A printed circuit board, or the common abbreviation of PCB, is used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks, or traces, etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. It can also be known as printed wiring board (PWB) or etched wiring board. After the electronic components are put on the PCB it is known as a printed circuit assembly (PCA), also known as a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA).

Circuit boards were created in the mid-1930s, most likely by Austrian Paul Eisler. During World War II the United States produced them on a massive scale for use in war radios. During this period the invention remained confined to the military sector, and it wasn’t until the end of the war that it became available for widespread commercial use.

Let’s put this in simpler terms. Printed Circuit Boards enable us to get rid of the ridiculous amount of wires it would take to create any type of modern day electronics. Look at the smallest wireless electronic device you have in your home, for example, a remote control. Inside this remote control is a PCB enabling you to use all of the function ability of 30 different commands in such a conveniently small form. Probably the most important thing about a PCB is that it bring the manufacturing cost down significantly. Instead of having a single man soldering and wiring a device, we can mass produce PCB’s using machinery. Taking down the time it would take to accomplish PCB manufacturing down to a matter of seconds. They do require much more layout effort and higher initial cost than either point-to-point constructed or wire-wrapped circuits, but as I stated, are much cheaper and faster for high-volume production.

A large majority of printed circuit boards are made by applying a layer of copper over the entire substrate (or supporting material on which a circuit is formed or fabricated). This creates what is known as a “blank PCB”, meaning that the entire circuit is covered in copper. The next step is removing unwanted copper after applying a temporary mask (also known as etching), leaving only the desired copper traces. This is known as a “subtractive” method. They can also be made using an “additive” method, but this is far less common. There are three common subtractive methods that are used in the manufacturing which I will explain in Part 2 of the Lowdown on Printed Circuit Boards.

PCB Solutions
3550 Barron Way Suite 11A
Reno, Nevada 89511
Ph: (775) 826 – 6600

As with any family living in these modern times, the term budget is becoming more and more a part of common day conversations. When before skimping and saving may have been the back burner, this self-reliant lifestyle craze now is the whole oven. This also highly effects the industry that is home remodeling. People are coming up with new and innovative ways to save money while still retaining the most popular of styles and themes.

In the early parts of each year families anxiously await the tax returns that give a much needed boost financially in these trying times. While tax returns in regards to yearly income is almost a certain, there are other areas where most people aren’t aware they can receive a tax return for concerning your home.

Tax Incentives for Home Builders

A tax credit is a refund given by the IRS to those who are proactively reducing energy costs and making their homes more eco-friendly. This tax credit is a great reward for those interested in making their home green-friendly, or those who are looking to cut energy costs and save money wherever they can.

One of these tax credits can come from upgrading your vinyl windows in Utah. When a homeowner installs new windows that allow less heat to escape in the wintertime and provide greater circulation in the summer months, the savings received on a monthly basis from lowered heating and cooling costs qualifies you for a tax credit. Homeowners can receive up to $2,000 in yearly tax credits when saving energy costs in the home. If you’re considering remodeling your home, make sure to be aware of the different ways you can lower your energy costs, while getting a little yearly kick back around March. This combined with the usual lifetime warranty that comes with Amsco Windows in Utah is a sure way live within your means.

Valley Glass
2660 S. Industrial Drive
Ogden, Utah 84401
Ph: (801) 399 – 5625