Gold is a highly conductive metal that is resistant to corrosion, making it useful in the production of certain electronics. In recent years, the use of gold in consumer electronics has declined due to high prices, but it is still found in some specialty electronics where performance justifies the cost.
Why Use Gold in Electronics?
Gold is used in electronics for the following key properties:
- High conductivity – Gold is the most electrically conductive metal, allowing electrons to flow very easily.
- Corrosion resistance – Gold does not oxidize or corrode easily, so it maintains reliable connections.
- Durability – Gold is extremely durable and malleable, enabling very thin connector coatings.
- Biocompatibility – Gold is hypoallergenic and bio-compatible, making it suitable for wearable devices.
The high conductivity and corrosion resistance of gold enables very efficient and reliable connections at minimal thicknesses. This helps maximize performance and miniaturize devices. The durability of gold also enables connections to withstand tens of thousands of mating cycles.
Electronics Using Gold
Here are some of the main uses of gold in today’s consumer electronics:
Connectors and Contacts
Due to its conductivity, gold is commonly used to coat electrical connectors and contacts. A small amount of gold coating enables reliable connections and efficient current flow between devices and components.
For example, gold-plated connectors and contacts are found in devices like:
- USB cables
- HDMI cables
- Headphone jacks
- Charging ports
- SD cards
- SIM cards
The gold plating prevents corrosion and ensures smooth insertion and removal over thousands of cycles. Most connectors use gold thicknesses between 0.05-2 microns.
Printed Circuit Boards
Gold is also used to coat traces on printed circuit boards (PCBs). PCBs are found in almost every electronics device. Gold enables reliable connections for the thin copper traces.
Gold coatings prevent oxidation and improve solderability and weldability on PCBs. Typical thicknesses range from 0.025-0.1 microns. Gold coatings account for about 5% of PCB production costs.
Semiconductors and Processors
Advanced semiconductors and computer processors utilize gold in their production, though in small quantities. Gold is used in coatings and bonds within microchips and processors to create conductive pathways.
The silicon wafers used to produce chips are also connected using gold ball bonds. In total, computer chips can contain around 0.15-0.2 grams of gold per device.
Gold-Plated Cables and Wires
High-end audio and video cables designed for maximum signal quality also utilize gold plating. Gold-plated cables and wires prevent signal loss across long cable runs in home entertainment systems.
For example, gold-plated HDMI cables are marketed for their ability to maintain 1080p or 4K signal integrity over longer distances than other cables.
Wearable Electronics
Gold is used extensively in wearable devices because it is hypoallergenic and bio-compatible. Gold connects devices to bands, chains, or belts without causing skin irritation.
For example, gold is found in products like:
- Smart watches
- Fitness trackers
- Hearing aids
- Glucose monitors
- Cardiac monitors
The gold ensures connectivity, conducts small currents, and resists body fluids over long periods of wear.
Gold Use in Other Electronics
While less common in mainstream consumer electronics, gold is still used more extensively in specialized high-performance electronics. Examples include:
Aerospace and Military Electronics
Gold is used extensively in aerospace and military applications where reliability is critical. Connectors, contacts, and PCBs in guidance systems, cockpit electronics, radars, and communication systems often use gold coatings.
High-Reliability Electronics
Any electronics that must maintain extremely high reliability over long durations utilize gold. This includes systems like medical devices, deep space probes, and critical infrastructure.
High-Frequency Electronics
Gold provides lower electrical resistance compared to copper at high frequencies over 100 MHz. This makes it suitable for RF and microwave electronics used in communications infrastructure.
Cryogenics
Gold retains its properties at extremely low cryogenic temperatures. It is used for interconnects and contacts in electronics used for high-performance computing, sensors, and quantum computing research.
Space Electronics
NASA uses gold in satellites and space exploration vehicles because it withstands the harsh conditions of launch vibrations, cosmic radiation, and temperature extremes in space.
Amount of Gold Used in Electronics
The amount of gold used per device has declined over the years as manufacturing techniques improved. For example:
- In 1985, a standard PC contained around 250 mg of gold.
- By 2004, advancement in manufacturing reduced this to about 30 mg.
- Today, a typical laptop may contain around 15-20 mg of gold.
Rising gold prices also pushed manufacturers to further reduce gold to cut costs. However, reliability remains vital in many electronics segments, ensuring some continued demand for gold.
Total worldwide consumption of gold for electronics is around 300 tonnes per year. This accounts for around 11% of annual gold demand globally.
| Electronic Device | Typical Gold Content |
|---|---|
| Smartphone | 15-20 mg |
| Laptop | 15-20 mg |
| Desktop PC | 20-30 mg |
| Tablet | 5-10 mg |
| USB cable | 1-5 mg |
Future Trends
Advances in electronics manufacturing, such as 3D printing, may enable further reductions in gold use per device. However, new high-performance computing applications and wearable health devices could offset those reductions with increased market penetration.
Overall, gold will likely remain a key material for electronics needing the highest speed, reliability and durability. It will continue enabling our most advanced devices and critical systems well into the future.