PCB and PCBA, as important components in the electronics industry, play key roles in electrical interconnection and circuit. The printed circuit board provides the fixing and electrical connection of electronic components. And PCBA, as the manufacturing process of the printed circuit board, completes the assembly and welding of components. We are here to talk about the concept, features, function and differences of them.

 

1. What is PCB

 

PCB, as the abbreviation of Printed Circuit Board, is a circuit device composed by printing, copper plating, drilling and other processing technologies on a substrate. It provides crucial support for the fixing and electrical connection of electronic components. PCB has the advantages of high density, good reliability, designability, manufacturability, testability, assembleability and maintainability.

 

What can PCB do? It provides circuit support and electrical interconnection. There is more. It provides required electrical characteristics, characteristic impedance and electromagnetic compatibility characteristics for high-speed or high-frequency circuits.

 

The printed boards are embedded with passive components inside. As a result, it provides certain electrical functions. For example, it effectively provides chip carriers for miniaturized chip packaging of electronic components.

 

2. What is PCBA

 

PCBA, as the abbreviation of Printed Circuit Board Assembly, refers to the manufacturing process of printed circuit boards. In general speaking, it includes processes such as empty board SMT and DIP plug-in. SMT (Surface Mounted Technology) is to mount tiny parts on the PCB board.

 

How does it happen? PCB board positioning, printing solder paste, placement machine placement, reflow oven and manufacturing test.

 

The DIP (Dual in-line Package) plug-in is to integrate parts in the form of plug-ins when some parts are large in size. They are not suitable for placement technology. The technology process is adhesive backing, plug-in, inspection, wave soldering, printing and finished inspection.

 

PCBA is a finished circuit board. It can be called as PCBA after all the processes on the PCB board are completed. The production process can be simplified, which improves product reliability and consistency. It also reduces production costs. The main function of PCBA is to complete the assembly and welding of components so that they work in the normal state.

 

3. Difference between PCB and PCBA

 

You may think of PCBA as a finished product. The PCB can only be regarded as a component. The PCB is an important component in the whole PCBA, but it cannot represent the PCBA. You know the reason? After welding parts like integrated circuit (IC), resistor, capacitor, inductor and connector on a PCB, it becomes finished products. So PCB should only be regarded as a component.

 

What are the benefits of PCBA technology process? It improves production efficiency and quality, and reduce costs. Compared with traditional manual soldering, the PCBA process uses automated equipment and processes, which greatly reduces labor costs and error rates in the production process.

 

In addition, the PCBA process also ensures the quality and consistency. It reduces the occurrence rate of substandard products, and improves product reliability and stability.

 

The PCBA process is widely popular in the electronics manufacturing industry. For example, it can be used in the production of various consumer electronics such as smartphones, tablets, televisions, etc. In addition, PCBA can also be used to produce various industrial control equipment, automotive electronic equipment, medical equipment, etc.

 

4. Manufacturing Process of PCB and PCBA

 

There are the following steps.

 

· Design

 

First, you need to design the circuit diagram of the PCB or PCBA according to the product requirements. Designers need to consider factors such as circuit layout, component selection, and circuit characteristics.

 

· Plate Making

 

Workers produce PCB or PCBA in terms of the circuit diagram. This step requires the CAD software for plate-making design. Then we use methods such as chemical etching or mechanical etching to produce the required board.

 

· Installing Parts

 

We install parts on the PCB by automatic routine. This step is generally carried out by SMT technology.

 

· Plug-in

 

For components that need plug-ins, this step is necessary. We usually finish the plug-in process by DIP technology.

 

· Welding

 

Solder the components with the PCB or PCBA to complete the circuit connection. It is generally carried out by reflow soldering or wave soldering technology.

 

· Test

 

After finishing the soldering, the PCB or PCBA needs tests to ensure the normal running of the circuit.

 

· Packaging

 

PCBs and PCBAs that pass the test need to be packaged for subsequent storage and transportation.

 

5. Conclusion

 

PCB and PCBA are indispensable parts in electronic manufacturing. They provide stable and reliable circuit basis for electronic products.

 

PCB meets the demand for electrical interconnection in the production and manufacture of electronic products through the characteristics of high density, high reliability, designability, manufacturability, testability, assemblability and maintainability.

 

On the other hand, the PCBA improves production efficiency and quality through automated equipment and process flow. It also reduces costs.

 

JRPanel is a one-stop smart manufacturer of PCB and PCBA. We produce many types of PCB, and flexible PCB assembly service. If you want to make a purchase, and need any help. Send email to service@jrpanel.com, we will respond it as soon as possible.