The Evolution of Printed Circuit Boards

Since the first operation of post-World War II, printed circuit boards have achieved tremendous progress in the aspect of materials, construction methods and design technologies, etc.

In the 1950s, materials continued to evolve. This process involves drawing the wiring pattern and photographing it on a zinc plate and then using it on an offset press to print the wiring in the acid-resistant ink on the copper foil. Then the foil can be etched using an acid solution to leave the desired wiring pattern.

The 1960s witnessed the emergence of multilayer technology for PCB design and manufacture in excess of four layers. Double -sided boards began to be used because the enhanced plating process was developed that allowed to plate hole walls.

1970 saw the beginning of board size reductions and hot air soldering. Throughout the 1990s, the demand for complex circuit board and off-setting growth has contributed to capabilities in PCB technology.

The complex software development tool is one of the key factors for the continuous development of printed circuit board technology. Computer-aided design and manufacturing programs used by designers and manufacturers can greatly improve efficiency and shorten the time from concept to market.

Designers can work more effectively with suppliers to streamline the development process. Software available to PCB designers can also check design files for missing or incomplete information before submitting them to the manufacturer.