What Are Important Considerations for an Optimal Electronic PCB Assembly

Aug 30, 2021

Most electronic devices that we use today feature printed circuit boards. These boards comprise several fine components that are assembled carefully for desired results. The PCB assembly is a controlled process and it involves several steps from designing to assembly. The PCBs are designed to withstand electrical, mechanical, or structural challenges in their operating environment. In recent years, the concept of optimal PCB assembly has gained popularity. This concept focuses on ensuring accuracy in every stage of PCB assembly and fabrication.

Factors That Affect Optimal Electronic PCB Assembly

The printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) involves several steps, where the boards are prepared for mounting through-hole or surface mount technology (SMT) components. Although in most projects the PCBA follows similar steps, it does not guarantee the same results and quality. Every board design is different and is bound by certain restrictions and has specific requirements. Keeping this in mind, the assembly services must adhere to address certain factors that may have affect the PCB.

Scheduled Turnaround Time: This is one of the big concerns for most PCBA services. The turnaround times may have an impact on the development lifecycle. However, that doesn’t mean any compromise on the quality.
Special Components Requirements and Documentation: OEMs working in industries such as medical, aerospace, and military may have special component requirements. They may instruct the PCBA to document every stage of manufacturing right from component aggregation to manufacturing to ensure quality.
Quality Standards and Regulations: As said before, PCBs are an integral part of several electronic devices that we use today. Thus, extra care must be taken during all phases of manufacturing. Although quality or adherence to industry standards is one of the important requirements in PCBA, some industries have stringent requirements. For instance, the PCBs for the medical industry must meet FDA, ISO 9000, and IPC-A-600, IPC-A-6012, and IPC-A-610 standards. Similarly, the PCBs for the defense industry are required to meet any of these standards – ITAR, MIL-PRF-5510, IPC 6012 Class 3/3A, and so on.
Testing and Inspection Requirements: Today, most PCBA and manufacturing services incorporate testing and inspection as a part of the process, however, that’s not enough. Some PCBs may require intensive testing through phases of design to manufacturing.

As known, electronic PCB assembly is the last stage of circuit board manufacturing. Therefore, the circuit board should meet all the applicable criteria listed above. The definition of optimal electronic PCB assembly is not only limited to the process of preparing boards for component placement but also identifying ways to improve their performance and reliability in critical and regular applications.

Electronic PCB assembly finds significance in various industries and applications. Are you planning to buy high-quality PCB assembly services? If that sounds yes, then you must approach industry-leading experts like Accelerated Assemblies. The company is one of the reputed and trustworthy PCB manufacturers and suppliers in the United States. The company relies on optimal electronic PCB assembly for developing quality and performance-driven PCBs for its clients across industries. The experts at the company will help you identify the optimal route of PCBA without overdoing your budget or compromising on quality.