Tag Archives: board assembly

smt technology chip

High-Precision SMT Assembly Services for Reliable Electronics Manufacturing

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) has become the backbone of modern electronics manufacturing, enabling compact designs, higher component density, and superior electrical performance. At Board Assembly, we provide advanced SMT assembly services designed for prototype development, small-batch runs, and full-scale production. Our expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and commitment to quality ensure your printed circuit boards meet the highest industry standards.

SMT assembly involves placing miniature components directly onto the PCB surface without the need for drilled holes. This allows for faster manufacturing, reduced board size, and the ability to integrate complex circuitry into smaller devices. At Board Assembly, our automated pick-and-place SMT machines provide exceptional accuracy, ensuring precise positioning of even the smallest components such as micro-BGAs, 01005 packages, and high-pin-count ICs.

For every project, we begin with a thorough design and documentation review to ensure manufacturability. Our engineering team evaluates your Gerber files, BOM, and assembly drawings to verify compatibility with our SMT processes. This helps prevent redesign costs, minimize delays, and ensure seamless transition from prototype to production.

electronic circuit board smtOnce the assembly begins, solder paste is applied using tightly controlled stencil printing methods. This ensures proper solder volume, which is critical for component adhesion and long-term performance. Our automated reflow ovens use multi-zone temperature profiling to ensure consistent solder joints across every PCB. Whether your project requires leaded or RoHS-compliant lead-free soldering, Board Assembly adheres to strict temperature controls that guarantee reliability.

Quality assurance is a core part of our SMT assembly workflow. Every PCB undergoes AOI inspection, verifying solder joints, polarity, bridging, component alignment, and placement accuracy. For boards with hidden joints like BGAs, we perform X-ray inspection to evaluate internal connections. These extra steps ensure long-term durability and minimize field failure risks.

Whether you are developing medical devices, IoT solutions, consumer products, industrial equipment, or aerospace electronics, our SMT assembly capabilities support a wide range of applications. Combined with our additional services—such as conformal coating, box build assembly, and potting & encapsulation—we offer complete turnkey solutions to support your entire production lifecycle.

Learn more about our SMT capabilities at:
https://boardassembly.com/smt-assembly/

Recycling Unused PCB

Sustainability in PCB Manufacturing: Building a Greener Future for Electronics

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the backbone of nearly every modern electronic device—from smartphones and automotive systems to medical equipment and industrial controls. As global electronics demand continues to rise in 2025 and beyond, the environmental impact of PCB manufacturing has become a central concern for manufacturers, engineers, and consumers alike. Today, sustainability is no longer a trend—it is a responsibility. Forward-thinking companies like Board Assembly are embracing eco-conscious manufacturing practices to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Why Sustainability Matters More Than Ever

rework your pcbPCB production is traditionally resource-intensive. It requires large amounts of raw materials, water, energy, and chemical processing. Without proactive sustainability efforts, these processes can contribute to carbon emissions, hazardous waste, and long-term environmental damage. At the same time, many OEMs and end users now demand greener supply chains. Regulatory pressure is increasing, and corporate responsibility expectations are higher than ever. Sustainable PCB manufacturing is now essential to long-term business success and global environmental stewardship.

Key Sustainable Practices in Modern PCB Manufacturing

Material Optimization

One of the most important steps toward sustainability starts with material selection. Today’s manufacturers increasingly rely on lead-free solders, halogen-free laminates, and RoHS-compliant components to reduce toxic exposure and improve recyclability. In addition, unused material from fabrication runs is now more frequently recovered and reused to minimize waste.

Energy Efficiency

Energy consumption remains one of the largest contributors to a PCB manufacturer’s carbon footprint. In 2025, many facilities are modernizing with high-efficiency SMT equipment, LED lighting, and optimized production workflows. Some manufacturers are also incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar power, significantly lowering overall emissions.

Advanced Chemical Management

Etching, plating, and surface finishing require chemicals that must be handled responsibly. Sustainable facilities invest in closed-loop chemical recycling systems, solvent recovery programs, and state-of-the-art wastewater treatment to prevent harmful discharge into the environment. These systems protect both the environment and worker safety.

Design for Sustainability

Engineers now play a direct role in environmental impact reduction through design for sustainability (DfS). Smaller PCB layouts, HDI designs, and optimized trace routing reduce material usage while increasing electrical performance. Multi-functional boards reduce the need for multiple assemblies, helping lower both manufacturing waste and energy consumption.

