Firstly:Print Circuit Assembly Definition

Print Circuit Assembly definition is the abbreviation of printed circuit Board assembly , which refers to finished components assembled or soldered onto PCB.

In simple terms,PCB is the circuit board that is basic and don’t have any components,it is composition with FR4 an copper,and it only physical carrier for the installation of electronic components and the channel for electrical connection.

And Print Circuit Assembly definition is through special process (mainly “Surface mount technology” or “Through-hole insertion technology”),precisely install various electronic components (such as resistors, capacitors, integrated circuit chips, connectors, transistors, etc.) onto the corresponding pad positions on the PCB

  Then through “Solder” ( wave soldering, manual soldering, etc) process,let the components fixed on the PCB, And achieve reliable electrical connections.

 At this point,the PCB from a “Bare PCB” become a “specific electronic function” complete component

Secondly:Summary of key points

PCBA definition is the “Basic” and “road network” ,it can provide Physical support and electrical interconnection.

Print Circuit Assembly is the “A city that has been built and put into use”. Basic build on the PCB road network. ”Build”(instal and weld) various kinds of “architecture”.(electrical component).And let the entire system to achieve the designed functions.(such as Signal processing, power conversion, control logic, etc)

PCBA is a function unit. It is the most core hardware component of electronic products. And it carries the main circuits that realize the functions of the equipment

Print circuit board assembly not only include PCB,also contain all the components installed on it and solder joints that connect them

When you see densely packed black chips, cylindrical capacitors, resistors, connectors. And other components welded onto a circuit board, you’re looking at a PCBA.

Thirdly:Why Print Circuit Assembly are very important

Print Circuit Assembly is the key process that transform the electronic design to the actual working physical products.it is the core hardware carrier for most of electronic equipment (such as computers, mobile phones, industrial control lights, cars, etc)

Finally:Key Processes

SMT (Surface Mount Technology)：Put the Miniaturized, lead-free or short leads components mount on the PCB surface PAD. And the mainly use reflow soldering process

THT (Through-Hole Technology)：Insert the cmponents with long lead throug the PCB holes,Usually,welding from another side (Wave soldering or manual soldering) 

Mixed Technology：Many PCBA  included SMT and THT at the same time

Generally speaking，Print Circuit Assembly is a complete printed circuit board assembly that has been loaded. And soldered with all necessary electronic components and is capable of achieving the predetermined circuit functions. It is an important product in the manufacturing process of electronic products, from design drawings to functional hardware.