90s Nostalgia Returned with Transparent Circuit Boards
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In the ever-evolving world of electronics, a new trend is emerging: transparent and glow-in-the-dark PCBs. These innovative boards are not only visually appealing but also offer unique functionalities.
First, let's talk about transparent PCBs. Companies like JLCPCB have introduced a transparent Arduino board, boasting an amazing appearance. The circuit on this board is a Flexduino, an Arduino clone designed for flexible substrates. The Flexduino features LEDs that glow and white silkscreen for contrast, making it a perfect choice for hobbyists and prototyping enthusiasts.
Transparent PCBs from the 1990s were considered cool, and the trend continues today. Some modern examples include flexible PCBs using Polyimide, Polycarbonate (PC), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) substrates. Polyimide offers high flexibility and thermal stability with up to 95% clarity, making it ideal for bendable electronic devices. Polycarbonate is shockproof and impact-resistant, making it suitable for rugged transparent PCBs in automotive and consumer electronics. PET, on the other hand, is chosen for its mechanical strength and chemical resistance, often found in flexible wearables and displays.
Glass-based transparent PCBs represent an advanced approach to see-through electronics, allowing light to pass through and supporting high thermal conductivity. These are particularly useful for applications in architectural lighting or minimalist design electronics.
Now, let's delve into the realm of glow-in-the-dark PCBs. While specific commercial examples are scarce, interest and research in combining transparent PCB materials with luminescent substances or LEDs integrated into the substrates are underway. The JLCPCB context suggests that glow-in-the-dark PCBs are experimental or niche uses rather than mass commercial availability.
As competition among board houses heats up, we can expect further development of unconventional PCB materials, such as edible PCBs. This is a speculative mention and not yet confirmed.
Custom PCBs can now be ordered quickly and easily, making these innovative boards accessible to a wider audience. If you're interested in ordering a transparent or glow-in-the-dark PCB, JLCPCB's regular old order form can be used.
We would like to extend our thanks to George Graves for the tip.
References:
[1] Transparent Flexible PCBs: A Comprehensive Guide
[2] Flexduino: A Transparent FPC Arduino Clone
[3] Glass-Based Transparent PCBs: An Advanced Approach
[4] Glow-in-the-Dark PCBs: Current State and Future Potential
Microcontrollers, like the Arduino, find a place in the development of innovative transparent and glow-in-the-dark PCBs, contributing to the growth of electronics and gadgets. With companies such as JLCPCB leading the way, these unique PCBs are increasingly incorporating advanced materials such as Polyimide, Polycarbonate, and Polyethylene Terephthalate. As data-and-cloud-computing becomes more integrated with technology, glow-in-the-dark PCBs could potentially be a part of this digital revolution.
