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Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA): A Step-by-Step Guide

Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) is the process of mounting electronic components onto a fabricated PCB through solder paste deposition, SMT placement, reflow soldering, inspection, and final testing. A well-controlled PCB assembly workflow is essential for electrical performance, reliability, and overall manufacturing yield. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the full Printed Circuit Board Assembly process. At JLCPCB, PCB manufacturing and assembly are integrated in one ecosys......

Jan 10, 2025

What Is a Protoboard and Why Engineers Use It

I used protoboards when designing my first circuit prototype, an IoT 4-channel relay circuit. Not because it is an assignment, but I want to learn every aspect of soldering. I have attached a few images of the board, soldering, and component placement at the end. A protoboard is nothing but a holed PCB with copper pads in which we can insert different components to solder components onto and prototype a PCB design. Although it is not the ideal PCB, it is the quickest prototyping option. The pads and h......

Flying Probe Testing: Revolutionizing PCB Quality Assurance in Modern Electronics Manufacturing

The process for manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs) includes a critical testing phase. Each board must undergo testing to ensure manufacturers detect every electrical or circuitry problem before leaving the center. When a PCB passes this testing, it further ensures that it performs reliably. The most common types of testing methods include in-circuit testing (ICT) and flying probe testing (FPT). 6 high-precision probes (needles), 4 on top and 2 on the bottom are programmatically able to contac......

Understanding PCB Copper Thickness: Standards and Conversions

When talking about copper thickness, there are some limited options available with manufacturing houses. When designers have to increase the current carrying capacity of a trace without making it wider, then copper weight or thickness is increased in the lateral dimension. There are only a few options, and most of the manufacturers have a standard thickness. Copper selection is all about power delivery, signal propagation, and thermal management. Copper width and length are always a concerning factor ......

The Significance of Industrial PCB Manufacturing for Modern Technology

Industrial PCB manufacturing is an important part of making strong printed circuit boards (PCBs) for high-performance tools in many fields. Industrial PCBs are different from regular consumer electronics because they are made to work in severe environments, be reliable over time, and meet specific operating needs. These PCBs are very important for things like computer systems, heavy machinery, medical equipment, and the infrastructure for energy production. 1. What Is Industrial PCB Manufacturing? Whe......

How to Select the Best Materials for Your Flexible PCB Designs

Flexible printed circuit boards (Flex PCBs) have revolutionized the electronics industry. Now we can pack the circuit in a small housing space with highly compact, lightweight, and flexible form factors. FPCs are everywhere from wearable devices to medical implants and aerospace systems. These circuits rely on special materials that offer the right balance of mechanical flexibility and electrical performance. When designing a Flex PCB, choosing the right combination of substrates, adhesives, and coati......

What is a Circuit Board Holder? Types, Uses & How to Choose

A circuit board holder also known as a PCB holder is a tool designed to secure printed circuit boards (PCBs) at one place. So that it would not move during operations such as soldering, desoldering or testing. These holders not only offer convenience but also enhance safety and accuracy during intricate tasks. PCB holders are essential for: ● Stability: Ensuring the PCB stays securely in location throughout the assembly. ● Alignment: Helping position components as they ought to be for precise solderin......

Common Defects in Copper Clad PCBs and How to Avoid Them

Usually all the PCBs, means all of them use CCL(copper clad laminates). It supplies the conductive layer needed to make a circuit work properly. Manufacturers and designers can improve controls and preventative measures by having a better understanding of these flaws and their causes. Copper-clad PCB flaws can impair electrical performance and cause electronic devices to break too soon. The most prevalent copper-clad PCB flaws are examined in this article along with preventative measures. What is a Co......

Types of Drill used in PCB Board Manufacturing

The most costly and time-consuming step in the production of circuit boards is drilling. This is due to the fact that the procedure needs to be followed precisely in order to guarantee the greatest quality levels. A manual or laser PCB drill is typically used for different cut outs. They can either be outline, holes or may be PCB internal cut out shape. In the production of PCBs, drilling is essential. Bad electrical connections or even a board breakdown might result from poorly drilled holes. High-pr......

Quality Control and Testing in Bare Board Manufacturing

Bare printed circuit boards, or PCBs, are the foundation of almost all electronic devices made today, from computers and cellphones to industrial control systems and aeronautical electronics. Quality control and testing in bare board manufacturing have grown more important since these applications require more dependability. Defects at the PCB level might cause even the most sophisticated circuit designs to fail in the absence of adequate quality assurance. In order to guarantee long-term performance ......

