How Are Electronic Circuits Installed On Ships?

How Are Electronic Circuits Installed On Ships?

With the rise of modern technology and the advancement of automated ship machinery and operations, electronic circuits, such as printed circuit boards ( PCBs ), signal converters, and transmission systems, have become commonplace on ships. Because these circuits are small and essential, they require appropriate mounting locations and careful installation precautions.

Electronics is the science of controlling electricity using various components called electronic circuits. The most common type of electronic component on ships is the printed circuit board (PCB).

What is a printed circuit board (PCB)?

On ships, printed circuit boards (PCBs) are commonly used in electronic systems due to their small size and ease of replacement.

A printed circuit board (PCB) is an electrical device that connects various electronic components through vias, signal paths, and conductive paths. The entire circuit is mechanically mounted on a small board.

Accurately determining the mounting location of electronic components is crucial, as they are susceptible to damage from significant environmental changes.

Key Points to Consider When Installing Electronic Systems

Electronic circuits are affected by temperature fluctuations, so components such as transmitters should be installed in a well-ventilated area free of gas or vapor leaks.

The temperature and humidity at the installation site should be moderate and stable.

Avoid installation in areas with high airflow, humidity, and salt content.

Suppose the electronic circuit installation area is located in an area with slightly higher temperatures. In that case, installing a heat sink in the installation area will transfer heat from the receiving card to adjacent housings or the air.

Electronic equipment installed in the central information processing/transmission unit should be installed in an easily accessible location.

Sufficient heat dissipation should be achieved through proper ventilation.

If electronic equipment is installed in the engine room or other areas where there is a risk of contamination and corrosion, air filters should be installed where necessary.

Cables connecting electronic components should be installed on perforated panels to ensure adequate ventilation and should not be placed on hot surfaces.

The cables used should be properly insulated. Circuits, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), are more susceptible to damage at high temperatures. Therefore, they are installed in the engine control room (ECR), and air conditioning is provided within the control room to maintain the temperature of the electronic and electrical components. The electronic circuits are located on board.

During the installation of electronic components, desiccant or silica gel bags should be used inside the control box to prevent condensation on the circuits. When moisture accumulates in circuits due to atmospheric humidity, electronic components will operate erratically.

Boxes or cabinets used to house electronic circuits must be properly aligned with the surrounding environment to avoid vibration. Vibration can cause contacts to loosen or break. All components must be securely fastened in the cabinet to prevent vibration, which could potentially damage connections and components.

Cables used to house electronic circuit components must not be placed near 440V high-voltage power lines. Power electronic circuits (equipment that uses semiconductor components to generate, convert, switch, and control electrical energy) must be protected from overload and short circuits. 440V power lines generate electromagnetic fields that can interact with electronic circuit signals, causing input or output errors. Control and alarm electronics must be electrically isolated from power circuits.

To prevent any potential interference with electronic systems, it is recommended to connect a separate ground resistor to the ground-side cable.

Circuits such as printed circuit boards ( PCBs ) are more susceptible to damage at high temperatures. Therefore, they are installed in the engine control room ( ECR ), which is equipped with air conditioning to maintain the temperature of the electronic and electrical components. When installing electronic components, desiccant bags or silica gel are used inside the control box to prevent moisture condensation in the circuitry.

If moisture is present in the circuitry due to atmospheric humidity, the electronic components will not function properly.

The box or cabinet where the electronic circuitry is installed must be securely fastened to the surrounding environment to prevent vibration.

Vibration can cause contacts to loosen or break.

All components must be securely fastened within the cabinet; otherwise, loose components could cause vibration and damage connections and components.

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Electronic circuit components must not be routed near 440V high-voltage cables.

Power electronic circuits (equipment that uses semiconductor components to generate, convert, switch, and control electrical energy) must be protected from overload and short circuits.

440V cables generate electromagnetic fields that can interact with electronic circuit signals, causing input or output errors.

Electronic control and alarm components must be electrically isolated from power circuits.

To avoid potential interference with electronic systems, it is recommended to connect a separate grounding resistor using a conductor on the ground side.

Circuits such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) are more susceptible to damage at high temperatures. Therefore, they should be installed in a motor control room (MCR) equipped with air conditioning to maintain the temperature of electronic and electrical components. When installing electronic components, silica gel packs or desiccants are used inside the control box to prevent condensation on the circuits. If the circuits become damp due to ambient humidity, the electronic components will not function properly.

Boxes or enclosures used to house electronic circuits must be securely fastened to their surroundings to prevent vibration. Vibration can cause loose contacts or damage.

All components must be securely fastened within the enclosure; otherwise, looseness can cause vibration, which can damage contacts and components.

Wires connecting electronic components should not be placed near 440V high-voltage cables.

440V high-voltage cables generate electromagnetic fields that can interact with electronic circuit signals, causing input or output errors.

Static electricity is another major concern for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic circuits. Static electricity damage can be avoided by grounding the circuit board immediately after it contacts a metal surface. It's important to remember that only the PCB insulation is grounded, not the circuit board or component wiring.