PCB (Printed Circuit Board):
Printed circuit board (PCB) is a type of circuit board used for electrical connections and mechanical support of components, using pads, conductive tracks, and a number of other copper sheets etched onto a non-conductive substrate. There are various types of printed circuit boards such as single-sided, double-sided or multilayer printed circuit boards.
PCBs are categorized into three main types: single-sided, double-sided, and multilayer PCBs according to the number of layers.
First, there is the single-sided PCB, the most basic PCB, in which the parts are concentrated on one side and the wires are concentrated on the other side. Because the wires only appear on one side, the PCB is called a single-sided board. Single-sided PCBs are usually simple and inexpensive, but have the disadvantage of not being able to be used in products that are too complex.
Double-sided board is an extension of the single-panel, when a single layer of wiring can not meet the needs of electronic products, the use of double-sided board. Both sides have copper cladding with routing, and can be through the hole to conduct the line between the two layers, so that the formation of the required network connection.
Multilayer board refers to more than three layers of conductive graphics layer and the insulating material between them in order to separate laminates, and the conductive graphics between them according to the requirements of the interconnected printed circuit board. Multilayer circuit boards are electronic information technology to high-speed, multi-functional, high-capacity, small volume, thin, lightweight development of the direction of the product.
Circuit board according to the characteristics of the words are divided into soft board (FPC), hard board (PCB), soft and hard combined board (FPCB).
PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly):
Printed Circuit Board Assembly is a term used in the electronic processing industry, which mainly refers to the soldering or insertion of various electronic parts, ICs and other materials into a blank circuit board, and the quality inspection and testing to ensure that it has the performance of a complete circuit connection.
Blank circuit boards are manufactured based on the customer’s PCB file. Therefore, there are no electronic parts on the blank circuit board, only various pads. When the plug is fitted, the mounting is SMT, which means that the electronic parts are soldered to the pads, and then DIP inserts need to be used to assist in the process and complete the soldering process.
How Do PCBA and PCB Relate to Each Other?
PCB and PCBA are the result of two different steps in the same overall process. A printed circuit board is a blank circuit board with no electronic components, whereas a PCBA is a completed assembly that contains all the components needed for the circuit board to fulfill the functional requirements of the desired application. A printed circuit board is not yet functional, whereas a PCBA can be used in electronic devices.
Producing a blank circuit board is much easier than producing a complete PCBA because of the various components and processes involved in PCB assembly. The cost of producing a PCBA is also higher than producing a blank PCB. However, both steps are necessary to produce a complete circuit board. A PCBA cannot be made without a printed circuit board, and PCB manufacturing is the first step in the process, while PCBA manufacturing builds on the first step.
Another difference is the way PCBs and PCBAs are packaged: PCBs are usually vacuum-packed, while PCBAs require compartmentalized or antistatic packaging.
Our PCBA Services
At MEKCO, we offer specialized PCB assembly services, including board level and complete box build assembly, SMT and through-hole technology, and everything from fully automated processes to precision hand assembly. Our ISO 9001-certified and FDA-registered facility is located in Shenzhen, China, and serves overseas customers.
When you work with MEKCO, you get years of experience, prompt service, and superior products. To learn more about how our PCB assembly services can help you achieve your goals, contact us online, call +86 0755-28776007, or request a free quote today.