PCB Assembly Basics & Tips

Basics & Tips

How to Clean a Soldering Iron Tip Like a Pro: Tools, Steps, and Tips

In the world of electronics manufacturing, from the humblest DIY project to complex aerospace prototyping, the soldering iron tip (or "bit") is the most critical interface. It is the final link in the thermal chain that transfers energy from the heating element to the solder joint. Yet, it is often the most neglected tool on the workbench. Many engineers focus heavily on the quality of their soldering station - checking wattage, temperature stability, and heat-up time - while ignoring the condition of......

Feb 06, 2026

Basics & Tips

How to Create a Bluetooth-Controlled Car With Arduino: A Step-by-Step Guide

This tutorial walks through the complete engineering and implementation of a two-wheel Bluetooth RC car with an Arduino Nano module on a specially designed PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) is illustrated in this tutorial. While many hobbyists start by wiring motors and Bluetooth modules with jumper cables on a breadboard, this approach is prone to disconnection and signal noise. This guide upgrades that process by teaching you how to design a professional mainboard. Key Design Features: ● Control......

Jan 19, 2026

Basics & Tips

How to Design and Assemble a Reliable ESP32 Module PCB on a 2-Layer Board

Many engineers fail when designing their first ESP32 PCB due to antenna issues, power instability, or SMT defects. Designing a custom board with an ESP32 Module strikes the perfect balance between customizability and ease of manufacturing. Unlike a chip-down design, the module integrates the crystal oscillator, flash memory, and RF matching network, reducing the PCBA risk significantly. Nonetheless, the SMD package (for example, the ESP32-S2-WROOM modules) comes with its own challenges at JLCPCB SMT. ......

Jan 16, 2026

Basics & Tips

What Is the Best Flux for Soldering Electronics? Quick Selection Guide

Choosing the best flux for soldering electronics is a critical—yet often overlooked—factor in achieving reliable solder joints during electronic assembly. Industry surveys indicate that more than one-third of soldering defects, approximately 35%, can be traced back to improper flux selection or incorrect application. Whether you are performing manual soldering during PCB prototyping or operating a high-volume Surface Mount Technology (SMT) production line, a clear understanding of flux chemistry, acti......

Dec 31, 2025

Basics & Tips

PCB vs PCBA: Key Differences You Need to Know!

Understanding the difference between a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and a PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) is fundamental to anyone involved in electronics design or manufacturing. PCB and PCBA describe two distinct stages of electronic product development — The first refers to the bare board, and the other to the fully assembled, functional circuit. In this guide, we’ll break down their key differences, explore how each is made, and explain why both are essential to the performance and reliabilit......

Nov 24, 2025

Basics & Tips

Files Needed for PCB Assembly: A Checklist

Your PCB design may appear perfect in your EDA software. The traces are routed correctly, components are placed correctly, and simulations are passed. However, this finished design remains a digital concept. The most important step is to transform that digital file set into a physical, functional board through SMT Assembly (Surface Mount Technology Assembly). A single error in your exported PCB files, whether it's a mismatched component footprint, an incorrect rotation, or a missing solder paste layer......

Nov 23, 2025

Basics & Tips

Top 10 PCB Design Tips for High-Quality SMT Soldering

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) soldering defects, including bridging, tombstoning, and open joints, are not random production errors; they are part of the printed circuit board design. These fundamental PCB design flaws lead to expensive issues, including extensive rework, unsuccessful validation tests, severe field failures, and postponed project schedules. This article presents 10 technical PCB design tips that improve soldering outcomes, grounded in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles. Th......

Nov 25, 2025

Basics & Tips

Build Your First Custom PCBA Successfully in 5 Key Steps

Moving a design from a bare printed circuit board (PCB) to a fully populated PCBA is an important milestone in any electronics project. It is the point at which a theoretical design becomes an operating piece of hardware. In this article, you will learn the five most important steps to create and order your first custom PCBA. The entire process will be broken down - we will ensure you make it all the way to a successful outcome. By utilizing an integrated PCB assembly manufacturer like JLCPCB, you can......

