Z-AXIS provides electronic design and printed circuit board assembly services. We work with startups and established manufacturers.
What is Circuit Board Assembly?
Circuit board assembly (CBA) refers to the process of populating or attaching electronic components onto a printed circuit board (PCB). This is a crucial step in the manufacturing of electronic devices. A PCB is a flat, often green, board made from insulating material with conductive pathways, and it serves as a platform to connect components.
What are the Main Steps in Circuit Board Assembly?
The main steps in circuit board assembly include:
Solder paste application
Component placement
Reflow soldering
Inspection
Through-hole component insertion (if needed)
Testing
Solder Paste Application
Solder paste is applied to the areas of the PCB where components need to be attached. This paste is a mixture of solder (which melts to create electrical connections) and flux (which helps the solder flow).
Component Placement
Using automated machines (or manually for some cases), components like resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits (ICs) are placed onto the board at specific locations. This is typically done for surface-mount devices (SMDs).
Reflow Soldering
The PCB is then passed through a reflow oven where the solder paste is heated, causing it to melt and bond the components to the board. Afterward, the board cools, solidifying the connections.
Inspection
Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) machines or X-rays check the assembly for errors like misplaced components or bad solder joints.
Through-Hole Component Insertion (if needed)
For components that require more robust connections, like larger connectors or mechanical parts, through-hole mounting is used. This involves placing component leads through holes in the PCB, followed by wave soldering or manual soldering.
Testing
Functional tests are carried out to ensure that the assembled board works as intended.