Introduction To Circuit Board Assembly

Circuit board assembly is a process that takes components and assembles them onto a printed circuit board or PCB. Circuit Board Assembly (CBA) can be done in-house by an OEM, outsourced to another company, or performed as part of contract manufacturing. Circuit boards are used for applications including consumer electronics, computers, appliances, telecommunications equipment, and medical devices. Circuit Boards are most often made from copper-clad laminate with an insulating layer typically made from fiberglass cloth impregnated with resin.

The first step in the process is called component placement. It involves placing the various components on the surface of the PCB according to their required positions and connections to other parts already put on it.

The second step is called the routing phase, where tracks are laid out on both sides of a double-sided board to form an electronic circuit.

After this has been done, various tests will be performed. Then it is time for final product assembly in which components such as capacitors, resistors, diodes, and semiconductors (and other soldered parts) are placed on the board.

Next, a protective layer is applied by immersion or spray-coating (depending upon the type of product being manufactured). It protects against oxidation during storage and prevents contamination from humidity and chemicals that could harm circuits.

Circuit Board Assembly is the final stage of Circuit Board Manufacturing.