Know the processes involve in assembling a circuit board

 A circuit board is any blank plank that is not connected or attached to circuits and electronic components. It becomes a fully functional electronic board when all the essential components are attached to it. It is capable of producing electrical connections when it is provided with copper circuit tracks. The process of incorporation of all electronic parts as well as circuits into a blank circuit plank is known as a printed circuit board assembly or PCBA. Most companies manufacturing a range of printed circuit boards also offer the PCBA device according to the application needs of users.

A printed circuit board assembly is a completed assembly containing the entire components needed for the board to function as required for the preferred application. A printed circuit slat is not yet useful, while a PCBA is prepared to be used in an electronic appliance or device. Of course, both the PCB as well the printed PCBA is vital terms in the electronics industry, but they are two separate things. The major difference between a PCB and PCBA is their function and purpose. A PCB denotes a blank circuitry board, while a PCBA represents a board that consists of entire essential electronic components.

A printed circuit board is not suitable tio use, as it does not include the required parts in place. On the other hand, a PCBA makes the same PCB a full-fledged electronic board by attaching all the required components to it. Although both PCBs and PCBAs refer to the same process, they are two different components, as the PCBA process involves the incorporation of components and circuits over an existing printed circuitry board.

A printed circuit board assembly can be achieved by making use of two assembly methods one method involves using the Surface-Mount Technology and the other concerns the use of the Thru-Hole Technology. Both assembly techniques have their own pros and cons.

Surface-mount technology, which is also shortly referred to as SMT, is a PCB assembly process that entails mounting electronic parts to the PCB surface. It is an automated and flexible PCB assembly method, allowing the service providers for providing the board with higher connection densities. SMT also enables PCB manufacturers to incorporate complex circuitries into the board with small components.

When it comes to assembling a printed circuit board using the Thru-hole technology, it is a PCB drilling assembly process. It means that this assembly technique involves drilling holes into a blank printed circuitry board. The electronic components are then attached to the PCB through these holes and they are appropriately soldered. These attached electronic parts are referred to as leads in the PCB manufacturing industry.

Assembling a printed circuit board through the Thru-hole technology is not so common in the PCB manufacturing industry. This is for the reason that it is not only a laborious task in drilling holes. It is also a time-consuming process, as it takes more time to drill holes in the right place of the PCB. Thus, most PCBA service providers prefer to use the Surface-mount technology assembly method, as it creates a stronger connection between the components and the board. It makes for more reliable and durable PCB assemblies, as well. .