Do you know that almost all Almost all or electronic devices you use in your daily life have a common basic component? Almost any electronic device, including your PC, laptop, smartphone, game console, microwave, TV, dishwasher, etc., cannot function properly without PCB assembly. So, what is PCB assembly?
What does PCB component mean? PCB assembly refers to the process of soldering and assembling electronic components on prefabricated components to eliminate light and manufacture printed circuit boards (PCBs). Usually, professional production machinery is used for mass production, and the assembly process of printed circuit boards is commonly referred to as PCBA.
The difference between PCB and PCBA
PCB refers to an empty circuit board. In this state, the circuit board does not contain any electronic components and looks like green slate with dividing lines and spaces. Therefore, unless and until the entire assembly is completed, the PCB itself cannot be used for work.
On the other hand, PCBA is also known as the process of soldering and assembling electronic components on circuit boards and finished/assembled circuit boards. The completed PCBA is actually used for electronic devices rather than PCBs.
What is a circuit board component
Circuit board components participate in various steps. This is a nonlinear process that indicates the need to consider factors, and the process can be varied and adjusted based on these factors. The expected results and the use of PCBA are one of the main considerations determining the assembly process of components and general circuit boards.
The following are some parts and components that need to be carried out as PCB components:
- Basic printed circuit board or substrate
- Install electronic components on the circuit board. This depends on the use of the circuit board and the complexity of the equipment. For example, PCBA for radio is relatively simple compared to PCBA for computers. In fact, some computers can have up to 12 different circuit layers on a PCB.
- Solder materials, solder wire, solder paste, prefabricated rods, and other welding materials. The prefabricated rod depends on the type of welding to be carried out.
- Welding flux
- Other welding equipment such as welding stations, wave soldering machines, inspection, testing equipment, and SMT equipment. The use of equipment depends on expected results, costs, and time resources. For example, the Reflow soldering process used in electronics is mainly gas phase and infrared ray. Based on the above factors, choose one of the processes.
Once all necessary components are ready, the assembly process can begin. But before we enter the assembly process (which is a different type), let’s learn more about the circuit board itself.
Three main types of printed circuit boards
Circuit boards are usually made of epoxy resin or other composite materials. It is used to physically support components and electrically connect them to form real-time circuits.
In its simplest sense, a PCB will consist of a thin layer of insulation material and a layer of copper foil, which are laminated onto the underlying substrate (usually made of epoxy resin, glass fiber, or similar composite materials). The number of layers on a PCB depends on its purpose and application. The lines or circuit trajectories on a PCB are created with the help of chemical etching. These circuits facilitate the flow of current and connect various components together.
There are different types of circuit boards or PCBs. According to the application type, the manufacturer will choose a PCB. The following are some of the most widely used PCB types:
Multilayer PCB
PCB has various layers, including single sided and double sided. However, due to its limited application range, amateurs use single sided, while double-sided is usually no longer used for large-scale manufacturing.
Multilayer PCBs are more common because they push the envelope behind the double-sided PCB. In this type of PCB, there can be multiple layers of substrates. The insulating material serves as a barrier between the medium and these boards.
Multilayer PCBs are designed to save more space than double-sided PCBs. Usually, multi-layer boards have options for 4, 6, 8, and 10 layers, but can be customized to have more layers. These PCBs can be used for computers, medical machines, smartphones, and servers.
Rigid PCB
PCB not only has varying degrees of layers and sides, but also has rigidity. Usually, when discussing PCBs, we refer to rigid PCBs. These types of circuit boards use sturdy, non flexible substrate materials such as glass fiber, epoxy resin, etc. As a result, the board is not easily bent and provides mechanical support for the components and devices as a whole. The motherboard of a computer is a common example of a rigid PCB.
Flexible PCB
Flexible PCBs are directly opposed to rigid PCBs. As the name suggests, these circuit boards are made of flexible substrate materials, such as plastic. The substrate material provides sufficient flexibility for the board to adapt to various shapes and sizes. However, maintaining flexibility does not damage the circuits on the circuit board.
The design and manufacturing of flexible PCBs are usually more expensive than rigid PCBs. However, there are many advantages, such as the need to replace heavy wiring in advanced equipment to increase space and reduce weight output. Like rigid PCBs, flexible PCBs may also be single sided, double-sided, and multi-layer.