Nov 04, 2025

Basics & Tips

DFM and DFA Guidelines for PCB Assembly: Key Design Rules to Prevent Errors and Improve Manufacturability

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) is the critical practice of designing a product for ease of manufacturing. In the world of electronics, it is the bridge between a theoretical circuit schematic in your EDA software and a physically producible, reliable PCBA. Integrating DFM principles from the very beginning of your design process is the single most effective way to prevent costly production holds, frustrating board respins, and catastrophic assembly failures. Think of DFM as a conversation between you,......

Nov 05, 2025

Basics & Tips

PCB vs PCBA: What Are the Differences and How to Choose the Right Service for Your Project

In the electronics industry, PCBs and PCBAs are frequently confused with one another, but the two represent distinct stages in the hardware production sequence. Engineers and product designers need to maintain a clear distinction between the meaning of a bare Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and a fully assembled Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA). So here’s the deal: A PCB is a blank board—etched copper, no components. A PCBA is a fully assembled board—ready to test, ready to ship. The distinction is i......

Sep 29, 2025

Basics & Tips

The Ultimate Guide to PCBA: Process,Types and Techniques for the Electronics Enthusiast

As the demand for electronic devices continues to grow, understanding the complexities of Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) has become increasingly crucial. This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth look at the PCBA process, the types of PCB assembly, and the various techniques and tips involved. We will also explore the meaning of PCBA in electronics, ensuring you have a thorough understanding of this vital component. What does PCBA stand for in Electronics? PCBA stands for Printed Circui......

Dec 25, 2023

Basics & Tips

Fiducial Marks in PCB and SMT Assembly: A Complete Guide to Accuracy and Design Rules

Modern Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are complex, integrating high-density components like 0.4mm pitch Ball Grid Arrays (BGAs), 0201 passives, and fine-pitch Quad Flat No-Lead (QFN) packages. In this advanced manufacturing environment, achieving placement accuracy measured in micrometers is crucial. A significant challenge in automated manufacturing is how pick-and-place machines, which handle thousands of components per hour, precisely locate the PCB. A board on a conveyor system is never in the perf......

Nov 21, 2025

Basics & Tips

From Bands to Values: How to Read the Resistor Color Code

Resistors are a key component in electronic circuits, controlling the flow of electrical current. Resistors are available in many different values, shapes, and physical sizes. Practically all leaded resistors with a power rating up to two watt have this pattern of colored bands. Color bands on the body of a resistor, carry crucial information about their resistance value, tolerance, and sometimes even the temperature coefficient. A resistor can have anywhere from three to six colored bands, with four ......

Mar 10, 2025

Basics & Tips

The Comprehensive Guide to PCB Assembly Process at JLCPCB: Efficient and Reliable PCB Manufacturing

One of the most important factors to create a working circuit board is the assembly technique and process, such a step has to be controlled and carefully executed to ensure the wellness of the final produced device. JLCPCB provides PCB Assembly by taking charge of the full steps of soldering each component to its placement on the board based on their capabilities which shortens the path for engineers and companies by saving more time. The PCB Assembly process comes directly after the PCB manufacturing......

Basics & Tips

Future Trends in Through-Hole Technology

Through-hole technology has been a cornerstone of electronic component assembly for several decades. Its reliability, durability, and ease of use have made it a preferred choice in various industries. As the electronics industry continues to evolve, through-hole technology is also adapting to meet the changing needs of PCB design and assembly. An extensive review of through-hole components will be given in this article, along with an examination of their types, fabrication processes, and industrial us......

Jan 17, 2024

Basics & Tips

Exploring Different Types of Protoboards: Soldered vs. Solderless Options

Protoboards play a crucial role in the world of electronics by providing a platform for circuit prototyping and experimentation. When it comes to protoboards, there are two main types to consider: soldered protoboards and solderless protoboards. Each type has its own set of advantages and considerations. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two types of protoboards, their unique features, and their best use cases. By understanding the options available, you can make informed ......

Sep 15, 2023