One of the most noticeable trends in all types of equipment, systems, machines, and devices is the evolution of the technology seems to continue to speed up, and it is not hitting a plateau or slowing down. This evolution impacts all types of electronics and computerized components and systems from simple kitchen devices to the increasing complexity of the devices we use every day for work, entertainment, and even to operate as implantable medical devices controlling systems in the body.
With all types of technology advancing at a rapid pace, it is not surprising that the need for advanced printed circuit board design is a factor in designing these new devices and systems. The need for contract manufacturers to have the advanced PCB design skills needed by OEMs with cutting edge products is becoming a driving force in moving some contract manufacturers into the role as industry leaders.
Some of the new trends in printed circuit board design that continue to be a focus into this new decade include:
- Increased ability to connect – one of the issues for many OEMs is to create equipment, machines, systems, and devices that are ready to connect to the IoT (Internet of Things). Designing this feature into systems is a marketing and customer support basic for many different things used on a daily basis.
- More power in less space (High density interconnect)– as the need for more compact but more powerful systems in all types of devices continues, the requirement for increasingly complex and much higher power PCBs becomes a driving factor.
- Use of simulations – to address everything from high power applications to advanced security on specific types of printed circuit board design, the use of virtual testing and simulations using technology
- Specialized companies offering PCB design based on cutting edge technology will continue to be an advantage for any OEM.
