The Printed Circuit Challenges of the '80s

The printed circuit has been a fundamental building block for the electronic industry for several decades. What will be the impact on our industry of technological developments, design demands and functional requirements in the next few years? Chip carriers—0·010 in. holes—0·001 in. lines and spaces—surface mounting of components—organic circuits—programmable circuits—microminiaturisation—new substrates—new metallisation—building to electrical rather than physical specification. Assuming continued explosive electronic growth, coupled with accelerated evolutionary developments, will the present structure, philosophy and management of our industry permit it to respond effectively to these challenges.