History of Media and technology Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

History of Media and technology - Research Paper Example Developments in technology has changed the process of production and editing of newspapers more than 10 years ago. As a result, the newspapers and magazines have virtually disappeared from the scene hence creating the concept of print with no paper. This process began with the onset of online (internet) journalism. People’s computer screens are replacing the newspaper and magazine prints. Currently, millions of people are moving towards internet in order to search for information, and to put their knowledge at work. They no longer wait for the newspaper vendor in the morning. Recently, people only require to log in to the internet to get most recent news, more information, and views including a chance to comment and make his/her views know to the rest of the world. Publishers are realizing the need for incorporating internet in the form of media, and as a medium for disseminating news instantaneously to the people seeking for information across the globe (Ginnekan 65). The human race is essentially characterized by its appetite to in invent, and the acts of invention have marked the upward surge for media revolution. As each generation cross the threshold of the media driven society, the term new media is relative to the time and the experience of their time. The journalists and readers born in the early 1980s had little experience of digital media, and the new media of their time is the obsolete or the traditional media of the current generation. The aim of this research paper to create a contemporary understanding of new technology and to give the readers the context of how new media(internet) and print media have transformed as a result of technological changes, and their effect to the society’s culture. The answer on sustaining and accelerating media improvement over time solely, lies in the feedback cycle between how-knowledge and what-knowledge. After the year 1450, there was an increase in discovery-type information. For instance,

Printed Circuit Boards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Printed Circuit Boards - Essay Example Components can be connected on the PCB through conductive paths or etched copper wiring on a non-conductive substrate such as plastic. A PCB that has been assembled with such electronic components through appropriate connections is known as a Printed Circuit Assembly (PCA) (Khandpur, 2007). PCBs are relatively cheap and are known for their durability and reliability. While finding the material for the substrate and the conductive paths, much effort needs to be spent on defining a proper layout as well as the nature of the connections among various circuit elements. For example, a proper layout is necessary to accommodate all the required components and ensure proper connections among them to produce the desired output. Jawitz (2008) says that care needs to be taken when determining the type of connections (like point-to-point or wire wrap) besides ensuring that no unwanted contact is established due to crossing wires or faulty connections. Post this layout phase, production of PCAs i n high volumes is relatively easier and can be accomplished by an automated assembly line. The design and construction of PCBs is governed by a number of standards that are set and revised regularly by the Association Connecting Electronics Industries (IPC). PCBs, with the etched copper pathways, are insulated from any contact with dust or moisture (thereby avoiding undesired electrical connections and short circuits) using green-colored solder. Some PCBs are also coated with blue and red colored solder. In fact, Bosshart, 2003 says that the choice of the solder, technically a dielectric known for very high resistance and lack of electrical conduction, can vary depending on the purpose of the circuit being developed. Some of the popular and widely used dielectrics include FR-1, CEM and Teflon. The underlying substrate that makes up the flat-board can be made from a combination of cotton paper, polyester, epoxy and glass. Dimensional stability combined with lack of expansion on expos ure to heat qualifies these substances as highly suitable for PCB production. The average thickness of a PCB can range anywhere from 1 to 2mm (Montrose, 2009). Components can either be assembled on 1 side of the board or configured on both sides depending on requirements and space considerations. Types of PCBs PCBs come in many types based on a number of factors ranging from the number of sides utilized to the kind etching technology adopted for providing the interconnects. PCBs can also consist of multiple layers of the substrate and the interconnecting copper pathways and can thus be highly complex in construction. The following points describe some of the types into which most PCBs can be categorized. Single-sided PCBs These are the most basic type of PCBs and can be constructed even from a regular plastic board. A single sided PCB consists of electronic components soldered on one side while the pathways and interconnections are provided on the other side of the board. The term s ingle-side arises from this segregation among components and pathways and their restricted location to a single side of the PCB (Robertson, 2004). Single-sided PCBs have a number of deficiencies in terms of routing and circuit connections whereby no two wires can cross each other. Thus, single-sided PCBs may consumer more wire or copper for the necessary interconnects and are thus relatively resource intensive than other PDB types. As such, they are preferred for the construction of primitive circuits and cannot be used for developing advanced circuitry. Double-sided PCBs As the name suggests, these PCBs have the pathways etched on both sides of the board.