Article by Neeraj Sharma
What is printed circuit board assembly, or PCBA? When we say, Printed Circuit Board Assembly, we actually refer to a working or functional PCB, which forms a functional assembly together with the electronic components. Also known as printed circuit assembly, the components connect to the board using conductive tracks and paths. The electronic components, including integrated circuits (chips), resistors, and capacitors are attached to the circuit board electrically and mechanically. The connections are generally done using surface-mount and/ or through-hole construction technologies. In fact, though mostly the surface-mount technology is used, connection is done by combining the two technologies. The reason behind combining the two is that the two technologies impart different features to the circuit board, and are used for connecting different components to the board.
The advanced printed circuit board assembly connections are done using high-end machine or manually. The assembly is done in stages, where one stage should be compatible with next, and there should be feedback from output to input. This ensures that problems are easily detected and the process is adjusted accordingly.
During the process, solder paste is added to the area where solder is needed. This is done using solder screen. The screen is made with the help of PCB files, and has holes wherever solder pads are positioned. The amount of solder that is added is controlled for ensuring correct amount of solder is applied.
This is followed by placing of the components with the help of a machine at appropriate position on the circuit board. The design information of the PCB is used to program the picking and placing of components by the machine. Further, soldering or reflow soldering is done. In case of usage of solder paste, soldering is not done and vice-versa.
After this, automatic optical inspection of the boards is done. After passing the inspection, the board is tested and the output is monitored, and if failures are detected, investigations are done to find the cause of it. The assembly work is very critical as it is not just the demand which is high, but the number of components and solder joints is also very high.
About the Author
Optima Technology: Leading Manufacturer of printed circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), Printed Circuit Boards (PCB), Box or System Assemblies.