Exploring Common Applications of Circuit Card Assembly in the Aerospace Industry

Unlike some other industries, circuit card assembly in aerospace applications must meet strict standards in order to endure extreme conditions. Aerospace devices are often exposed to radical changes in temperature, harmful chemicals, and intense vibrations. All of these things can threaten lesser printed circuit boards. That’s why EEI Manufacturing and other electronics manufacturers specially design PCBs that can survive in the aerospace industry.

There are many benefits to specialized printed circuit board assembly in the aerospace industry. Please continue reading as we break down a few of the most prominent ones before exploring some common applications of PCBs throughout the aerospace sector.

Durability is Key

The aerospace industry is well acquainted with temperature extremes – both high and low – as airborne systems may have to stay suspended in space for months or years at a time. As such, it is crucial for PCBs to be able to withstand not just temperature extremes, but also rapid fluctuations between the two. Besides using materials like high temperature laminates and aluminum substrates to temperature-proof PCBs, thermal compounds are also exceptional at evenly distributing heat across a circuit board’s many components.

Lighter by Comparison

It is common for printed circuit boards used in aerospace applications to be lighter than standard commercial PCBs. This way, they won’t inhibit the system’s ability to launch, fly, or remain suspended in space. Not only are materials like aluminum substrates lightweight, but they are also resistant to high temperature and therefore suitable for a wide variety of aerospace applications.

Minimizing Radio Signal Degradation

Many electronic systems used in aerospace platforms utilize both high- and low-frequency components. Preserving the integrity of radio signals is key, and we are able to do so by shielding PCBs in strategic areas to minimize degradation. Aerospace PCBs are designed to differentiate between high- and low-frequency components, as well as have the shortest transmission lines possible, to ensure that no radio signal quality is lost.

Introducing a Few Applications of Aerospace PCBs

As a leading advanced manufacturing company for PCB manufacturing, EEI is familiar with many modern applications of printed circuit boards in the aerospace realm. Some of those applications include the following:

• Onboard electronic flight systems
• Traffic alerting and collision avoidance for remotely piloted aircraft
• Central air data computers and full authority digital engine control systems
• Interconnectivity with satellite networks
• LED lights
• Temperature sensors
• And many, many more

There are many reasons to utilize specialized printed circuit boards in your aerospace technology. For this reason, it is obvious why you should partner with PCB assembly manufacturers who are familiar with the stringent demands of the aerospace sector. Give EEI Manufacturing a call today and ask us about our PCB manufacturing to learn how we can serve your needs.