Explanation of the difference between PCB and PCBA

Explanation of the difference between PCB and PCBA

It is believed that many people are not unfamiliar with PCB, and they may often hear about it in daily life, but they may not know much about PCBA, or even confuse it with PCB. So what is a PCB? How did PCBA evolve? What is the difference between PCB and PCBA? Let's take a closer look.

About PCB

PCB is the abbreviation of Printed Circuit Board. When translated into Chinese, it is called printed circuit board. Because it is made by electronic printing, it is called "printed circuit board". PCB is an important electronic component in the electronic industry, the support of electronic components, and the carrier of electrical connection of electronic components. PCB has been widely used in the production and manufacturing of electronic products. Its unique 

characteristics are summarized as follows:

1. The wiring density is high, the volume is small, and the weight is light, which is conducive to the miniaturization of electronic equipment.

2. Because of the repeatability and consistency of the graphics, the errors in wiring and assembly are reduced, and the time for equipment maintenance, debugging and inspection is saved.

3. It is conducive to mechanized and automatic production, improves labor productivity and reduces the cost of electronic equipment.

4. The design can be standardized to facilitate interchange.

About PCBA

PCBA is the abbreviation of Printed Circuit Board+Assembly, that is to say, PCBA is the whole process of SMT loading of PCB blank boards and DIP plug-in.

Note: SMT and DIP are both ways to integrate parts on PCB. The main difference is that SMT does not need to drill holes on PCB, and in DIP, the PIN pin of the part needs to be inserted into the drilled hole.

SMT (Surface Mounted Technology) surface mounting technology mainly uses the mounting machine to mount some micro and small parts onto PCB boards. Its production process includes PCB board positioning, printing solder paste, mounting by the mounting machine, soldering back to the furnace and manufacturing inspection.

DIP is "plug-in", which means inserting parts on PCB board. It is an integrated part in the form of plug-in when some parts are large in size and not suitable for mounting technology. The main production processes are: adhesive backing, plug-in, inspection, wave soldering, plate brushing and manufacturing inspection.

*Differences between PCB and PCBA*

It can be seen from the above introduction that PCBA generally refers to a processing process, which can also be understood as a finished circuit board, that is, PCBA can only be calculated after the processes on the PCB are completed. A PCB is an empty printed circuit board with no parts on it.

In general, PCBA is a finished board; PCB is bare.