Recycling and End-of-Life Recovery

Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. Sustainable PCB manufacturers now support recycling programs that recover valuable metals such as gold, copper, and silver from old circuit boards. This circular economy approach reduces demand for new mining while keeping harmful materials out of landfills.

The Business Advantages of Sustainable Manufacturing

Sustainability is not only good for the environment—it also makes strong business sense. Companies that adopt green manufacturing practices benefit from:

  • Lower long-term operational costs

  • Reduced regulatory risk

  • Stronger brand reputation

  • Increased appeal to environmentally conscious customers

  • Improved supply chain stability

In today’s competitive electronics market, sustainability is now a differentiator that directly influences purchasing decisions.

Partner with an Eco-Conscious PCB Manufacturer

PCB Assembly service in Los AngelesBy selecting a manufacturer committed to sustainable production, businesses take an active role in protecting the environment without sacrificing performance or reliability. Board Assembly continues to emphasize environmentally responsible practices across its PCB fabrication and assembly services, delivering high-quality circuit boards that meet both engineering and environmental standards.

To learn more about sustainable PCB manufacturing, visit Board Assembly’s PCB Fabrication page and discover how innovation and environmental responsibility are shaping the future of electronics.

2 BGAs or More vertical installing.

The Rise of Package on Package (PoP) in PCB Assembly

In the ever-evolving landscape of electronics manufacturing, Package on Package (PoP) technology is transforming how circuit boards are designed and assembled. First gaining traction in the early 2000s, PoP is now considered one of the most innovative advances since the introduction of Ball Grid Array (BGA) components in the mid-1990s.

At its core, PoP is an integrated circuit packaging method that vertically stacks two or more BGA packages—typically combining a logic processor and memory component. This space-saving configuration allows for compact, high-performance assemblies ideal for smartphones, wearables, medical devices, and advanced industrial electronics.

The Advantages of PoP Technology

The primary benefit of PoP technology lies in its ability to reduce external pin count through package-level system integration. By stacking chips vertically, engineers can achieve a smaller footprint without sacrificing power or performance. This simplification not only optimizes PCB layout efficiency but also improves overall product reliability by minimizing interconnect lengths and signal interference.

Depending on the configuration, PoP packages can reach a total height as low as 1.4mm, making them perfect for compact devices where every millimeter counts. Additionally, PoP assemblies support independent testing of logic and memory layers, resulting in higher manufacturing yields and easier defect isolation during production.

ACME PCB Assembly: Leading the Way Since 2009

Since 2009, ACME PCB Assembly has been a leader in adopting and refining PoP technology. Utilizing advanced FUJI assembly lines and precise reflow soldering techniques, ACME delivers reliable PoP BGA assemblies for both prototype runs and medium-batch production.

From single-unit builds to production runs of up to 20,000 pieces, ACME’s skilled technicians ensure precise alignment, solder integrity, and quality control at every stage. This allows clients to seamlessly integrate high-density packaging into their next-generation designs—accelerating time to market while maintaining exceptional performance standards.

Whether you’re developing consumer electronics, industrial control systems, or medical devices, PoP technology offers a compact and efficient solution.

Embrace the Future of PCB Assembly

2 BGAs or More vertical installing.

ACME PCB Assembly is your trusted partner for Package on Package assembly, offering experience, precision, and scalability for your most advanced designs. Contact Board Assembly today at 310-715-1898 to learn how PoP can enhance your next project.

Flexible Circuit board

Trends in PCB Technology 2025: HDI, Flexible PCBs & Embedded Components

The world of printed circuit board (PCB) technology is evolving rapidly. As design demands grow denser, smarter, and more compact, three trends are defining the next generation of electronics: High-Density Interconnect (HDI), Flexible & Rigid-Flex PCBs, and Embedded Components. At Board Assembly, we’re keeping a close eye on these advances to ensure our clients stay ahead of the curve.

1. HDI: Packing More into Less

HDI technology enables PCBs with tighter trace spacing, smaller vias, buried and blind vias, and multiple layers of interconnects. These capabilities support miniaturization while maintaining signal integrity. In fact, Ultra-HDI is pushing the envelope even further, with features like microvias smaller than 2 mil and dense layer stacking becoming more commonplace in 2025.

For applications in high-speed communication, computing, and mobile devices, HDI is indispensable. It allows more functionality per square millimeter and reduces signal path length, which helps with high-frequency performance.

2. Flexible & Rigid-Flex PCBs: Form Meets Function

Rigid-flex and flexible PCBs bridge the gap between rigid boards and adaptable electronics. As IoT, wearables, and foldable electronics grow in importance, demand for flexible interconnects is rising sharply.

