Printed Circuit Boards

Abstract

Printed wiring performs a specific function and can, therefore, contribute to the overall success or failure of apparatus in service as can any other component. Would-be users of this form of interconnection formerly had serious misgivings as to its reliability compared with traditional wiring practice which in general enjoyed a good reputation. As the size of components diminished and in particular with the development of semiconductors, point to point wiring operations became tedious. Assemblies logically evolved into a series of `mountings' in the form of tag panels or strips. With the introduction of etched wiring and circuitry, assembly operations were considerably simplified and there was a vastly improved prospect of achieving accurate repeatability in the wiring pattern in production. To these attributes of the printed wiring board we can add that of being the chief assembly constituent which made mass soldering a practical proposition.