When Paul Eisler invented the first Printed Circuit Board (back in 1943) few could have predicted that they would go on to completely revolutionize our life. These days, all the electrical and electronic devices that we see around us (from versatile computers to our robust cell phones) make use of Printed Circuit Boards in some way, shape, or form.
 
With an ever-increasing demand for innovation, predicting the future of the PCB industry is next to impossible. However, judging by market trends, we can make some educated guesses on how these wonderful circuit boards will continue to change our lives in the near future.

1. Self-Driving Vehicles:

Most people believe that the impact of PCBs on the automotive industry has been saturated. Granted no new devices have been invented since the introduction of near field cameras and display screens but that’s because there’s something big in the pipelines.
We’re, of course, talking about autonomous, self-driving vehicles that look set to transform the transportation sector. Unlike humans, that may have energy crashes and bad moods, these self-driven vehicles suffer from no such problems. As a result, they’ll be able to cover larger distances without having to pause for a short break.
In other words, you should expect quicker product delivery from Amazon and eBay should they choose to incorporate self-driven vehicles in their business model!

2. PCB Cameras:

As the name suggests, PCB Cameras are cameras mounted directly on the printed circuit board. While that may sound like a trivial design choice at first, it’s important to understand the potential this has in the surveillance industry.
 
Simply put, PCB cameras will be much smaller than the CCTV ones that we around us. This means that intelligence agencies will be able to better monitor suspicious activities which will likely result in lower crime rates.

3. 3D Printed Electronics:

It’s no secret that the cost of manufacturing of most electronics is ridiculously high. This results in costly electronics which the end-user (i.e. the consumers) simply cannot afford. As a result, people miss out on top-notch innovations that would’ve made their lives easier.
All that is about to change as the introduction of PCBs into the world of 3D printing will slash the cost of production. In other words, the price of electronics will likely plummet in the near future which will usher in a golden era of technological innovation.

4. Flexible PCBs to Rise:

From wearable electronics to flexible displays, the future of flexible PCBs looks the brightest. A recent report suggests that this particular sub-domain of the PCB industry is set to grow to $27 billion by 2022!
Devices that use Flex PCBs will be able to handle more stress without distorting. This makes them the perfect choice for medical instrumentation, LED lighting, and wearable technology, etc.
 
Even though it remains to be seen whether or not these predictions come to fruition, it’s safe to say that we’re living in exciting times as far as PCBs are concerned. It feels like for the first time, in a really long time, we can look towards the future with hope and optimism!

About Topscom PCB Assembly:

We’re one of the biggest PCB design, assembly, and electronic manufacturer China in the world. Owing to our unmatched experience and expertise in the industry, we can provide robust and reliable electrical solutions for our clients.
Contact us today if you’re interested in buying premium quality PCBs at an affordable price.