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Commonly Used Terms in PCB Assembly

What the Heck Is Your PCB Vendor Talking About? – Common Terms for PCB Assembly

Every industry has its established lingo, which helps its members communicate more efficiently. If you are on the outside looking in, however, it can seem like they are speaking a foreign tongue. This becomes a problem when you need to work with vendors on ordering printed circuit boards for your device or your prototype. If you’ve gotten lost while trying to speak to your vendor (SMP, SME, SMD?), then you’ve come to the right place. Here is our no-nonsense guide on the most common terms in the printed circuit board industry:

PCB – Stands for Printed Circuit Board. Printed circuit boards are found in every single device that uses computing and data. PCBs act as the “highway” in transferring data between components within a device.
THM – Stands for Through-Hole Mounting (also known as Thru-Hole Mounting). THM is an older assembly technology that mounts components on a PCB by drilling holes through the printed circuit board and placing component leads into the drilled holes. THM has largely been replaced by SMT assembly, though there are still some situations in which THM is preferred.
SMT – Stands for Surface Mount Technology. SMT was first introduced in the 1960s and rose to prominence in the 1980s. Today, it is the dominant form of PCB assembly. SMT does not require drilling holes through a printed circuit board. Its components are smaller than THM and can be placed on both sides of the PCB. This allows for a denser allotment of components and a more powerful PCB.
Substrate – The substrate is the actual board upon which wires and components are placed. It gives the PCB its structure and also insulates conductive parts. PCBs can be made from a variety of different substrates. All PCB substrates are non-conductive. Common substrate materials are: FR-4 (a fiberglass-epoxy laminate), Teflon, ceramics, specialized polymers
Traces – Traces are the things that electrically connect the connectors to the components. The most common material for the traces is copper. The copper layer of a PCB goes on top of the substrate. In double-sided PCBs, copper traces are placed on both sides of the PCB.
Soldermask – Have you ever wondered why almost all PCBs are green? This is the soldermask. This layer goes on top of the copper layer and functions to insulate the copper traces. It prevents the highly conductive copper traces from making contact with other metal components of the PCB.

While this is far from an exhaustive list of common terms used in the PCB industry, hopefully this guide will help you better understand and communicate with your printed circuit board manufacturer.

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Providing Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Since 1993

Providing Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Since 1993

The electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry took off after the late 1970’s. Before this, most electronics manufacturing that was done in large quantity production runs was handled by in-house assembly only.

Now, the electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider offers more flexibility and easier resources to deal with issues for smaller companies who doing limited runs. An electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider is able to specialize in large manufacturing, raw materials procurement, and resources.

Since the early 1990’s, the development of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) on PCB has allowed for the rapid assembly of electronics, many electronic components switched to Surface Mount Technology (SMT) from Through hole components. SMT components are making more and more small footage, more and more fine pitch, the equipment for SMT components are requiring more and more accuracy. For small businesses, it is a good idea to outsource your EMS needs.

Outsourcing all your manufacturing needs to a Electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider helps you to save money, it also helps you to control your overhead cost, which in turn reduces your companies overhead cost. As a result, Electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider gives you the opportunity to produce your products at a lower cost.

ACME PCB Assembly in Carson, California has been an Electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider since 1993. OEMs are realizing the benefits of outsourcing versus in-house manufacturing. Outsourcing to Electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider enables OEMs to concentrate on their core competencies by allowing Electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers to supply manufacturing expertise. The main benefits of outsourcing include a reduction in costs and investment, additional capacity, shorter time-to-market and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.

As your Contract manufacturer, ACME circuit board assembly will become a business partner who has a vested interest in your success. By outsourcing to ACME circuit board assembly, ACME PCB Assembly strive to understand your ever-changing needs in your specific competitive markets. Our objective is to provide not only quality products with a competitive price but become a partner for our customer, from product design to the distribution process.

