In the field of electronics manufacturing we often see two abbreviations: PCB and PCBA. These two terms are very important to the electronics industry, and there is a close relationship between them. In this article, we will discuss with you what these two terms mean respectively, and what are the connections and differences between them?

1. The definition of PCB

A printed circuit board (PCB) is a plate of non-conductive material etched with copper traces, named blank circuit board. Different electronics assembly components such as resistors, capacitors and integrated circuits are connected by these copper traces. The circuit board prototype serves as the physical back stone for designing and completing electronic circuits and plays a significant role in electronic products.

PCBs are made up of multiple layers of copper traces. And various materials are often used in making fabricate pcb, including FR-4, polyimide and aluminum.

The following four steps are the PCB manufacturing process:

(1.) PCB design: The first step is for the engineer to create a schematic diagram describing the circuit layout according to the requirements.

(2.) Circuit board layout: The schematics will be converted by pcb fabrication designers using specialized software into board layouts, specifying component placement, routing and layer stacking.

(3.)Manufacturing: PCBs will be manufactured according to board layout. preparing the substrate , printing the circuit pattern and etching away the excess copper with the chemical solvent.

(4.)Inspection: In order to ensure PCB accuracy and functionality, so the final step is Inspection to test the PCB for defects or faults.

2. The definition of PCBA

PCBA is the last step of the PCB manufacturing process. Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) is a PCB which fully surface mount pcb assembles all electronic components together.

PCBA will use Surface Mount Technology (SMT), Through-Hole Technology (THT) process to solder various circuit board components such as resistors, capacitors and integrated circuits to the circuit board. After the placement is complete, it is functional Inspections and the circuit board can be used directly in the final electronic devices once it pass the Inspections.

The following five steps are the pcb manufacturing assembly manufacturing process:

(1.) Component procurement: We will then purchase the high quality electronic components such as capacitors, ICs, resistors and connectors from a stable and reliable supplier according to the required bill of materials (BOM).

(2.) Solder paste application: Control the appropriate amount of solder paste applied to the circuit soldering board.

(3.) Component placement: In this step, we will use a high precision pick-and-place machine to place the part in the specified position.

(4.) PCB Soldering: The general common welding methods are mainly the reflow or wave soldering, and specific welding method to be used according to the specific assembly technology.

(5.) Inspection: This step of Inspection is designed to check the quality and functionality of the PCBA, automatic optical inspection (AOI), X-ray inspection will be used in this step.

3. The primary distinction between PCB and PCBA

PCB is just a circuit pcb board with copper trace. SMT circuit board manufacturing simply provides structure for components, so it includes designing and creating circuit board services layouts, but not components and itself has no function.

PCB assembly and manufacturing is a circuit board filled with electronic components. It includes the PCB, and all the necessary components required for the function of the board are placed and welded to the print pcb board, so the pcb fabrication assembly is is fully functional which ready for direct use in electronic devices.

Conclusion

PCB is a blank board without components and does not have any functions, it just provides a physical structure for the design of electronic circuits.

PCBA is a printed wiring board with printed circuit board components and have fully functional that can be used directly in electronic devices.

Businesses can be more clear about their needs by understanding these differences.

Shanghai XW With more than decades of experience in the circuit card assembly industry, we can customize the most suitable, advanced PCB and PCBA service for you and your PCB board production. For any inquiries or requirements of pcb production and assembly and manufacturing needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. As a reliable pcb assembly manufacturer, We will respond within 2 hours and offer you the most effective turnkey PCB assembly solutions.