#embedding components

In this month's edition of PCB Magazine, the cover story dives into one of this generation's most interesting technological developments.  That is, embedding components into the substrate of circuit boards in order to increase the efficacy of said assemblies.  So, what exactly makes this such a big deal? Haven't advanced manufacturers been experimenting with the idea of embedding components onto PCB for decades? The short answer is that not only does placing larger systems into circuit boards enable designers to create smaller products, but those products use less materials and occasionally end up costing less to manufacture. Of course, since size and expenses are two of the primary drivers of innovation in modern tech, we have been toying with the idea of embedded components for some time now, but due to the meteoric rise of mobile's popularity in recent years, it has become more timely and urgent than ever to engineer smaller PCB assemblies for ever-smaller applications.  

Why embed?

Placing components closer to the board's substrate is more efficient and potentially cheaper—for both PCB companies and ultimately their entire supply chains. More specifically, the reduction of electrical path lengths cuts down not only on material used, but on the clarity of high-frequency signals. Reducing the amount of physical space that the PCB occupies reduces superfluous thermal activity and minimizes capacitively and inductively coupled noise, both of which will adversely affect overall product performance. 

High-density, low-profile

Embedded components are the wave of the future, at least within the world of printed electronics. They can enable us to design and execute the production of thinner, more powerful mobile phones, tablets, wearable devices, and perhaps even flexible televisions.  

Embedded components will keep your firm competitive

Whether you are the manager of a well-established manufacturing company that creates medical devices or you've just broken ground on a new startup that is looking to get its feet wet in its own niche in the world of manufacturing, the fact of the matter is you're probably going to need a reliable electronics provider.  Unequivocally, there has never been a better time to consider the fiscal and executional advantages of circuit boards with embedded components.