“Last year’s journey into the defense industry has been quite an adventure, where I have learned how important the right knowledge and relationships are. As an actor in the defense industry, one must be able to provide printed circuits according to the materials, constructions, environmental challenges and composites that are approved for this specific industry, says Torben Hajslund at NCAB Group Elmatica.
Torben Hajslund has worked in the printed circuit industry for decades, building up a strong relationship within the defense, space, drone and military sectors, as Country Manager.
“To be compliant with the rules and regulations is key to be able to assist in this high demanding industry. The experience, formal certifications and approvals is what provides the customers with security”, says Hajslund.
He emphasizes that dedication, knowledge and close relations with manufacturers, also is crucial when improving and simplifying the customers purchasing processes.
Provide the customers with security
“PCBs for the defense industry require high reliability. One sector within both commercial and defense production is the drone industry, which has increased in popularity and demand in recent years.
“As in any industry with advanced products and production, the need for clear communication, open dialogue and approved vendor lists are of the highest importance. The drone industry is”, says Hajslund
Offering endless opportunities
A crucial factor for the quality and application possibilities of such drones is the built-in sensor technology, offering endless opportunities on what kind of technology you can fit into the drone, but also raising the demands for high quality PCB and components.
“PCB applications for the drone industry require high reliability. My experience is that drone technology is constantly evolving, and undergoing groundbreaking progressive improvements. This only emphasizes the importance of early involvement and close relations between the involved parties producing drones”, says Hajslund.
When size matters
When talking about drones, size matters. Our team of Senior Technical Advisors is often involved in the production process of new drones, for both military and commercial use.
“As a general rule, we can say that it’s with drones as with Space/Satellites and Avionics, small devices require low weight and offer minimal space to design on. The solution is often a thin polyimide Rigid Flex to be able to avoid space demanding contacts and keep the weight down. This result is HDI with narrow traces, microscopic isolation distances and extensive usage of micro via´s,” says John Steinar Johnsen, Senior Technical Advisor.
“In extreme cases, a DIE can be used directly on a PCB by connecting it by wire bonding. It is saving space and weight”, Johnsen finishes.
When designing printed circuits for drones we use our experience from the aerospace and automotive industry, where high quality and function tests are important.
Finding the right path for your product
“As always when planning a new product, looking into new materials or technologies, great minds think even better together. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you might have, and together we can find the right path for your product”, says Hajslund.
Contact details
+45 2115 7280,
Email: [email protected]
Key elements to remember when planning a PCB for drones:
* ow weight on the printed circuit is a key.
* A thin Rigid Flex is a necessity due to limited space and keeping weight low.
* Limited space inside the drone might offer the need for more creative design of printed circuits.
*Involve the expertise on an early stage of the design process, this might save you for re-designing later in the process.