How many steps for processing PCBA?

2024-06-22

Wherever you find a complex electronic device, you'll likely find a PCBA at its core. PCBA's are the heart of many electronic devices, play an important role in the application.

Today we will talk about what is PCBA, how it process, and their application.

What is PCBA?

PCBA stands for Printed Circuit Board Assembly. It's basically a printed circuit board (PCB) with electronic components like chips, resistors, capacitors, and other parts attached to it.

The PCB is the foundation of electronic devices, providing a solid base for components and allowing them to connect. The PCBA's main function is to allow the electronic components to work together in a coordinated way, enabling the device to perform its intended tasks.

How PCBA process? How many steps? 

Below we listed some main step. Exact process can vary slightly depending on the complexity of the board and the specific manufacturing process, However, a typical PCBA production flow usually includes these main steps:

1--PCB Design and Fabrication: This is where the blueprint for the PCBA is created. Engineers design the PCB layout, specifying the placement of components and the traces that connect them. The design is then sent to a manufacturer to create the actual PCB.

2--Component Sourcing and Preparation: Once the PCB is fabricated, the necessary components are sourced from various suppliers. These components are then carefully inspected and prepared for assembly.

HONGDA Capacitors, https://www.hongdacapacitors.com/about.html, as the leading capacitors, inductors manufacturer in China, an ISO9001 qualified factory, can provide the quality parts, with good lead time.

Mainly produce: Tantalum capacitors, Chip multilayer ceramic capacitors, aluminum electrolytic capacitors, polymer capacitors, Inductors and so on. We can be your reliable passive components supplier in China.

3-- Component Placement: The components are placed onto the PCB according to the design, typically using automated machines that ensure high precision.

4-- Soldering: The components are soldered to the PCB, creating a permanent electrical connection. Soldering can be done using various methods, including wave soldering and reflow soldering.

5-- Inspection and Testing: After soldering, the assembled PCBA undergoes rigorous inspection and testing to ensure that all components are correctly placed and that the board functions as intended.

5.1 Optical Inspection: Recognize that, manual inspection is not an option for inspecting hundreds of surface mount components on the boards, instead, automatic optical inspection is exercised to look for the defects and errors in the  board. In optical inspection, an automatic optical machine is used that comes with high-powered cameras that are located at different angles to monitor the connections. The solder connections reflect light at high speed with different intensities, allowing the machine to analyze the connections of lower quality.

5.2 X-Ray Inspection: For complex and layered circuit boards, the X-ray inspection method comes into play, where X-rays are used for the inspection. With X-rays, layers become transparent, helping you see through the layers and identify the common problems on the  board. These inspections are carried out before the final functional test inspection which involves the steps to make sure the  board is fully functional and does the job perfectly.

Functional Test

In this process, the finished product undergoes the final inspection called the ‘functional test’ where simulated power signals run through the  PCB to analyze the electrical characteristics of the  board.  If voltage, current or signal output in these characteristics show sudden fluctuation beyond the permitted range, it means the board has failed the test.

6-- Conformal Coating (Optional): In some cases, a protective coating is applied to the PCBA to shield it from moisture, dust, and other environmental factors.

7-- Assembly and Packaging: The finished PCBAs are assembled into the final product, often along with other components. They are then packaged and shipped to the end user.

Below are our parts assembling in the board for power tools application:

1. HCK SMD Electrolytic capacitors
2. RRL radial aluminum electrolytic capacitors
3. HLC Ceramic capacitors

HONGDA Capacitors is professional in capacitors, inductors production.

Where will use PCBA? 

PCBA's are the heart of many electronic devices, and their applications are various, below we listed some main applications:

1.Industrial Automation: PCBA's are essential for controlling robots, automation systems, and other industrial equipment, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. We take Roborts for example:

Robot Arms: PCBA's are the brains behind robot arms used in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics. They control the movement, precision, and speed of the arm, allowing it to perform tasks like welding, painting, assembly, and material handling.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): PCBA's power the navigation and control systems of AGVs, making them able to move autonomously through factories and warehouses, transporting materials and products.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots): PCBA's are essential for the safety and functionality of cobots, which work alongside humans in various tasks, from assembly and packaging to quality inspection.

2.Consumer Electronics: Your smartphone, laptop, tablet, TV, gaming console, and even your smart speaker all rely on PCBAs to function. They connect the various components, like the processor, memory, and screen, to create a seamless user experience.

3.Automotive Industry: Modern cars are packed with electronics, from the engine control unit to the navigation system, and PCBAs play a crucial role in making these systems work.

4.Medical Devices: PCBA's feature in medical devices like pacemakers, hearing aids, and imaging equipment, allowing for precise control and data processing.

5.Aerospace and Defense: PCBAs are used in a variety of aerospace and defense applications, including aircraft avionics systems, satellites, and military weapons systems.

Besides standard parts, HONGDA Capacitors also provide military parts for aerospace application. We have military hybrid tantalum capacitors, military MLCC.

Widely used on nuclear station, Petroleum well measurement, power electronics, telecommunications, medical devices, power supply, military, aerospace, aviation, etc application.