While you of course use various types of electronic gadgets on a daily basis, you probably give little thought to the circuit boards that make everything possible. Having gotten smaller and smaller over the years, circuit boards are today considered to be technological marvels, since they can pack so much power into such a small space. Due to this and other factors, they are used in a wide range of manufacturing applications, some of which will be familiar to you while others are not.
Medical Devices
As healthcare has come to rely more and more on technology, many of the most important medical devices are now powered by circuit boards of all shapes and sizes. From internal devices such as pacemakers to blood glucose monitors, CAT scans, MRI machines, and more, circuit boards make it all possible.
Automotive Manufacturing
Unlike cars of yesteryear, today’s modern vehicles are essentially computers on wheels. From entertainment and navigation systems to sensors that can detect tire pressure and even allow a car to automatically parallel park, circuit boards that contain advanced circuits and are manufactured using laminates that can withstand extremely high temperatures are now the norm in your vehicle.
Consumer Electronics
Containing circuit boards that have a high volume of connections, consumer electronics of all shapes and sizes rely on these technological marvels to give them immense amounts of power. In addition, these circuit boards are also made to be very reliable, since people don’t want to purchase items that continually break down or become outdated too quickly. Whether it is your smartphone, television, video game console, or even your refrigerator or coffee maker, circuit boards are what make sure you get that first cup of coffee each morning.
Industrial Equipment
In many manufacturing facilities, robotics are now used to make automobiles and many other products. But to make sure the robotics are able to complete various tasks, it is circuit boards that provide them with their power. Since industrial equipment is often subjected to very harsh conditions and repetitive movements, the circuit boards used in this type of equipment are thicker than ordinary circuit boards and coated with thermal-resistant materials to keep them from melting. As for the equipment relying on circuit boards, it includes power equipment such as DC-to-AC power inverters, pressure and temperature control equipment, and electric drills and presses.
With newer manufacturing techniques being developed each year, engineers and others are sure to find many innovative ways to incorporate circuit boards big and small into consumer products and other items.
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks.
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks.