43 inch infrared PCBA module for touch frame monitor overlay open panel screen

What Is a PCB?

PCBA are the foundation of modern electronic devices. They mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components. The boards themselves are made of laminate material, such as fiberglass or composite epoxy, and contain conductive pathways that connect different parts of the board. These pathways are printed or inscribed onto the board according to the predetermined PCB design.

Materials Used

The substrate material for PCBs is usually fiberglass, composite epoxy or another laminate material. The conducting material on one or both sides of the board is most often copper. The printed circuits, which are plated or etched onto the substrate according to the design, are also made of copper. The circuits are coated with tin-lead to prevent oxidation. PCBs have contact fingers on their outer edges, which are also coated with tin-lead, as well as other materials, such as nickel and gold, to increase conductivity.

How Do PCBA and PCB Relate to Each Other?

PCB and PCBA are the results of two different steps of the same overall process. A PCB is a blank circuit board with no electronic components attached, while a PCBA is a completed assembly that contains all of the components required for the board to function as needed for the desired application. A PCB is not yet functional, while a PCBA is ready to be used in an electronic device.

Manufacturing a blank board is a simpler process than producing a completed PCBA because of the various components and processes involved in PCB assembly. It also costs more to produce a PCBA than a blank PCB. However, both steps are necessary to create a completed board. You can not create a PCBA without a PCB. PCB manufacturing is the first step in the process, and PCBA manufacturing builds upon that first step.

Another difference lies in how PCBs and PCBAs are packaged. PCBs are typically packaged using vacuum-packaging, while PCBAs require the use of compartmental or anti-static packaging.

Applications

PCBs are used in,a wide range of electronic devices including consumer electronics, heavy machinery, robotics, vehicle components and medical equipment. Examples include:

• Computers
• Cell phones
• TVs
• Radios
• Printers
• Calculators
• Appliances
• Lighting systems
• Medical imaging systems
• Pacemakers
• Engine management systems
• Industrial controls
• Telecom towers
• Data storage equipment
• Satellite systems