Invention

The credit for the invention of the circuit board goes to Paul Eisler, who made the board in 1936 to help operate a radio system. Eisler’s design was not made from pure creativity. Just as it is with all technology, he was influenced by a previous invention; in this case, his influence stemmed from Charles Ducas, who made a previous circuit design.

WWII

This new circuit board soon found its way into military hands. By 1944, the circuit board, which had undergone several changes by Eisler, made its way into proximity fuses. The military built mines and bombs with these fuses for use in WWII. However, by 1948, the military released the circuit board technology to the public.

Silicon Chips

The circuit boards slowly spread across the country and the rest of the world. It took a while to take hold, but by the late 1950s, circuit boards were in all sorts of technology. Just a few years later, silicon chips—an upgraded version of the circuit board—started to take over the technological field. They could fit hundreds of components onto just one board, saving a significant amount of room in electrical devices.

SMT

As time went on, more and more techniques came out to shrink the size of circuit boards while increasing their power. In the 1980s, surface-mounted technology (SMT) changed the game. By altering how a circuit board holds its components, an SMT circuit board can be drastically smaller than other boards.

Now

Currently, PCB are necessary in almost every electronic device. Even some of the simplest devices hold these boards. Not only that, but current producers are able to mass-produce these smaller boards. You can even custom order your own unique PCB and mass-produce them using an online PCB fabrication service.

The process of making a circuit board has gone through many changes in the past century, from carving channels for a single wire to complex, multi-layer circuit boards that can fit on a stamp. Even with a brief history of printed circuit boards, it is hard to grasp all the changes this device has undergone and what it has meant to our society.

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What Do PCBs Do?

It is hard to state a singular use of PCBs because there is a large variety of them. In fact, almost every device or object that uses a PCB requires its own unique version. Now, the general purpose of a PCB is to connect all the components that a device may need. By using a wide range of materials, the PCB helps the device function and can even allow for complex processes.

Electronic Devices

The most basic function of a PCB is to enable a simple action in an electric device. A PCB provides channels and pathways for the electricity and signals to follow. This allows a device to function on the most basic level. Without a PCB, a device might not even turn on.

Computers

A PCB is capable of more than just simple functions. By adding in specific components and custom designing, the PCB can run any number of processes. A great example of this is the PCB in a computer, which most people know as a motherboard. They also find use in medical and industrial fields as well.

Why They Are Common

The reasons why PCBs are so common are twofold. First, the PCB is one of the most efficient and complex parts that provide so much functionality to a device. The other reason people use PCBs so often is their convenience. It is possible to automate the crafting of a PCB once a design is made. You can complete the whole process with quick PCB prototyping at Pentalogix Inc.

Now, this is just generally what printed circuit boards are used for. However, it really comes down to the unique design of each PCB that determines its exact use.

The post What Are Printed Circuit Boards Used For? appeared first on Blog PCB Unlimited.

“Close date February 10th-21st”

Please visit our Offshore PCBs page to quote and order online. Or email your Gerber files to support@pcbunlimited.com for a custom quote.

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What is SMT?
Simply put, SMT is the process of placing solder paste on a PCB layout in order to create secure electrical connections. All you will need for this is a stencil, solder, and a printer.

What exactly is solder?
This paste is made of solder metal and flux, which is a chemical cleaning agent. Not only does it act as an adhesive when components are placed on the board, if it is placed properly, the led would be wettened, which creates a strong current via the pad of the board and the component.

Why do I need a printer?
The engineer needs a printer because it is the best way to ensure the solder paste goes exactly where it is needed. The printer’s system will align the board and components, and the solder paste is squeegeed on the board. Typically, this will take between 15-45 seconds for each board, making it a great option for those who need a large number of boards within a tight time frame.

What are the steps for printing prototype printed circuit boards?
The steps are as followed:

1. Design: All PCBs should have reference points marked on them so they will know exactly where the solder needs to be aligned to meet the pads. This part is especially easy on simple, one layered board, which mean they only contain copper tracks on only one of its surfaces.

2. Masking: The space between the pads and the board is often layered with a solder mask to improve the accuracy and to control the flow of the solder.

3. Finish: As one of the last steps, the pads and solder are covered with copper as without this protective coating, the components are prone to oxidation.

SMT stenciling can be quite a complex process, so if you have any questions about this important aspect of prototype printed circuit boards, please contact our professionals today!

The post All About SMT Stenciling: What Every PCB Engineer Should Know appeared first on Blog PCB Unlimited.

“Close date Jan 23th-Feb 2nd”

Please visit our Offshore PCBs page to quote and order online. Or email your Gerber files to support@pcbunlimited.com for a custom quote.

The post The Chinese New Year Holiday is Jan 23th-Feb 6nd. To avoid delays order your PCBs soon! appeared first on Blog PCB Unlimited.