PCB and PCBA are an important part of the electronics industry, each plays an important role. PCB refers to the bare circuit board without any electronic components, and PCBA is an assembled electronic component that can work properly on the circuit board, it can be said that the PCBA is based on the PCB to complete the assembly. The following focuses on the difference between the two
1. from the concept of definition to distinguish
PCB refers to the printed circuit board, through printing, etching, lamination, cutting, and other processes, in insulating materials (such as fiberglass, epoxy resin, etc.) substrate to form a conductive line and graphic electronic components carrier, for the electronic components on the circuit board to provide physical support and electrical connections, for example, we commonly see the main board of the automobile car machine in the absence of the installation of components such as CPU, memory, etc., is the PCB.
PCBA is a printed circuit board assembly, is based on the PCB, through the appropriate mechanical equipment, as well as surface mount technology (SMT), plug-in technology, etc., will be a variety of electronic components (such as chips, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.) mounted and welded to the PCB, to form an electronic component with a full range of functions, at this stage of the technology in this area has been very mature, as long as the communication of the needs of the previous period The technology has been very mature at this stage, as long as the needs are communicated well in advance, we can meet the needs of all kinds of customers. For example, the computer motherboard that has been installed with CPU, memory, and other components, is PCBA.
2. from the composition of the structure to distinguish
PCB is divided into seven working layers: signal layer, internal plane, mechanical layer, solder mask layer, silkscreen layer, system layer, and other layers, mainly by the substrate, conductive lines (copper foil), through-hole, pad,s, and other components.
PCBA in addition to containing all the components of the PCB, also needs a variety of electronic components (integrated circuit chips, transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.) pieces.
3. from the production process to distinguish
PCB production process, mainly including design, plate making, etching, drilling, surface treatment, and other aspects of the need for step-by-step standardization, to ensure that the circuit board conductive lines, and electrical connections are smooth.
PCBA is based on the PCB, electronic components (such as SMD components SMT and plug-in components DIP) mounted on the PCB board, and through welding and other processes to form a complete circuit system, need steps to standardize, to ensure that each electronic component can be accurately mounted on the PCB board.
4.from the functional use to distinguish
Individual PCB itself does not have a complete electronic function, it is only as a basic platform for the installation of electronic components and circuit connections to provide physical support and electrical pathways.
PCBA is a complete electronic component that can realize specific electronic functions. For example, in a control device, PCBA can realize the functions of control, data acquisition and processing of external devices.
5.Differences from functional testing
PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) do not require assembly and are therefore easier to produce, in mass production it is critical to prioritize consistency and efficiency by producing a batch of bare PCBs that can be stored and assembled as needed to streamline the production process. PCBA is a more complex device than a PCB, the process involves pasting multiple components in an oven and soldering connections. We require additional testing for PCBAs as well as testing of individual components and printed circuit boards, including functional testing, in-circuit testing (ICT), automated optical inspection (AOI), X-ray inspection, thermal profiling, environmental stress testing, burn-in testing, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, and functional safety testing.
Those in the electronics industry must know when they need a PCB and when they need a PBCA. While the PCB is the foundation, the blank canvas with potential for a variety of applications, the PCBA is the pinnacle of the manufacturing process. If you are developing an electronic product, it is critical to find a reliable printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) manufacturer. Conversely, if your goal is to prototype an electronic product, hiring a manufacturing facility capable of producing circuit boards as initial samples for your project becomes critical.