Application of Multilayer PCB

For numerous industries, multilayer PCBs have become the preferred choice for a variety of applications. Much of this preference stems from the continued push toward mobility and functionality across all technologies. Multilayer PCBs are a logical step in this process, enabling more functionality while reducing size. As such, they have become quite common and are used in many technologies, including:

Consumer Electronics

Consumer electronics is a broad term used to cover a wide range of products used by the general public. This often includes products used every day, such as smartphones and microwave ovens. Each of these consumer electronics products contain PCBs, but more and more of them are using multilayer PCBs instead of the standard single layer. Why? Most of the reasons lie in consumer trends. People in the modern world tend to love the multifunctional gadgets and smart devices that stay with them for the rest of their lives. From universal remotes to smart watches, these types of devices are fairly common in the modern world. They also tend to use multilayer PCBs to increase functionality and reduce size.

Computer electronics

Everything from servers to motherboards use multilayer PCBs, mainly because of their space-saving properties and high functionality. For these applications, performance is one of the most essential characteristics of a PCB, while cost is relatively low on the priority list. Therefore, multilayer PCBs are an ideal solution for many technologies in this industry.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications equipment often uses multilayer PCBs in several general-purpose applications, such as signal transmission, GPS, and satellite applications. The reason for this is mainly its durability and functionality. PCBs for telecom applications are often found in mobile equipment or outdoor towers. In these applications, durability is critical while still maintaining a high level of functionality.

Industry

Multilayer PCBs are indeed more durable than several other options on the market today, making them ideal for applications that deal with rough everyday. As a result, multilayer PCBs have become popular in several industrial applications, most notably industrial controls. From industrial computers to control systems, multilayer PCBs are used throughout manufacturing and industrial applications to run machinery, favoring their durability as well as their small size and functionality.

Medical instruments

Electronics are becoming an increasingly important part of the healthcare industry, playing a role in every corner of the industry, from treatment to diagnosis. Multilayer PCBs are especially popular in the medical industry due to their small size, light weight, and high functionality compared to single-layer alternatives. These advantages have led to multilayer PCBs being used in modern X-ray equipment, heart monitors, CAT scanning equipment, and medical testing equipment, among others.

Military and defense

Favored for durability, functionality, and low weight, multilayer PCBs are useful in high-speed circuits, which are increasingly valued in military applications. They are also favored due to the defense industry’s move towards highly compact engineering designs, as the small size of multilayer PCBs leaves more room for other components to perform existing functions.

Vehicle electronics

In modern cars, cars rely more and more on electronic components, especially with the rise of electric vehicles. Using the correct type of components is becoming increasingly important in automotive design, from GPS and on-board computers to headlight switches and engine sensors controlled by electronics. This is why many automakers are starting to favor multilayer PCBs over other alternatives. While they are small and durable, multilayer PCBs are also highly functional and relatively heat-resistant, making them ideal for the interior environment of a car.

Aerospace

Just like cars, jets and rockets rely heavily on modern electronics, all of these must be extremely precise. From computers used on the ground to those used in the cockpit, aerospace PCB applications must be reliable and able to handle the stress of atmospheric travel while leaving enough room for the rest of the surrounding equipment. In this case, a multilayer PCB is the ideal solution, with enough protective layers to keep heat and external stress from damaging the connections, and the ability to be made from flexible materials. Their higher quality and functionality also contributes to this utility in the aerospace industry, as aerospace companies prefer to use the best materials available to keep people and equipment safe.

Multilayer PCB applications go far beyond these and are used in a variety of other industries, including the scientific and research industries, and even household appliances and security. Everything from alarm systems and fiber optic sensors to atomic accelerators and weather analysis equipment use multilayer PCBs, taking advantage of the space and weight savings this PCB format offers, as well as higher functionality.