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Adding Acrylic Conformal Coating to Your Printed Circuit Boards

Acrylic resins (AR) are single component materials. To specify, they are preformed acrylic polymers that are dissolved in a solvent to be applied to surfaces. One main benefit of using an Acrylic conformal coating service on your electronics is it provides an excellent barrier to moisture/humidity and have good fungus resistance. They also have minimal chemical resistance which makes it ideal for reworking and removability.

Acrylic Conformal Coating can be easily applied with a brush, sprayed or by dipping. For smaller batch productions, such as prototyping, hand brushing is commonly. For those large batch groups, spraying the coating on is best because it gives you an accurate control of coating. Dipping is achieved by placing the assembly into a vat of the coating. This procedure is also well suited for small batches.

No matter where your electronic device is meant to be used, chances are high that there is at least one major atmospheric threat that can harm the delicate circuit boards within. Conformal coatings made of acrylic resin (AR) are very popular choice because it protects printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other electronics from corrosion, dirt, dust, fungus, moisture, and thermal shocks.

Acrylic conformal coating currently makes up 80% of the market. The purpose of conformal coating is to protect the sensitive circuits in your device so that it can live longer and work better. What kind of threats does conformal coating protect against?

Moisture and Humidity

Moisture is a printed circuit board’s worst enemy. It can easily fry the circuit board, rendering it inoperable. Conformal coating may not be able to protect your device from a torrential downpour or a drop in the toilet, but it can resist humidity and condensation.

Dust

Dust can easily clog up a printed circuit board, especially due to electrostatic attraction. Conformal coating shields the inner workings of a circuit board from dust.

Heat and Cold

If your electronic device is meant to be used outside, then it will have to be able to withstand the sizzling highs and bone chilling lows of the environment. Conformal coating can protect against temperature extremes.

At Acme PCB Assembly, we offer a variety of different conformal coating options for our customers. Acrylic conformal coating in Los Angeles.

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Choosing the Right Contract Electronic Manufacturing Service Provider

In today’s fast-paced electronics industry, businesses rely on contract electronic manufacturing service providers to streamline their production processes. Whether you need prototypes or full-scale production, partnering with a reliable manufacturer ensures high-quality PCB assembly and efficient turnaround times.

What Is a Contract Electronic Manufacturing Service Provider?

A contract electronic manufacturing service (CEMS) provider specializes in producing electronic components, circuit boards, and complete assemblies for various industries. These manufacturers handle everything from PCB fabrication and PCB assembly services to quality testing and final product integration.

Why Partner with a Contract Manufacturer for PCB Assembly?

Choosing a reputable PCB assembly provider brings several advantages, including:

1. Expertise and Precision

Professional manufacturers use cutting-edge technology and industry best practices to ensure precise and high-quality PCB assembly services. Their expertise in surface-mount technology (SMT), through-hole technology (THT), and mixed-technology assembly results in reliable products.

2. Cost Savings and Efficiency

In-house PCB production requires significant investment in equipment, materials, and skilled labor. Outsourcing to an experienced contract electronic manufacturing service reduces overhead costs while improving efficiency.

3. Scalability for Production Demands

Whether you need small-batch prototyping or large-scale production, contract manufacturers adjust their capacity to meet your needs. This flexibility allows companies to scale their production based on demand.

4. Quality Assurance and Compliance

A trusted PCB assembly services provider follows strict industry standards such as ISO 9001, IPC-A-610, and RoHS compliance, ensuring that every PCB meets high-quality benchmarks.

5. Faster Time-to-Market

With streamlined manufacturing processes and supply chain management, contract manufacturers help companies bring products to market quickly without compromising quality.

