Printed Circuit Boards are the key to creating functional electronics products across various industries. As PCB technology continues to expand in innovative new ways, these components have become increasingly prevalent in everyday life. Given the adaptability of printed circuit boards, possessing the ability to be fully customized according to application needs, PCB technology has a wide range of usage. Explore the top ten applications for printed circuit boards below and discover how PCB products can be used to support your industry.
Printed Circuit Boards for the Communication Industry
The communications industry relies upon devices such as smartphones, radios, and computers in order to relay information. At SMG, our PCBs can be used to support the entertainment side of the communications industry, as they are used in everything from stereos to gaming consoles. Furthermore, PCBs have become integral to the functionality of many home appliances, such as microwaves and even refrigerators.
Medical Imaging Systems
As the medical industry advances, so do the quality requirements for printed circuit boards. Medical imaging systems, in particular, are just one example of an application which requires PCBs to compile electronic data. In the cases of ultrasonic and CAT scanners, printed circuit boards are the key to providing reliable healthcare, which is why it is crucial to partner with a PCB manufacturer that can deliver high quality results.
Medical Monitors
Printed circuit boards can be used for more than one application within the medical industry. In addition to medical imaging systems, PCBs can be used to support medical monitors such as heart rate or blood pressure calculating technology. The key to these applications is precision and accuracy, so SMG’s team works hard to reduce any potential margin for error.
PCBs for Internal Devices
Perhaps the medical application with the least amount of room for error is that of internal devices. Referring to technology such as pacemakers, internal devices are held to the highest standards for reliability and quality. Not every manufacturer is certified to produce PCBs for these types of medical devices, so it is necessary to speak with any potential partner about their certification standards.
PCBs for Aerospace Applications
In addition to the medical industry, the aerospace industry also requires printed circuit boards to be manufactured according to exacting quality standards. This is because these printed circuit boards can be expected to endure harsh working conditions and often must remain functional for long periods of time. From space shuttles to satellites, PCBs keep the aerospace industry running smoothly.
PCBs for Automotive Applications
While perhaps not quite as robust as many pieces of aerospace equipment, automotive products still require printed circuit boards that can endure difficult working conditions. From cars to planes, the transportation industry’s vehicles are used across a wide variety of environments, meaning PCB manufacturers must take into account extreme weather conditions and difficult moisture levels.
PCBs for Industrial Equipment
In recent years, industrial equipment has become increasingly reliant on PCB manufacturing. As a result, printed circuit boards have had to adapt to unique working conditions, such as vibrating machinery and potentially harmful chemicals. Using manufacturing techniques such as through hole technology, PCB companies can produce components to meet any challenge.
PCBs for LED Lights
Providing increased energy efficiency and ability to last longer than alternative lighting options, LEDs have become a widely used product across many industries. Printed circuit boards are often used for LED applications, working to draw heat away from integral parts of the product to increase expected product lifespan.
PCBs for RF High Frequency
High frequency PCBs are one of the most common types of manufactured boards. By using specialized materials, printed circuit boards can be designed to produce faster transmission flow capabilities as needed.