Our world has become very reliant on technological devices. We cannot leave our homes without our cellular phones. We pull out or wireless tablets and laptop computer the minute we get home from work. We even have technological assistance installed into our cars for navigation and traffic options. Our homes may be equipped with technological security systems, fridges that are controlled by technology and even climate controlled systems that work on technology to control the temperature in our homes. Have you ever thought about how these items were designed and how they work? Probably not. Most people do not give much thought to the interior design of these technological devices that we rely so heavily on.
Most units of technology are created with the design capabilities of a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is a prototype PCB that provides engineers and scientists with a basis for design. The printed circuit board can be customized and added to create advanced and differing types of technological units. The circuit board prototyping is the process of individual designing and planning. Things like size, level and type of circuit board cause the different devices to differ.
There are different types of prototype PCBs for different projects. Two other types of circuit assemblies are related to the printed circuit board, an integrated circuit, sometimes called an IC or microchip and a hybrid circuit. The different types may be combined together for a more advance technological device. There are a variety of soldering techniques used to attach components to a PCB. High volume production is usually done with SMT placement machine and bulk wave soldering or reflow ovens, but skilled technicians are able to solder very tiny parts (for instance 0201 packages which are 0.02 in. by 0.01 in).
The PCB fabrication involves a lot of planning and engineering. The unique parts of the printed circuit board are what allow different types of technology to occur. The different machines, different soldering methods and different calculations are all important.
After months and sometimes year of controlling and changing the printed circuit board, the product will be tested. It may take many tests, but once a final test proves success, the legend will be printed. The legend allows other engineers to copy the prototype printed circuit board. This ensures that the new technological device can be produced in more units. Printing an accurate legend is very important for replication of similar successful units. There are three methods to print the legend, which contains the component designators, switch settings, test points and other indications helpful in assembling, testing and servicing the circuit board. These three methods are silk screen printing, liquid photo imaging and ink jet printing. The specific method that is used to print the circuit board legend will depend on the type of project and the specific needs to replicate the current legend.
A lot of work and planning goes into these circuit board prototypes. The circuit board is a great tool for planning and testing out different options. The circuit board is a necessary tool in creating even more advanced of technological devices. It will be a stepping stone for further advances in science and technology.
Technology is an important part of our world. We rely on many technological devices, yet we never consider how they were made or how they work. The printed circuit board is the basis for these devices. They allow engineers and researchers to test out different workings of each device. This may take many months or years. Once a successful prototype is found, the legend is then printed for accurate replication. This allows manufacturers to completely mimic the successful device to create additional onces.