Printed Circuit Boards Design – Trends and Challenges
The demand for compact-sized PCBs has been growing owing to the increasing complexity, high-speed data transmission requirements, and performance-driven nature of devices. Today, complex circuit boards are widely used in many miniature electronic devices, including the ones used in mission-critical applications such as medical, aerospace, defense, and so on. However, there are several challenges associated as the technologies are advancing. For example, AR/VR, IoT, smart devices used in transportation systems, EVs, and more offer many opportunities and challenges for efficient PCB design and fabrication. With new developments in each of these sectors, the circuit board design segment has also evolved. Are you intrigued to know the top trends and associated challenges that will shape the future of electronics and its several application sectors?
What Are the Rising Trends and Challenges in the Circuit Board Design?
Here are some trends and challenges involved in the future of circuit board design.
- High-density Interconnects (HDI): The HDI technique was driven by the increasing need for compact devices with a highly dense circuit, especially in the context of routing traces and yet high-speed signal transmission. This technique reduces the total number of layers on the circuit board, thus enhancing signal transmission rates. However, the major issue encountered by this technique is regarding producing traces. This results in routing more traces on smaller areas, creating noise-related issues. This area requires further research and development.
- High Power PCBs: The demand for these circuit boards above 48 volts has increased over the years. This is due to the beneficial features they offer. One such reason is they can accommodate a substantial number of electronic components on small boards and still facilitate signal propagation. The trending applications of high-power circuit boards include solar panels and electric cars.
- Supply Chain Controls: Most manufacturers partner with industry-leading circuit board suppliers for their functional requirements. It is equally important to have excellent supply chain networks, including vendor networks for part procurement, transportation, warehouse, and more. Over the years, the industry has witnessed a digital revolution and calls for more electronics demanding compact and performance-driven boards. As the PCBs evolve, innovative and unique board designs will emerge, also creating avenues for deception and counterfeiting at the same time. Therefore, it is important to have tighter supply chain controls.
- COTS Components: Commercial-off-the-shelf or COTS components bring reliability and regulation to critical and space-based parts. These components improve and speed up the design process, providing varying benefits. However, they cannot match custom options offered assembly service providers.
- IoT: Internet of Things, commonly referred to as IoT, offers new opportunities and, at the same time, poses challenges for all sectors. The PCB industry segment is no exception. Earlier, it was used for remote access and control through open-data connections. As the demand for smart devices has risen, their circuit board design has become complex. One major challenge for IoT circuit boards is creating standards and regulations that define all production stages.
These emerging trends and associated challenges will definitely shape the future of the electronics industry. Are you looking for a reliable player in this segment that will meet the demand for modern applications in terms of design, features, and functionality? If yes, then Accelerated Assemblies stand tall among its other competitors. The company specializes in PCB designing and manufacturing, along with custom options and has worked with clients from diverse sectors. If you have any queries, you can contact their team today.
