an in-depth look at PCBs, innovation in design and production and also explains the finer points of circuit boards for all customers on a monthly basis. To learn more, contact a representative today.

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SMT Solderpaste Stencils from Advanced Circuits /blog/smt-solderpaste-stencils-from-advanced-circuits/ /blog/smt-solderpaste-stencils-from-advanced-circuits/#respond Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:05:08 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=105 Continue reading ]]> When you are in the process of creating prototype PCBs for your application you want to get the perfect PCBs created without having to go back and forth on your design. It is important that your printed circuit boards work how you need them while giving you all of the power and space you need for your project. Getting SMT stencils from Advanced Circuits helps make this process easier. All of the SMT stencils available are 100% laser-cut type 304 and are made of stainless steel, allowing you to get the high quality finish you need. You can also get discounted pricing on stencils when ordering from Advanced Circuits.

Ready to Place Your PCB Order at Advanced Circuits?

When you are ready to place your order with Advanced Circuits you have different options for a quote based on your preference. When you register for an account with Advanced Circuits you can get an instant quote online, use the FreeDFM file check system to get a detailed quote, or request a traditional quote by email. Contact the experts at Advanced Circuits today for more information.

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Advantages of Buying PCBs from Advanced Circuits /blog/advantages-of-buying-pcbs-from-advanced-circuits/ /blog/advantages-of-buying-pcbs-from-advanced-circuits/#respond Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:19:42 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=93 Continue reading ]]> When you are designing your printed circuit boards for your application you want to be sure that the finished PCB is going to work exactly how you need it. When you order your PCBs through Advanced Circuits you will work with a company that is one of the top manufacturers in North America and has the industry’s best on-time shipping record. No order is too large or small so you get only the PCBs that are going to be useful to you. All order files receive detailed CAM file review and you get instant quotes, orders and status to ensure that you get exactly what you need without delay.

Advanced Circuits Saves You Money on PCB Orders

One of the main benefits you get from ordering PCBs through Advanced Circuits is that you save money on some of the highest-quality circuit boards available. When you use Advanced Circuits’ FreeDFM file check system and place your order using a FreeDFM quote you will save $50 off 2-layer standard spec boards and $100 off multilayer standard and custom spec boards. Contact the experts at Advanced Circuits today for more information.

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What Does Advanced Circuits’ FreeDFM™ Check For? /blog/what-does-advanced-circuits-freedfm-check-for/ /blog/what-does-advanced-circuits-freedfm-check-for/#respond Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:18:33 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=90 Continue reading ]]> Learning more about the FreeDFM system will allow you to double check that you have your PCB designs completed before placing your order. The system checks for different aspects of your design to make sure that you will not face any holds due to manufacturability issues. The Advanced Circuits FreeDFM checks for Gerber files for each copper, soldermask and silkscreen layer in addition to your excellon or Gerber drill file. You also want to include information on spacing, trace width and annular rings for your inner signal, inner plane and outer layers. You can see a full list as well as tips and tools online.

Ordering PCBs from Advanced Circuits

If you have any questions about your order, contact a representative at Advanced Circuits. You will be able to get the quick turnaround times, including weekends, that you need in order to get the PCBs you need for your application. Talk with an Advanced Circuits expert if you would like more information on assembly or possiblilities.

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