Industries That Benefit from PCB Assembly Services

Various industries depend on PCB assembly for their electronic components, including:

Aerospace & Defense – High-reliability PCBs for mission-critical systems
Medical Devices – Precision electronics for patient monitoring and diagnostics
Automotive – Advanced circuit boards for electric vehicles and infotainment systems
Consumer Electronics – Smartphones, wearables, and smart home devices
Industrial Automation – Control systems and IoT devices for smart manufacturing

Choosing the Right PCB Assembly Partner

When selecting a contract electronic manufacturing service provider, consider the following factors:

Experience & Capabilities – Ensure they offer comprehensive PCB fabrication and assembly services.
Certifications & Compliance – Look for ISO, IPC, and RoHS certifications.
Prototyping & Mass Production – Check if they can handle both small and large volumes.
Customization & Engineering Support – Choose a provider that offers design and engineering assistance.
Customer Support & Communication – A responsive team ensures smooth project execution.

Partner with a Trusted PCB Assembly Provider

Finding the right PCB assembly services provider can make all the difference in the success of your electronic products. If you’re looking for high-quality PCB fabrication and assembly solutions, BoardAssembly.com offers state-of-the-art manufacturing services tailored to your needs.

Explore their advanced capabilities and experience seamless PCB assembly services for your next project.

How BGA Assembly Improves Performance in Modern Electronics

In the world of modern electronics, achieving optimal performance, reliability, and miniaturization is essential. Ball Grid Array (BGA) Assembly has emerged as a key technology in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, enabling high-speed performance and superior durability. As industries continue to push for more compact and efficient devices, BGA Assembly plays a critical role in ensuring electronic components meet rigorous demands.

What Is BGA Assembly?

BGA (Ball Grid Array) is a surface-mount packaging technology that enhances electrical and thermal performance in PCBs. Unlike traditional dual in-line or quad flat packages, BGA uses an array of solder balls beneath the component rather than protruding pins. These solder balls establish electrical connections to the PCB, offering better heat dissipation, signal integrity, and mechanical stability.

Key Advantages of BGA Assembly

1. Higher Performance and Reliability

With shorter electrical pathways, BGA assembly improves signal transmission speeds and reduces interference. This design ensures lower inductance and resistance, making it ideal for high-frequency applications such as processors, graphics cards, and networking devices.

2. Better Heat Dissipation

Excessive heat is a major concern in compact electronic devices. The BGA package efficiently dissipates heat due to its larger contact area and direct connection to the PCB. This improved thermal performance extends the lifespan of components, reducing the risk of overheating failures.

3. Enhanced Miniaturization

Modern electronics demand smaller yet more powerful components. BGA Assembly allows for higher pin counts in a compact space, enabling manufacturers to fit more functionality into smaller devices. This is crucial in mobile phones, wearables, and high-performance computing systems.

4. Stronger Mechanical Connections

Unlike traditional leaded packages, BGA solder joints are less prone to mechanical stress and vibration-related failures. The spherical solder connections provide better adhesion, enhancing the overall durability of the PCB.

Applications of BGA Assembly in Modern Electronics

BGA technology is widely used across various industries, including:

Consumer Electronics – Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles rely on BGA packaging for their processors and memory chips.
Automotive Electronics – Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and infotainment systems benefit from BGA’s superior reliability in harsh conditions.
Medical Devices – Wearable health monitors and imaging equipment require compact and high-performance PCBs.
Telecommunications & Networking – Routers, 5G infrastructure, and high-speed networking equipment utilize BGA Assembly for improved signal integrity.

Ensuring Quality in BGA Assembly

While BGA Assembly offers numerous benefits, ensuring flawless soldering and defect-free connections is crucial. Advanced techniques like X-ray inspection and reflow soldering help detect hidden defects and guarantee the highest level of precision.

At Board Assembly, we specialize in high-quality BGA Assembly with state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. Whether you need custom PCB solutions, rework services, or advanced testing, our expert team ensures reliable and high-performance electronic assemblies.

As electronics continue to evolve, BGA Assembly remains a critical technology for improving performance, efficiency, and reliability. By offering better heat dissipation, superior signal integrity, and enhanced miniaturization, BGA technology is shaping the future of high-performance devices.

To learn more about our BGA Assembly services, visit Board Assembly’s BGA Assembly page and discover how we can optimize your electronic designs.

ACME PCB Assembly
Electronic Contract Manufacturing

310-715-1898