Defining Printed Circuit Board Assembly And Ways To Do It
From household lighting to aerospace devices, the use of Printed Circuit Board Assembly is widespread. Being an inevitable part of all electronic devices, processing a PCB becomes a matter of concern for many people. If you’re one of them, make sure to read this article until the end and resolve all your questions about PCB.
What is PCB Assembly?
A Printed Circuit Board Assembly illustrates a finished board after all necessary components get attached, soldered, and inserted on the circuit board. In this method, the imprints of conductive trails etched in the copper sheets that are laminated are used within a non-conductive layer to form the assembly.
Engineers have to carefully handle the entire process for establishing an error-free Printed Circuit Board Assembly. From soldering to the final testing, all need to do by experts in a safe environment.
Parts of the Printed Circuit Board
The parts of a PCB are many. The main features of a PCB include a copper layer, battery, resistor, LEDs, transistors, capacitors, inductor, diode, switches, solder mask, silkscreen, etc. However, the dominant elements often get changed according to the requirements and surface extent.
Now, let’s have a closer eye on the components one by one.
- Copper layer: Irrespective of the size of the PCB, each board comprises one or multiple copper layers. It works like a skeleton of the entire circuit board that incorporates the other crucial parts of the board.
- Battery: Battery is the storehouse of power. It is indeed a significant part of a printed circuit board that delivers needed energy to the board.
- Resistor: The resistor helps to control the power flow throughout the board. Each resistor present in a PCB gets colored with different colors that infer distinct values for each resistor.
- LEDs: Light-emitting diode, popularly known as LEDs, is that part of a PCB that lightens up when a sufficient amount of electricity flows through it. Additionally, an LED enables the electricity to flow in one specific path, not everywhere.
- Transistor: The transistor presented in a PCB represents a three-terminal device. It has the power of regulating the electricity flow in the PCB. Furthermore, it works as a switch for signals of the electronic variety.
- Capacitor: This part gets used to store electric charges. The capacitor blocks the DC signal and allows the flow of the AC signal while it gets used in a printed circuit board.
- Inductor: Generally, an inductor suppresses the current change and works as a low filter when the signal and power supply flow. It stores energy and power in the area surrounding the conductor.
- Diode: Diode works like a way director of the PCB. It allows one-way current flow from the anode (+) to the cathode (-).
- Switches: Switches are the inevitable part of a circuit board that enables or disables the electricity flow accordingly. Once you turn on the switch, it will allow the current to flow, and once you turn it off, it will stop the flow.
- Solder mask: It is the only thing that is accountable for the iconic green color of every PCB. It is a thin layer of polymer that conserves the delicate and fragile components of the board and resists the board from dangers.
- Silkscreen: Lastly, a silkscreen gets used while manufacturing a PCB, which is nothing but a printed layer. It contains the Printed Circuit Board Assembly and other detailed info in this layer.
Types of Circuit Boards
Circuit boards are classified into various types according to their manufacturing process, uses, capabilities, applications, etc. Primarily three types of circuit boards come to our mind while talking about circuit boards. These are:
- Single-sided circuit board
- Double-sided circuit board
- Multilayered circuit board
Without these three, we must shout out to other types of printed circuit boards, including:
Now, let’s have a look at the three main types of circuit boards nearly.
Single-sided circuit board: From top to bottom, the overall infrastructure of this circuit board is simple and one-sided. It contains only a single copper layer of circuitry. Despite being one-sided, this circuit board encompasses all crucial parts, including battery, resistor, LEDs, transistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, etc. When it comes to the Printed Circuit Board Assembly technique, through-hole is used rather than the surface-mount process while creating a one-sided PCB.
Double-sided circuit board: Unlike the previous one, this circuit board contains components on each side of the board. It is the circuit board that gets used the most by people all around the world. Engineers use both the through-hole and the surface-mount technique while developing a double-sided circuit board.
Multilayered circuit board: Containing more than two layers of circuitry, a multilayered circuit board is the most complex one based on the structure. If the construction of an electronic device is complex than the usual ones, a multilayered circuit board with up to forty-two layers can get used. Usually, after two layers, multilayered circuits of 4, 6, 8, and 10 layers get used chiefly. This type of circuit board gets developed using the SMT or surface-mount technique.
Our PCB Assembly Capabilities
As a leading PCB assembly service provider, we deliver final products using both the surface-mount and through-hole technology according to the project and our customers. Our Printed board assemblies services always stand apart from the rest in technology, time, expertise, and result. Now, let’s have a look at our PSB assembly capabilities.
Assembly types:
- Surface-mount technology(SMT)
- Thru-hole technology
- Mixed technology (SMT+ thru-hole)
- Single and double-sided placement
Solder types:
- Leaded
- Lead-free/ RoHS compliant
- No-clean process
Other capabilities:
- Repair service
- Rework service
- Mechanical assembly
- Electromechanical assembly
Volume:
- No minimum order quantity
- Engineering prototype
- Cost-effective first article build
Turn times:
- Same day and next day service
- Expected deliveries
Passive component:
- As small as 0402 package
- As small as 0201 with design review
Ball grid arrays (BDA)
- As small as .35 mm pitch
- X-ray inspected BGA placements
Stencils:
- Laser-cut stainless steel stencils
These are our capabilities of Printed board assemblies services.
Printed Circuit Board Assembly Process
The process of a Printed Circuit Board Assembly depends on few things, including the layers of the board, volume, size, etc. However, most PCB follows the process described below.
