The early phase
In today’s technological scenario, PCBs play an important role when compared to early were not much commendable. They mainly and mostly consisted of end-end wiring or point-point contacts creating clumsy wiring practices. The turret board (the early form of electronic circuit) was little better than the point connections used.
Related problems
The earlier practices resulted in a complex network circuit. It was difficult to detect the faults occurring in the system. In addition, fixed the problems resulted in more faults in the circuit later.
Problems related to low data transfer speed and heat generation frequently happened and the mechanical stress produced due to the working of the machinery was harmful to the circuit.
Merits of PCB
The invention of the PCB resolved the issues that were common with the earlier practices. Faults happened less often now and it was a simple task to do away with them in case of faults. Also, the circuit boards could now handle more work load in related environments. Consequently, the electronic industry started expanding with the size of the PCBs getting smaller and more features getting loaded over single chip, the circuits gained credibility in terms of reliability.
Economy in cost and size
The short track lengths and effective use of the board space resulted in compactness of the circuits resulting in usage of a lower amount of raw material and lower cost. Large scale production of PCBs expanded the electronic consumer market, which resulted in the goods available to consumers at lower prices. It also led to capital benefits to the companies. As the size of PCBs reduced, it led to added features like GSM, video capturing abilities and GPRS added on a single chip at little extra cost which made technology viable to the common man.
Challenges ahead
Miniaturization of the substrate is posing a challenge to the skills and competence of all: researchers as well as developers. And, PCB development is going meet the ever growing technological needs of different users in different sectors.
With the coming of 3D printing technology, the industry will have an edge over the existing 2D and 2.5D technology. The medical domain is challenging, and it is an opportunity for PCB professionals for developing technological applications for easy and simpler use of the equipment in diagnosis of illnesses and other applications in medical profession.