The full name of PCBA is Printed Circuit Board Assembly, which refers to placing electronic components, connectors, plugins, digital logic gates, micro controller units, etc. on the surface of a printed circuit board, and then performing various soldering and plugging processes to make it a complete electronic product functional module. Afterwards, the board is inspected to ensure the correctness of the circuit, and finally tested to ensure that it can function properly. After PCB assembly is completed, it can be used in the production and manufacturing of electronic devices.
Our most common motherboards and sound cards are commonly known as PCBA in the industry. However, PCBA generally refers to the term used as a component during the production process. The core part of all electronic products is composed of PCBA; The implementation of all functions cannot be separated from PCBA. Taking desktop computers as an example, the units inside the chassis, except for the heat dissipation part, do not contain PCBA, and all other functional units have PCBA presence. There is a display driver board inside the monitor and a PCBA inside the LCD screen. There is also a small PCBA inside the Bluetooth receiver of mice, keyboards, and even wireless keyboards and mice. So, PCBA is the fundamental unit for all functions in the electronics industry.
The advantages of PCBA
PCBA is the most important component of all electronic product components, similar to the neural network of the human body. The brain of electronic products: The CPU is installed on the PCBA. The lifespan, operating speed, reliability, and stability of general consumer electronic products are most directly related to PCBA. So, the quality of PCBA is also the most direct determinant of the overall quality of electronic products. Without PCBA, it is impossible for all types of electronic equipment to communicate and work together effectively; thus an electronic device will stopped functioning correctly.
PCBA can be seen everywhere in our life, covering almost all electronic product fields such as mobile phones, computers, home appliances, automotive electronics, medical devices, industrial controls, etc. Its value is mainly reflected in:
1. High integration
PCBA can tightly integrate several electronic components onto a small circuit board, The level of integration and miniaturization of electronic devices has been greatly improved. It also helps to reduce the size and weight of electronic products, meeting people's demand for portability. With the advancement of technology, people have increasingly high requirements for the portability and lightness of electronic products, and PCBA is one of the important means to achieve this goal.
2. Strong functionality
PCBA also improves the performance of electronic products. In the process of PCBA manufacturing, performance enhancement of electronic products can be performed because different electronic components can be chosen as per different requirements. For instance, the running speed and storage capacity of a computer can be improved by selecting high-performance components such as processors and memory; Picture quality and sound quality of a phone can be improved by using a high-resolution display screen and high audio quality chip. Hence, PCBA has to be given precedence in performance enhancement of electronic products.
3. High efficiency
PCBA can simplify the manufacturing process of electronic products. Compared to connecting each electronic device one by one, PCB assembly can pre connect these devices to the circuit board and form a standardized modular structure. PCBA has reduced the handling times of manual procedures like assembly, thus promoting the production processes too.
In brief, the primary task of PCBA is not only interconnection of all the electronic devices for the normal functioning of the electronic products but also encompasses aspects such as enhancing performance, reducing size and weight and streamlining the production process.
How to make PCBA?
PCBA production is a complex and intricate process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. The following are the general steps for PCBA production:
1. Circuit design: Design circuit diagram according to customers' functional requirements for electronic products
2.PCB Process: Any circuit schematic that has been created is then transformed into a tangible Printed Circuit Board through various processes such as Lamination, chemical etching, Routing etc.
3. Sourcing electronic components: Purchase of electronic elements according to the schematic diagram including resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, integrated circuits, etc.
4. Component assembly: Put the components on the printed circuit board according to the requirements of the circuit design.
5. Soldering: Soldering the components to the PCB board, including wave soldering, reflow welding and other methods.
6. Test: Test the completed PCBA, including appearance inspection, electrical test, functional test, etc., to ensure that its function is correct and without defects.
7. Package: Package and label the pcb that has passed the test.
The difference between PCBA and PCB
PCBA and PCB look very similar and are often confused by outsiders. In fact, their biggest difference is shown in the following figure:
The first board with no components on it is a PCB, commonly known as a bare circuit board! The second board that has already been processed and installed with components is called PCBA, commonly known as circuit board.
1. Different structure: PCBA board is a special type of PCB board, It is composed of a PCB and electronic components. It is a complete electronic circuit system, and the PCB board is just a substrate without components.
2. Different functions: The PCB assembly board can realize some functions, while the PCB board is just a bare board and cannot achieve any functions.
3. Different manufacturing processes: The PCBA is more complicated to make, and requires processes such as packaging and soldering, while PCB boards only need to go through processes such as printing and testing to complete.
4. Cost difference: The cost of PCBA board is much higher than PCB board, because PCBA has components, but also assembly and welding, and PCB board does not need.
Choose PCBA board or PCB board?