These flexible circuits allow boards to bend, fold, or conform to shapes, reducing connector count, saving space, and improving reliability. Designers are combining rigid and flex segments into single boards (rigid-flex) to gain mechanical stability where needed and flexibility where required.

In 2025, we’re seeing material innovations: thinner substrates, more durable flex films, and improved adhesion layers, all designed to survive repeated bending cycles and harsh environmental conditions.

3. Embedded Components: The Next Level of Integration

Embedded component technology involves placing passive and sometimes active devices (resistors, capacitors, ICs) within the layers or substrate of a PCB rather than on its surface. This approach reduces board surface complexity, shrinks form factors, and improves performance by shortening signal paths.

By embedding components, PCB designers can reduce external solder joints, minimize parasitic inductance, and better manage circuit density. This trend is especially relevant for compact, performance-sensitive sectors like aerospace, medical devices, and wearable electronics.

Printed Circuit Board FabricationWhy These Trends Matter for Your Projects

  • Smaller form factors: More capability in less space.

  • Better performance: Shorter interconnects, cleaner signal paths, less noise.

  • Reliability & durability: Fewer external interconnects, more mechanically robust designs.

  • Modern applications: These technologies enable cutting-edge devices in AI, 5G, IoT, and more.

At Board Assembly, we support HDI, flexible, rigid-flex, and embedded-component assemblies to meet the demands of tomorrow’s electronics. Whether you’re prototyping or producing in volume, we’re ready to partner with you.

pcb-prototype

PCB Design Best Practices: Tips from the Experts

PCB Assembly service in Los AngelesPrinted Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the backbone of modern electronic devices. From smartphones to industrial machinery, PCBs ensure that electrical components are connected and function properly. Whether you’re developing a small prototype or scaling up production, good PCB design practices are critical to success. Here are some expert tips to help you design efficient, high-quality PCBs.

1. Plan Your Layout Strategically

The layout of your PCB can make or break your design. Start by organizing components based on their function and proximity to each other. Grouping similar components minimizes the length of signal paths, which helps reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and improves overall signal integrity. Additionally, ensure that your printed circuit boards have enough space to accommodate each component without overcrowding.

Visit our PCB Layout Services to learn how we can assist with optimizing your design layout.

2. Prioritize Signal Integrity

Signal integrity is essential to the reliable performance of your circuit. To maintain high signal quality, route sensitive traces such as clock signals away from high-current traces. Consider using differential pairs for high-speed signals to minimize noise. Proper grounding and shielding techniques can also help reduce noise and improve signal integrity.

Discover how our PCB Assembly Services can help ensure the highest levels of signal integrity in your projects.

3. Optimize Power Distribution

Power distribution is often overlooked but is crucial for maintaining the stability of your PCB. Design a robust power distribution network with ample decoupling capacitors placed near power pins to minimize voltage fluctuations. Use wide traces for power and ground planes to reduce resistance and ensure reliable power delivery.

Learn more about our PCB Power Distribution Solutions that can help you build a reliable power network for your design.

4. Minimize Crosstalk

Crosstalk occurs when signals on nearby traces interfere with each other, leading to performance issues or even complete system failure. To minimize crosstalk, increase the spacing between parallel signal traces or route them perpendicularly across different layers. You can also add ground planes between signal layers to shield traces from interference.

For more expert insights on reducing crosstalk, check out our PCB Expert Advice.

5. Use Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Principles

DFM ensures that your PCB design is optimized for easy and cost-effective manufacturing. This involves following industry standards for trace widths, hole sizes, and pad dimensions, as well as minimizing the use of unnecessary vias. Working closely with your manufacturer during the design phase will help avoid costly errors and delays later in production.

For expert guidance on DFM, contact our team at Board Assembly.

6. Test and Simulate Early and Often

Testing is a critical part of the PCB design process. Use simulation tools to verify the performance of your PCB design before manufacturing. Early testing helps identify potential issues such as signal interference, power integrity problems, or thermal issues, allowing you to make adjustments without incurring costly rework.

Check out our PCB Testing Services to learn more about how we ensure the reliability of your PCBs.

Printed Circuit Board FabricationFollowing these PCB design best practices can lead to more efficient, reliable, and manufacturable printed circuit boards. Whether you’re designing a simple prototype or a complex multi-layer PCB, keeping these tips in mind will help you achieve optimal results.

If you need expert support with your PCB design, assembly, or testing, visit Board Assembly and explore our wide range of services. We’re here to help you bring your designs to life with precision and quality.

Ready to get started? Contact our team at Board Assembly for professional PCB design and manufacturing support.

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