Metal core PCB
Metalcore PCBs or other PCBs called MCPCBs are specifically designed for specific purposes. For example, the LED industry is developing rapidly, but they are unable to effectively solve the heat dissipation problem. Using MCPCB can solve this problem.
The metal core PCB is made of metal plate, copper foil, and insulation layer. In summary, PCBs have magnetic conductivity, excellent heat dissipation, high rigidity, and high processing capacity. In this case, the basic materials are usually aluminum and copper. However, it is known that copper performs better than aluminum and is also more expensive.
Method of installing circuit board components
The technology used to assemble circuit boards and their various components is called installation technology board components in circuits. Manufacturers use different types of installation methods based on application, cost, scale, and other considerations. Here are some of the most commonly used techniques:
Surface mount components
Surface mount components (or surface mount technology, also known as SMT) are a method of directly connecting electronic components standing upright on a PCB to the surface of a circuit board. The final circuit board is called surface mount devices (SMD). This technology was initially referred to as’ flat installation ‘.
Most electronic boards currently produced are manufactured using SMT. Due to its increased circuit density and ability to generate results on smaller circuit boards, it has replaced the more traditional through hole technology (more on the next point). Usually, SMTs use solder to connect components to circuit boards, but in some cases, adhesive points can also be used on the second side to keep the components in the reflow furnace.
Plate through-hole assembly
Through-hole technology (also known as “through-hole”) is an installation technique in which electronic components are inserted through holes built into a circuit board and then soldered onto a solder pad. Welding can be done manually or using a plug-in installation machine.
Through hole technology has replaced traditional point-to-point structures. As double-sided and multi-layer boards become increasingly popular, through holes have become popular. It is used to connect components with conductive layers to ensure the normal operation of the circuit board. These components are equipped with leads for connecting the other side of the through hole plate.
Contrary to the SMT method, through hole technology provides greater cohesion for circuit board components, as the units are placed through the circuit board itself.
Electronic mechanical assembly
Electro – Mechanical components use electrical and mechanical units to cover a wide range of functions, such as power generation, control switches, and other mechanical tasks. Due to the fact that electromechanical components are typically used in applications with complex wiring and components, they need to be manually placed together.
Therefore, it can usually be time consuming. However, major manufacturers like RayPCB like us, using this technology and breaking down the process into various sub markets and using experts from each sub market. Therefore, we can shorten the delivery cycle.
Common uses of each type of PCB component
Surface-mount technology is most commonly used in personal computers and is still in use. It is one of the most widely used technologies in the field of electronics, widely used in consumer electronics products, including smartphones, computers, televisions, microwaves, and so on. But before the launch of SMT, it was a through-hole technology that dominated the personal computer market.
In fact, IBM was a pioneer in this process and pushed it into the mainstream. At present, through hole technology is more used for larger components, such as Electrolytic capacitor and semiconductors, because it can hold components better than SMT.
Electronic mechanical components are typically used for AC and DC power distribution, computer interfaces, and control systems due to their versatility in power enhancing mechanical functions.
Conclusion
PCB is a very close and dear part of our contemporary life, although we still haven’t noticed it. For decades, the technology of effectively assembling and installing components has rapidly developed into a fast to point structure from through-hole to SMT. In addition, each has its own advantages and disadvantages, making them very suitable for certain tasks rather than others.
PCB Type Summary
Used for simple systems, low cost, common for amateur enthusiasts
Double layer PCBs are not as common as multi-layer boards. Using both sides of a board
Multi layer PCBs are typically mass-produced, economical, compact, with up to 10 or 12 layers
Rigid PCB More solid substrate, high impact applications, military, aerospace
Flexible PCB mobile component applications with higher costs and longer lifespan
Metal core PCB metal plate, copper, specialized applications, such as conductive or thermal
| PCB type | |
| Used for simple systems, low cost, common for amateur enthusiasts | |
| Double layer PCBs | Double layer PCBs are not as common as multi-layer boards. Using both sides of a board |
| Multi layer PCBs | Multi layer PCBs are typically mass-produced, economical, compact, with up to 10 or 12 layers |
| Multi layer PCBs | Multilayer PCB more solid substrate, high impact applications, military, aerospace |
| Flexible PCB | Flexible PCB mobile component applications with higher costs and longer lifespan |
| Flexible PCB | Flexible PCB metal plate, copper, specialized applications, such as conductive or thermal |
