In the dynamic world of electronics, there is one process that will remain central to the development and operation of electronic devices: PCB board assembly . It is an intricate but fun process that consists of taking electronic elements and assembling them on a printed circuit board (PCB) in a specific manner to create a functional electronic circuit. With technology moving at a quicker pace than ever before, the demand for precise and reliable PCB board assembly has never been greater.
Surface-mount technology revolutionized the assembly of PCB boards through improved automation and shrinking. Through the process, small leads or even no leads on components are assembled directly on the surface of the PCB through machinery referred to as pick-and-place systems. Such machinery is very precise and mounts thousands of parts in an hour.
Once components are installed, the board goes through a reflow oven. This machine melts the solder paste laid down in the stencil printing process to its melting point and allows the solder to solidify on cooling, thus forming solid electrical connections. Reflow soldering plays a crucial role in giving strong and lasting connections between components and the board.
Quality and performance of an assembled PCB should always be the top priority. Visual inspection is typically the first step when performing inspection and is primarily used to find obvious defects (e.g., an out-of-position component or a defective solder joint).
More sophisticated techniques include: Automated Optical Inspection (AOI), X-ray inspection, and In-Circuit Testing (ICT). AOI employs high-magnification cameras and image processing for solder joint connections and component placement.
X-ray inspection is great for finding defects in encapsulated solder joints, i.e., those contained under Ball Grid Array (BGA) packages.
As electronic devices seamlessly integrate into all aspects of our lives, the need for quality and reliable PCB assembly services becomes ever more vital, particularly within the ever-increasing complexity of small electronic devices. Whether it's a smartphone, medical device, or electric car, reliable operation is based on a properly assembled PCB.