Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, demand for PCB assemblies in the aerospace industry is growing as the sector focuses on raising safety and efficiency standards and on meeting sustainability goals.
Electronic systems are integral to the aerospace industry, playing a central role in the functionality of critical technology both in the air and on the ground. They are also fundamental to how the sector is evolving and advancing.
High-grade PCB assemblies are crucial to the operation of these systems. This is why an increasing number of top-level aerospace manufacturers and system suppliers are employing the services of PCB assembly specialists.
Which aerospace systems need PCB assemblies?
PCB assemblies are used in equipment and technology across the aerospace industry and a high standard of assembly is required in every area. They must provide complete reliability in harsh operating conditions.
For example, PCB assemblies must be able to withstand the highly radioactive conditions of low-Earth orbit and outer-space environments and extreme temperatures. They must also be able to withstand severe vibration, high-speed movement and the impact of take-off and landing.
Aerospace industry applications that use high-grade PCB assemblies include:
- Communication systems
- In-flight power supplies
- Flight instrumentation
- Radar installations
- Temperature sensors
- Satellite technology
- Auxiliary power units
PCB-powered aerospace applications and the future of aviation
PCB assemblies are also powering the next generation of aviation technology as the industry invests in making air travel safer and more efficient, and in reducing its impact on the environment.
For example, structural health monitoring is a key area of development. This technology monitors and assesses the structural condition of aircraft in real time, helping to identify the need for maintenance and to avoid catastrophic fatigue failure.
With regard to reducing carbon emissions, manufacturers are working on zero-emission hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft that could enter service by 2035. The concepts under development are exploring the use of various technologies and aerodynamic configurations.
Looking further ahead, a long-term goal of the aerospace industry is to launch fully human-free flights using autonomous flight systems. System developers are currently working with the technology used for drones.
Safety and security applications and your PCB assembly partner
While many commercial aircraft have had to remain grounded over the last 18 months, the aerospace industry has been far from inactive. Not only do PCB assemblies have a vital role in the functionality of existing systems, but they are also critical to how the sector is innovating.
Given the quality and reliability requirements of aerospace systems, your choice of PCB assemblies partner is crucial. A specialist PCB manufacturer will have the expertise and experience to develop and produce the high-grade PCB assemblies that you need.
The right partner will offer comprehensive manufacturing process testing, inspection and verification, and the know-how to help guide application design and production. This standard of service will provide the level of application assurance that is necessary for key systems.
To find out how MPE Electronics PCB manufacturing and assembly services can benefit your business, contact us on +44 (0)1825 764822 or enquiries@mpe-electronics.co.uk.
