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Difference Between PCB and PCBA

Views: 283 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-04-29 Origin: Site

In the electronic manufacturing industry, PCB and PCBA are two frequently mentioned terms. Although there is only a one word difference between them, there are significant differences in function and structure. PCB, also known as printed circuit board, is the support for electronic components and the provider of electronic component circuit connections. It uses circuit boards as the substrate, prints circuit patterns on the substrate through printing technology, and then forms conductive paths through processes such as etching and electroplating.
There are significant differences between PCB and PCBA in terms of definition, process, function, and application scenarios. Simply put, PCB is the carrier and connector of electronic components, while PCBA is a fully functional electronic module formed by assembling electronic components on PCB.

Definition

PCBA, on the basis of PCB, assembles electronic components onto the PCB through processes such as SMT (Surface Mount Technology) or DIP (Insert Pin Packaging Technology) to form a fully functional electronic module. Therefore, PCBA not only contains all the elements of the PCB, but also includes additional electronic components assembled on it.

Workmanship

The manufacturing process of PCB mainly includes circuit design, board cutting, drilling, electroplating, etching and other steps, ultimately forming a bare board with only circuit patterns on it and no electronic components. There are many categories of PCBs, such as rigid PCB , flexible PCB, high-frequency PCB, and so on.
The manufacturing process of PCBA is more complex. It first requires a pre made PCB as the foundation, and then electronic components are accurately placed in designated positions on the PCB through automated equipment. Then, welding, cleaning, testing and other steps are carried out to ultimately form a fully functional electronic product.

Function

PCB, as the carrier and connector of electronic components, mainly plays a supporting and conductive role. It itself does not have any electronic functions, but only provides a stable working environment and electrical connection for electronic components.
And PCBA is a fully functional electronic module. It not only includes all the functions of a PCB, but also achieves specific electronic functions through the electronic components assembled on it. For example, the motherboard PCBA of a mobile phone contains key components such as a processor, memory, storage, as well as circuits for communication, display, audio, and other functions.

Application Scenarios

Due to the fact that PCB is only a bare board without electronic components, it is often used as an intermediate product in electronic products and requires further assembly before use. For example, in electronic manufacturing factories, workers will first assemble electronic components onto PCBs to form PCBA, and then carry out subsequent testing and packaging work.
And PCBA can be directly used as the core component of electronic products. For example, in computers, motherboards, graphics cards, sound cards, etc. all exist in the form of PCBA. These components have completed all assembly and testing work when leaving the factory, and users only need to insert them into the corresponding slots to use them.