Before we start exploring the distinct applications and advantages of HDI PCB, let us form an overview of its underlying concept. HDI expands as a High-Density Interconnect and is gradually turning out to be an efficient resort for smaller and more efficient PCBs. Additionally, the term is associated with a circuit board with a higher wiring density per unit area. The distinguishing factor of HDI lies in the fact that they are comprised of thinner lines and spaces, capture pads, minor vias, higher connection pad density, and the like. The dominant reason that has led to HDI’s introduction is its capability to reduce a generous amount of space, line, diameter, BGA pitch, pre-preg thickness, and board compression.
Nevertheless, we cannot steer away from accepting that to ensure that HDI supports the electrical needs of high-speed signals, it needs to be sufficient with several elements including impedance control, high-frequency transmission, controlled redundant radiation, and several others. Also, the board must principally have a high density to facilitate miniaturization and arrays of the electronic parts. In the following section, we will be delineating some of the glaring benefits of employing HDI PCB.
Advantages
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Effectively reduces power usage hence, making way for a longer battery life of the powered devices.
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It adjusts more elements even in that restricted area of the board as the HDI PCBs are more populated around the sides implying their denser trace routing.
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Durable and bleak allowing multiplied strength and curbed perforations.
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Quite unlike the traditional PCBs, in the HDIs, one can keep adding additional components as per requirements.
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The PCBs are incredibly compact and lightweight.
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Lightning-fast transmission of signals with improved signal quality.
More than anything else, HDI PCBs try to accommodate the latest technologies within the realms of their existing characteristics to strengthen the efficiency of the circuit boards through the equal or thinner extent of the area. This feature of the HDI PCBs is most useful when it concerns designing touch-screen phones and similar gadgets because it encourages the adjustment of the tiniest parts and semiconductor packages which, in turn, are imperative for these devices.
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Decreased heat transfer
Heat transfer in HDI PCBs is seemingly reduced because the heat gets to travel a lesser distance from the point of their initiation to vent for escape. Another intriguing characteristic of HDI PCB lies in the verity that they undergo thermal expansion; meaning, their area is gradually increased over time and consequently, the tension is reduced, therefore, catalyzing their longevity.
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Conductivity
The boards of the HDI PCBs can be packed with either conductive or non-conductive transmitters to ensure that the diffusion amongst the components is impeccably facilitated. You can choose to work with the materials depending upon the solitary shape and size of your board to make sure that it is garnering you the highest proficiency. Moreover, the productivity is accelerated to the via-in-pad and blind vias allow the constituents of the board to be placed a lot closer to each other. It is a no-brainer that when the distance between the components is reduced and the path is more direct, the amount of time consumed dips and the signal strength grows stronger.
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Smaller form factors
As we have already mentioned in the preceding section, HDI PCBs are the most fitting recourses if you are looking forward to considerably reducing space. Rather than piling up the layers of the PCB individually, the HDI rules out several layers; for instance, if the conventional PCB is an 8-layered through-hole, with the HDI in action, it can be invariably cut down to a piece of 4-layer equipment with the via-in-pad technology.
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Reduces risk
The best way to confirm the reduction of a gadget’s vulnerability stemming from mechanical shocks is by putting the HDI PCB into service. The modern-day HDI carries lesser weight when compared with its counterparts and this asserts that the PCBs can adjust themselves in little spaces and subsequently bring lesser mass with themselves.
Applications
Communications
Routers, semiconductors, switches, and modules rely on HDI PCB big-time to source their functionalities. Particularly, if you ever come across a computerized gadget, electronic communications, and devices based on radio waves, chances are that they are using an HDI board. Apart from this, audio and video equipment capitalize on the niches of HDI PCB. These high-tech PCB boards open doors for unadulterated networks expended by businesses along with basic communication.
Electronics
The journey of huge computers to palmtops wouldn't have been possible if not for the HDI PCBs. Accept it or not, all of us, at some point in our lives, have wondered how a gadget as simple and tiny as a smartwatch can carry out all the functions of a smartphone and computer. Well, the answer is HDI. Other than keeping up with the elementary needs of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables, HDI PCB has become a common name in the domains of IoT devices acquired for the home such as refrigerators, smart TVs, thermostats, etc.
Medical devices
The contribution of HDI PCB in stretching the boundaries of medical sciences cannot go unacknowledged; all the monitors that you see around in a hospital used for imaging, monitoring, laboratory analysis, and surgical procedures are all driven by these PCBs. This high-density tool stimulates upgraded performance in space-saving and cost-effective devices, which in a way, certifies enhanced accuracy of medical testing and monitoring.
Automotive and aerospace
If you look carefully, you will see that most cars today have started depending on computer-generated programs for their operations. Presently, all the latest launches have been assigned with about 50 microprocessors on board that influence engine controls, diagnostics, safety features, and the like. The onboard GPS and Wi-Fi, backup sensors, and rearview mirrors too, take shelter under the utilities of the HDI PCB. Given the present circumstances, we can assure one thing above all, and that is, with the development of the automobile industry, the HDI PCBs will be laid down with graver responsibilities.
Summing it all up, we can safely conclude that HDI PCBs are justifiably taking the industry by storm and are being qualified as the undisputed replacements for the long-established PCBs.
