Common Uses for a Printed Circuit Board There is no questioning the fact that we
live in a society that is dependent upon electronics. One of the unsung heroes
in the majority of the electronic items that we use is the printed circuit
board, also known as a PCB. These handy devices not only make it possible to
produce the electronics that we use, it also makes mass production possible and
can automate many of the working factors of the electronics that we use for both
efficiency and speed China Prototype
PCB. What are printed circuit boards and what are the more common devices
that make use of this electronic miracle?
If you were to take apart any
electronic item, such as your computer or a cell phone, you would find a thin
board on the inside which is made of an insulating material. The surface is
coated with metal, typically on the top and bottom. In the metal surface, etches
are generated automatically which produce a pathway that makes it possible for
electricity to travel from one component to another flex PCB. Those various components are
mounted to the surface of the board with solder.
Before we discuss the
specific electronics which commonly make use of the printed circuit board, it's
important to understand that they can be found in almost any location.
Regardless of whether you are talking about your cellular telephone or if you
are talking about a kitchen appliance, it is likely that they take advantage of
what PCBs make possible. That being said, here are some of the most common uses
for the printed circuit board.
Computers - Although it is not likely that
you have heard about a printed circuit board being inside of a computer, you
have likely heard of a motherboard. In actuality, they are one and the same. The
motherboard is the heart and soul of the computer, allowing all of its functions
to take place seamlessly, quickly and conveniently. There are also other PCBs
that are located inside of the computer, such as those that handle specific
processes within it. These can include the cards that are separate from the
motherboard, such as the sound card, video card, modem and the power supply.
PCBs also control the function of the memory of the computer (RAM) and allow it
to be accessed as needed.
Cell Phones - It doesn't matter if you use a
smartphone or one that isn't quite as up-to-date, it is also going to make use
of a printed circuit board. PCBs allows for millions of calculations to take
place within the cell phone every second. Not only can it allow you to access
data, such as checking your email or text messaging, it also decompresses and
compresses the VoiceStream so that you can have a conversation.
As
technology continues to move forward, there is no doubt that printed circuit
boards will play a large role in the future of the electronic items that we use.
They will continue to produce faster, more efficient results and will allow
technology to keep up with our ever-growing
demands.
Sources:
"What is a Printed Circuit Board", Business
Gross, http://www.ronpcb.com/
more...
http://www.webjam.com/pcbonline/$blog/2015/12/08/what_is_hiding_inside_your_computer