7 Must-Know Tips for Choosing the Right Flex PCB Supplier

Flexible PCBs provide immense design and engineering benefits thanks to their versatility. But to maximize their value, having the right manufacturing partner makes all the difference. Choose wisely, and you will be well-positioned to capitalize on the advantages of flex PCB technology for your application. This article provides a step-by-step guide to evaluating and selecting an optimal flexible PCB maker based on their competencies, quality control, materials, pricing, capacity and more. By approach......

A Complete Guide to Copper Clad Laminate (CCL) in PCB Manufacturing

In the world of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, Copper Clad Laminate (CCL) forms the foundation upon which all designs are built. Whether you're assembling a simple single-layer board or a complex high-speed multilayer system, understanding CCL is essential. This article offers a comprehensive guide to what CCL is, the types available, their key properties, and how they influence the performance and reliability of PCBs. 1. What is Copper Clad Laminate (CCL)? Copper Clad Laminate (CCL) is a ......

DXF Files for PCB Fabrication Everything You Need to Know

DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is a widely used file format developed by Autodesk for storing and exchanging CAD drawings. It is a vector-based format that represents two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) drawings in an ASCII or binary format. In PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design, DXF files are primarily used for mechanical drawings, board outlines, cutouts, and other non-electrical design elements. DXF files are normally created using a mechanical based tool. For example: If you need this i......

How Laser-Made PCBs Are Used in Rapid Prototyping

In the fast-paced world of electronics development, rapid prototyping is crucial for reducing design cycles and bringing products to market quickly. Traditional PCB fabrication methods can be time-consuming and costly, especially for small batches or prototype designs. There are many methods to prepare a PCB at home in a professional way, some of them require chemical processes and photolithographic steps. The other methods are not so handy and need bigger machines. However, advancements in laser tech......

How Machines Revolutionize PCB Silk Screen Printing

The layer of printed text, symbols, marks, and images on a printed circuit board's (PCB) surface is referred to as PCB silkscreen. As part of the PCB manufacturing process, it printed specific ink or substance that resembles ink onto the PCB surface so that it offers information on component placement, assembly instructions, and identification. When it comes to producing high-quality printed circuit boards (PCBs), precision and accuracy are paramount. Advanced PCB silkscreen printing machines that del......

Flex PCB Manufacturing Process: From Prototyping To Mass Production

Flexible Printed Circuit Board commonly known as flex PCBs are a revolutionary step in modern electronics that offer compact, lightweight, dynamic and precise designs. flex PCBs are designed to bend, twist and fold which rigid boards are incapable of. These characteristics have led to their widespread adoption in industries like wearable technology to consumer electronics to aerospace and medical technologies. With demands increasing day by day for miniaturized and ergonomic product designs, understan......

Understanding PCB Printer vs. PCB Manufacturer: Which Option Suits Your Needs?

PCB printers are becoming more popular for quick prototyping on-site and small-scale production, especially among artists and new businesses. Traditionally, companies hired skilled PCB manufacturers to make a lot of boards for them. This article will discuss about the differences between using a PCB printer and depending on a manufacturer. It will cover the pros and cons of each and what you should think about when making your choice. 1. What is a PCB Printer? A PCB printer is a special kind of machin......

FPC PCB Manufacturing: How to Choose the Right FPC Parameters for Optimal Performance

What Are FPC Parameters? FPC flexible printed circuit boards parameters refer to the specific design and material choices that define the performance and functionality of a flexible printed circuit. These parameters include material selection, thickness, layer count, bend radius, and more. Properly selecting these parameters ensures that the FPC meets the requirements of its intended application. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing FPC Parameters Board Quantity/Board Size Board size refers to the di......

The Importance of Drill Drawings in PCB Production

In the realm of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, drill drawings are often overlooked yet critically essential components of the design process. They act as a roadmap for accurate hole placement and dimensions. These drawings guide the drilling process, ensuring precise alignment and compatibility with components, mechanical fixtures, and electrical connections. From enhancing communication between designers and manufacturers to reducing production errors, drill drawings are integral to the f......

Via-in-Pad in PCB: Advantages and Challenges

In printed circuit board (PCB) design, via-in-pad has become a widely adopted technique, particularly in high-density interconnect (HDI) designs. It is particularly designed for BGAs with a package pitch of 0.8 mm or smaller. It involves placing a via directly within the surface mount pad of a component, offering several design and performance benefits. For example – placement of decoupling capacitors closer to IC pins, improving bypassing and noise performance. Proper via-in-pad implementation ensure......

Comparing PCB Etching Techniques

Etching is the process of removing copper elements from the board to pave a conductive path for electricity flow. PCB etching is one of the most important elements of the PCB manufacturing process. Manufacturers must prepare a design, transfer it, apply the etching solution, clean it, and perform a finishing process to etch PCB for an electrical device.Although it sounds straightforward, the PCB etching process is quite complex and precision is vital. Without the proper knowledge of what is PCB etchin......