PCB Tech - Track automotive PCB applications and development

Printed circuit board design progress

From hobbyists to the aerospace industry, the application of printed circuit boards has continued to evolve over the years. With these expansions, advances in materials and capabilities also need to be expanded. This trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.

Imagine the world before the arrival of the information age.

Before the smartphone and Internet boom, PCBs had been widely used-toys from fighter jets. There was a time when pocket calculators were considered high-tech. As society becomes increasingly dependent on technology, new innovations continue to be introduced.

In the new century, electronic products have become more powerful, compact and mobile. People have become accustomed to contact. Advances in providing greater connectivity also require more packaging into each PCB.

Modern applications in the automotive industry

Technology has been firmly integrated into all aspects of our lives-including our cars.

Requirements for safety, convenience, and connectivity require circuit board design to stay in sync-if not to stay ahead. Advances in the automotive industry mean that PCB applications must adapt to these complex systems.

All new cars need a computer to run. PCB is the core of these system designs and can be of various types-including single-sided, double-sided, multilayer, rigid, flexible, etc. They cover a wide range of applications that can be found throughout the operating system of the vehicle.

Trucking & delivery industry

The initial investment is just the beginning, as there are costs associated with keeping any vehicle on the road. This is especially true for large trucks that spend their time crossing national highways.

It is said that as many as 43% of the operating costs of commercial trucks will be in the driver's seat. As costs continue to rise, it is not surprising that the industry has shown great interest in autonomous driving technology.

Personal car

Although the trucking industry may view self-driving cars as a means to save costs, the consumer market appears to be focused on other goals. Nowadays, personal cars provide incredible technical capabilities brought by printed circuit board systems.

Convenience is of course a factor. Nonetheless, the potential benefits of safety make the promise of self-driving cars so attractive. Many automakers are investing heavily in the future of this technology. This is not a problem, but when we see the car driving on its own.

At present, personal cars provide precursors for autonomous driving systems, making full use of PCB technology.

Powertrain components

The car's engine, transmission and other components have various electronic control modules. As powertrain design requires more functions, the number of modules must also increase. Without this hybrid of synchronized computers, your car wouldn't go too far.

Comfort and technical features

It is easy to guess that car functions such as smart keys and navigation systems require a computer. Less obvious-including numerous sensors and automatic braking systems-are also found in modern cars.

Advanced driver assistance system

The ADAS system is an electronic security measure that provides the most advanced protection measures in various states. These system protection devices-video cameras, radar receivers and other sensors-enhance the driver's ability to avoid potential accidents.

The dawn of the autonomous vehicle revolution

Imagine your future driving and stopping to pick up passengers. The autonomous drone navigates the road along the predetermined destination while avoiding breaking into anything along the way.

Sounds like something in a science fiction movie?

The novel tends to become reality eventually. Self-driving cars already exist. In fact, many sectors of the industry are actively testing this technology. Their widespread and commercial use is coming soon.

Printed circuit boards in the world of self-driving cars

Regardless of the industry, the shift to self-driving cars requires progress. It happened. The printed circuit board is not just an important part of the equation-it is a requirement.

Although technology helps alleviate the human error that usually leads to accidents, people are still skeptical about allowing machines to drive on their own. It is necessary to combine reliable software and hardware to ensure the safety of the system as much as possible.