The impact of PCB design on reliability and electronic performance
In sectors as diverse as construction, logistics, heritage, and industry, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a key factor in driving digitalization, improving efficiency, and opening up new opportunities for innovation.
When designing an electronic device, attention is often focused on the most important and prominent components, such as processors, sensors, or communication modules. However, the printed circuit board (PCB) is a key element, as its design has a decisive impact on the proper functioning, efficiency, and reliability of the system as a whole.
Energy efficiency is a fundamental pillar in the development of any equipment. A well-designed PCB allows for optimal energy transmission, minimizing losses associated with excessive resistance in copper tracks and poor component organization. If signals are forced to travel unnecessarily long distances or through tracks that are too narrow, the result is increased heat generation, higher energy consumption, and a shorter device lifespan.
The organization of the elements on the PCB is another crucial aspect. Very diverse functions coexist on the same circuit, such as power distribution, digital signal transmission, and high-sensitivity analog signal management. To obtain a clean and stable signal flow, it is essential that these functions are properly isolated from each other, allowing the device to operate predictably and without errors.
“The organization of the elements on the PCB is another crucial aspect. Very diverse functions coexist on the same circuit that must be properly isolated from each other to obtain a clean and stable signal flow”
Protection against electromagnetic interference is no less important. In today’s environment, marked by the proliferation of wireless communications, broadcasting, and industrial machinery, devices are exposed to all kinds of external disturbances. These can generate noise and interference in signals, and can even cause power surges capable of damaging components and tracks. In addition, poor design can turn the PCB into a source of interference for itself and surrounding devices. The application of techniques such as continuous ground planes, compact layer stacking, reduced signal paths, and auxiliary filtering elements is essential to mitigate all these risks.
Aware of the importance of these aspects, at CARTIF we apply these principles from the prototyping phase, anticipating their adaptation to future industrialization processes. In the case of BATERURGIA project, this enabled the development of a monitoring and warning device for the transport and storage of electric vehicle batteries. Similarly, in AUTOLOG, it enabled the creation of a device integrated into self-guided industrial vehicles, aimed at collecting logistical data in order to improve process traceability and optimize transport routes.