Solder paste: Solder paste is a slimy blend of components that typically get used for attaching particles to the board. During PCB manufacturing, the first thing that comes to play is the solder paste.
To begin the Printed Circuit Board Assembly process, solder paste gets used in the specific areas where the components will fit. But, the solder paste does not get used with a finger. Developers use stainless still stencils for applying solder paste on the board.
Automated component placement: This step, also known as pick and place, is the second stage of the Printed Circuit Board Assembly processing. The developer uses a pick and place robot that works according to the pre-planned design. The components get placed on top of the solder paste.
Reflow soldering: The best step of PCB manufacturing is reflow soldering, in which the circuit board and its components are positioned on a conveyer belt.
Now, it goes inside a big over, and eventually, the solder starts melting for the high heat. In this way, the components get attached to the board. At last, it goes inside a cooler, where it shrinks and creates a permanent joint.
Inspection: Once the reflow process gets done, it does not mean that the circuit boards are all set and ready to get. To determine whether all the components are fixed on the boards, it is crucial to run a few tests. The major three inspection processes include:
- Physical test
- Optical test
- X-ray test
Component fixation and soldering: The boards, which pass the test, get soldered in this stage. In this step of PCB manufacturing, the boards go through a soldering machine. In this stage, instead of using solder paste once again, developers use the latest technologies to ensure the outcome of the boards. These are:
- Manual soldering
- Wave soldering
Final inspection: It is always necessary to test the final product before leaving the factory. The final test ensures the PCB functionality. The PCBs that fail the test get either recycled or scrapped scraped depending on the PCB manufacturing company and the damage.
It, in short, was the Printed Circuit Board Assembly process.
Printed Circuit Board Assembly Applications & Industries
The Printed Circuit Board Assembly applications and industries are widespread. From tiny household devices to jet planes and substantial military forces, the usage of PCB belongs everywhere. Let’s have a look at some of the best applications and injuries of PCB.
Medical field: Each day, millions of medical sectors are using Printed Circuit Board Assembly for making reliable, durable, precise, and good quality medical devices for monitoring, testing, and providing solutions to patients. These include:
- Medical imaging system: CT, CAT, ultrasound scanner, etc.
- Monitors: for monitoring heartbeat, blood pressure, sugar level, etc.
- Infusions pumps: such as insulin, analgesia pumps, etc.
- Internal devices: pacemaker, and others.
LEDs: Providing artificial lights to the needed places is a must. With the growing technology, LED lights are also growing for power, cost-effectiveness, design, etc. The significant uses of LEDs are seen in:
- Household lighting
- Automotive display
- Storefront lighting
- Street lighting
- Medical devices
- Computer and laptop displays
Consumer electronics: People regularly use so many electronic devices such as smartphones, tabs, computers, which include PCB as the fundamental part of devices. These devices need low maintenance costs and effort. Some of the examples of consumers’ electronics are:
- Computer
- Communication devices: such as smartphones, smartwatches, tabs, radios, etc.
- Household appliances: refrigerators, AC, TV, OTG, and other electronic devices.
Automotive devices: Many automotive manufacturers are employing Printed board assemblies services while manufacturing their vehicles. PCB is usually used in stereos for entertainment, navigation systems, control systems, and car sensors.
Aerospace: A large number of PCBs get used while manufacturing aerospace and related devices. From power suppliers, monitoring tools, communication tools to sonar systems, satellite tracking devices, the usage of PCB is widespread.
Safety and security devices: From household purposes to industrial purposes, safety and security are a must. There are so many security devices that use PCB. These are:
- CCTV cameras
- Smoke detector
- Electronic door locks
Military and defense group: Military and defense team uses many PCBs in their devices. Generally, the equipment used by military groups always has to be strong, durable, reliable, and rugged so that it can survive during a time of crisis, fighting, and other dangers. In military and defense groups, PCBs get used in:
- Telecommunication devices
- Control system
- Instrumentation
Which are the various ways to create printed circuit board assemblies?
Creating a Printed Circuit Board Assembly demands 100% safety, security, expertise, and the proper method. Without a flawless PCB, not a single electronic device will work in the right way. There are few processes engineers follow while creating a Printed Circuit Board Assembly. Let’s have a look at them.
Surface-mount technique (SMT):
In this method, all electrical components get attached to the surface of the circuit board directly using metal tabs. From the early 60s, this technique has never turned back. PCBs, mostly double and multilayered PCBs, are made using this technique. It is a worldwide famous technique for being hassle-free and smaller in size. Additionally, SMT reduces weight and offers higher circuit density.
Plated thru-hole technique (PTH):
In this method, electroless copper plating gets used to make the inner walls of the hole conductive to connect the PCB in distinct layers and pins of the IC. Lead-attached components get used in this process. Therefore, getting inserted into the drilled holes becomes easy for the leaded components.
Electromechanical assembly:
It is the procedure of putting the elements together that controls the flow of current needed for operating standard electrical equipment. This assembly encompasses wire harness, looms, cable assembly, customized metalwork, etc., for assembling the PCB with electronic components. Another name for this technique is box-build assembly.
Hopefully, you have got all the necessary answers to your questions up until now. PCB assembly is that field that will continue to grow till the last date. With new technology, experts are trying to insert the much-needed techniques in this field every day.
With us, you can get the best deal in PCB. With years of experience in this field, we offer great deals in PCB at a cost-effective price. If you want to know more about us, contact us at your early convenience.
