Radwell International’s Blog

The decision to go wireless for machine communication comes down to how much the benefits outweigh the challenges.

Wireless communication in our everyday electronic mobile devices has become so pervasive that it’s difficult to remember when such connectivity didn’t exist. Conversely, this level of connectivity has yet to dominate the factory floor. However, with the increased focus on IIoT, this may soon become a reality.

Pneumatic solenoid valves for many decades have been controlled through discrete wiring, with each solenoid individually wired and connected to a common cable, such as a 25-pin D-sub connector. This has progressed to fieldbus for quicker installation times, reduced wiring errors, and more importantly, diagnostic feedback capabilities.

The printed circuit board was introduced to us nearly 90 years ago, and along the way, it has seen massive improvements. As technology has progressed and evolved, these boards have continued to become more sophisticated. A printed circuit board or a PCB connects electrical components by conductive paths or tracks that have been printed or etched on the board.  Check out more about What a Printed Circuit Board Is and what it is used for here.

PCB stands for Printed Circuit Board.

A printed circuit board mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components or electrical components using conductive tracks, pads and other features etched from one or more sheet layers of copper laminated onto and/or between sheet layers of a non-conductive substrate. Components are generally soldered onto the PCB to both electrically connect and mechanically fasten them to it.

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are thin boards made from an insulating material, with a metal coated surface. Etches are made in the metal with acid to create pathways for electricity to travel among various components which are surface mounted on the board with solder.