The selection of PCBA board and PCB board should be determined according to the actual application needs. If you want to assemble an electronic product, then PCBA is for you, because it can provide a complete circuit system; If you want to install the desired electronic components on the module yourself, then choose the PCB board.
PCBA board and PCB board have essential differences, as they can provide different functions for electronic products and meet different application needs.
How to choose PCBA substrate?
PCBA is an important part of the electronic product manufacturing process, and selecting the appropriate PCBA substrate type is crucial for product performance and quality. The selection of PCBA substrate types involves multiple factors, including application areas, costs, performance requirements, and manufacturing processes. There are seven common types of substrates on the market today:
1. Rigid substrate
Rigid substrate is one of the most common types of PCBA substrates, which is made of hard materials such as FR4 and has excellent mechanical strength and stability. Rigid substrates are suitable for most electronic devices, such as computers, communication equipment, and consumer electronics products. They can carry complex circuits and components and provide stable electrical performance. The manufacturing process of rigid substrates is mature, with relatively low prices, suitable for mid to high end electronic products.
2. Flexible substrate
Flexible substrate is a type of PCBA substrate made of flexible materials, which has excellent bending and folding properties. They are typically thinner and lighter than rigid substrates, making them suitable for applications that require higher weight and volume, such as mobile devices, wearable devices, and automotive electronics. Flexible substrates can be wired in 3D space, bent and folded, providing greater design freedom. However, the manufacturing process of flexible substrates is more complex and costly.
3. Rigid and flexible base plate
Rigid flexible substrate is a combination of rigid and flexible substrate, which has the advantages of both. It consists of rigid layer and flexible layer superimposed at the intersection, to a certain extent to meet the complex wiring requirements and flexibility. Rigid flexible composite substrates are commonly used in applications with rigid and flexible connections, such as foldable mobile phones, medical devices, etc. But the cost is relatively high, because its process is more complex.
4. High-density interconnect substrate
A high density interconnect substrate is a PCBA substrate that achieves high density wiring over a relatively small area. It uses fine line width, line spacing and through-hole to achieve higher component density and better signal transmission performance. HDI PCBS are suitable for applications such as mobile devices, high-performance computers, and communication equipment that require high-speed signal transmission and miniaturized design. Because the manufacturing process of HDI PCB is more complex, its cost is relatively high.
5. RF substrate
RF substrate is a PCBA substrate specifically designed for RF signal transmission and processing. They use special materials and wiring techniques to ensure stability and low loss in the high-frequency range. RF substrates are widely used in fields such as wireless communication, radar systems, and satellite communication. Due to its special design requirements and material selection, the manufacturing cost of RF substrates is relatively high.
6. Metal substrate
This substrate has good thermal conductivity and mechanical strength and is suitable for devices in high power and high temperature environments, such as LED lighting, power modules and automotive electronics. The price is higher than other substrates.
7. Thick copper substrate
Thick copper substrate is a kind of PCBA substrate in which copper layer thickness is relatively large i.e. more than the regular. They are fit for applications where high currents and high powers are to be handled such as electric vehicle battery management systems, industrial control equipment and power systems. Thick copper substrates can achieve low resistance and satisfactory thermal management performance, but the processes and materials needed for manufacturing are specialized hence they are expensive.
The proper selection of the pcba substrate type is essential in achieving the desired performance of the electronic products and quality, seeking consideration of several factors including application areas and cost budgets, performance requirements, wiring complexity and manufacturing processes. Therefore, it is advisable to use professional PCBA manufacturers in order to choose the right type of PCBA substrates as regards the product requirements and ensure high quality standards during the manufacturing process.
The type of pcb substrate plays an essential role in determining the performance as well as quality of the product. Take rigid substrate for instance, this type of substrate is most appropriate for all purpose, flexible substrate, less bulky and bendable design, rigid-flex substrate for complicated interconnects, high density interconnection for HDI PCB, the RF substrate is suitable for RF signal processing, and the metal substrate is used for high heat dissipation performance, and the thick copper substrate is used for high current and high power. Therefore, it is necessary to select the appropriate PCBA substrate type according to the specific needs and application scenarios, so as to help ensure the performance, reliability and stability of the product.
In addition to selecting the appropriate PCBA substrate type, optimizing the design and manufacturing process is also extremely important. For example, a reasonable layout of circuit components and signal lines, using high-quality electronic components and soldering processes to ensure stable electrical connections. In addition, strict quality control and testing are also key to ensuring the reliability and quality of PCBA.
Flex Plus has been specializing in prototyping and manufacturing flexible PCBs and rigid-flex PCBs since 2004. we own a flexible PCB and rigid-flex PCB factory, flexible PCB assembly, and rigid-flex PCB assembly factory. If you have any requirements for flex PCB, please contact us.
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