A zero PCB, also known as a prototype PCB or breadboard, is a type of circuit board used for building and testing prototypes. Unlike traditional PCBs, which have pre-defined paths for electric connections, zero PCBs offer a grid of holes. This grid allows for custom circuit designs using wires and components. Engineers and hobbyists use zero PCBs to experiment and develop new electronic circuits without committing to a specific design.
What is a zero PCB?
Zero PCBs are particularly helpful in testing circuit designs for any shortcomings. They provide a cost-efficient way to evaluate the circuitry before committing to a final solution. The term ‘zero’ in this context signifies a fundamental distinction. It implies that there are no predefined connections, layouts, or functions on the PCB.
Generally, there is no solder mask and silkscreen on the zero board. The primary purpose of a zero PCB is to offer a blank canvas for users to create and test custom circuits. As a result, they are intentionally kept simple in structure to allow for maximum customization. Users are free to design and solder their circuits and components directly onto the board without the constraints of a predefined layout or solder mask.
What is the use of a zero board?
Zero boards serve a variety of purposes in the electronics industry. They are particularly useful for prototyping and testing new circuit designs. Here are some common uses:
Prototyping
Educational purposes
Quick fixes
Small-scale production
Zero PCBs have a layer of copper traces or pads on the substrate. These copper elements provide the conductive pathways for soldering electronic components and forming connections. However, the copper traces on zero PCBs are usually unconnected, meaning there is no predefined circuit layout. You can build a circuit on them by inserting components into the holes and then connecting them with wires.
What is the cost of a zero PCB board?
The cost of zero PCB boards varies based on size, material, and supplier. Generally, they are quite cost-effective, so that both professional engineers and hobbyists can afford it. Prices can range from a few cents for small boards to several dollars for larger or more specialized versions. Bulk purchasing often reduces the cost per unit. Additionally, different materials, such as fiberglass or phenolic, can affect the price.
What size is a zero PCB board?
Zero PCB boards come in various sizes to accommodate different project needs. Common sizes include:
Small: Typically around 5×7 cm, ideal for simple projects.
Medium: Sizes like 10×15 cm offer more space for complex circuits.
Large: Boards as large as 30×30 cm are available for extensive projects.
The grid pattern usually remains consistent, with a standard pitch of 2.54 mm (0.1 inches) between holes, regardless of the board’s overall size.
What is a bare board?
A bare board, also known as a blank PCB, is a printed circuit board that has not yet been populated with any electronic components. It is essentially the foundation of a PCB, consisting only of the substrate material (such as fiberglass) and the copper traces that form the circuit pathways. A bare board typically include base core, prepreg and copper trace layer.
Features of a bare board
Substrate material
The base material of a bare board is usually fiberglass, FR4, or other insulating materials that provide mechanical support.
Copper traces
These are the conductive pathways etched onto the substrate. They form the circuit’s electrical connections but are not yet connected to any components.
Pads and holes
Bare boards include pads (flat areas of copper for soldering components) and drilled holes for through-hole components.
Pre-defined layout
The copper traces and pads are arranged according to a specific design, determined during the PCB design process.
No components
A bare board does not have any electronic components soldered onto it yet. It is essentially a “blank slate” ready to be populated.
Coated solder mask and silkscreen
Most bare boards have a solder mask, a protective layer that prevents solder from bridging between conductive areas, and a silkscreen, which provides component labels and other information.
If you are looking for a reliable supplier for your PCB needs, consider companies like Best Technology, who is known for their quality and customer service. Best Technology offers a range of options to support your electronic projects from prototyping to production. Contact us right now to get your quotation.
Hey there! If you’re curious about circuit card assembly (CCAs) and what makes them tick, you’ve come to the right place. CCAs are the unsung heroes behind many of the electronic devices we use every day. Let’s dive into what they are, their essential parts, how they’re made, and why they’re so important.
What is a circuit card assembly?
Circuit card assembly or CCA is the process of producing printed circuit boards. In essence, it is the same as PCBA (PCB assembly), just in different name. CCA is a manufacturing technology that converts raw materials into printed circuit boards. It is used in many industries, including the military and aerospace sectors. This type of manufacturing requires skilled professionals to lay out the design and then assemble it. If you are planning to buy a batch of circuit card components, here are some things you should know about CCA.
A circuit card is a thin, flat dielectric material on which conductive paths or traces are etched. These paths connect various electronic components. They are also used to connect components to sockets on printed circuit boards. Circuit card assy is the process of manufacturing circuit card components. The process involves adding electronic components to the substrate.
Key components of a circuit card assembly (CCA)
Circuit card assembly have several key components to make the circuit function properly. These can be divided into three basic components.
Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
Electronic component
Solder paste
Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
This is the backbone of the CCA. The printed circuit board provides the structural foundation on which all other components are mounted. A PCB is typically made of a flat, insulating material such as FR4 fiberglass, which is layered with conductive tracks made of copper. These tracks form the circuit pathways that connect various electronic components. The PCB board can be single-sided, with components and conductive tracks on one side only, or double-sided, with tracks and components on both sides. For more complex applications, multi-layer PCBs are used, which consist of multiple layers of insulating material and conductive pathways stacked together. These printed circuit boards are essential in ensuring that electrical signals are routed efficiently and reliably across the assembly.
Electronic Components
These include resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, transistors, and more passive and positive components. Each part plays a specific role in the circuit, like pieces of a puzzle fitting together to make a complete picture. Resistors control the flow of electrical current, capacitors store and release energy, integrated circuits (ICs) perform various functions like processing and memory storage, and transistors act as switches or amplifiers. These components are carefully placed on the PCB in positions that allow them to connect and interact as designed.
Solder paste
Solder paste is like the glue that holds everything together, but it’s electrically conductive. It’s used to attach the electronic components to the PCB, so that they can stay put and work properly. Soldering creates a strong, conductive bond between the component leads and the PCB’s copper tracks. There are different types of soldering, such as lead-based and lead-free solders, each with its specific properties and applications. The soldering process can be done manually or using automated printing machines, depending on the complexity and volume of the assembly. Please noticed that solder paste should used in a very short time, otherwise, it will become dry solder paste.
What is the Difference Between a PCB and a CCA?
You might wonder, what’s the difference between a PCB and a CCA? Well, here’s a quick rundown:
Aspect
PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
CCA (Circuit Card Assembly)
Definition
A blank board with conductive pathways
A PCB populated with electronic components
Components
No electronic components
Includes electronic components like resistors, capacitors, ICs
Functionality
Serves as the foundation for electronic circuits
A functional electronic circuit ready for use in devices
Manufacturing Steps
Involves design, etching, and printing of conductive paths
Involves PCB manufacturing plus component placement and soldering
Usage Stage
Intermediate stage in manufacturing
Final stage, ready for integration into electronic devices
Complexity
Less complex, involves fewer manufacturing steps
More complex, involves multiple stages of assembly and testing
What is the circuit card assembly manufacturing process?
Making a CCA is a multi-step process:
Design
First, the PCB layout is designed using computer software. It includes numerous steps, like schematic drawing, layout design, SI, PI analysis, DFM. This can ensure the PCB board can fit all the necessary components and function correctly.
Fabrication
The PCB is then fabricated, which involves creating the physical board with layers of insulating and conductive materials. This is where the board gets its pathways. In this step, proceed strict quality control process to make sure the bare boards are qualified.
Component Placement
Next, printing solder paste and preparing components, then place them onto the PCB board according to the BOM file (bill of material). After setting up the pick and place machine, automated machines can precisely position each component based on the design.
Soldering
The components are soldered to the PCB. This can be done using methods like wave soldering or reflow soldering to ensure everything is securely attached and electrically connected. You must know, different products require different parameters, please make sure all the parameters like temperatures, time are suitable.
Inspection and Testing
The assembled CCA goes through rigorous inspection and testing to ensure it works as intended. This includes visual inspections, automated optical inspections (AOI), in-circuit testing (ICT), aging testing and functional testing.
Final Assembly
If the CCA passes all tests, it moves on to final assembly, where it’s integrated into the larger electronic system or device. That is we say the box building assembly.
What are the types of circuit card assembly?
CCAs can be divided into various types according to the different manufacturing technology.
Through-Hole Technology (THT) Assembly
Here, components have leads or pins inserted into holes drilled through the PCB and soldered on the other side. This method provides strong mechanical bonds, making it great for components that experience mechanical stress. It’s often used in aerospace, military, and industrial equipment.
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Assembly
In SMT, components are mounted directly onto the PCB surface using solder paste. No drilling required, which allows for higher component density and smaller PCBs. This method is commonly used in consumer electronics, telecommunications, and automotive industries.
Box Building Assembly
Box building assembly involves the complete assembly of electronic systems, including CCAs, into enclosures or boxes. This process includes not only the assembly of the PCB but also the integration of cables, connectors, and other components into a final product. Box building is ideal for producing complete electronic devices ready for end-use.
Advanced materials for CCAs
Advanced materials help CCAs perform better and last longer:
High temperature laminate like FR4 or polyimide. These materials can handle extreme conditions without breaking down. FR-4 is popular for its excellent thermal and mechanical properties, while polyimide is great for high-temperature stability.
Flexible Substrates (e.g., Kapton, PET)
Kapton and PET are the most common flexible substrate. These materials allow CCAs to bend and flex. Kapton, a type of polyimide, is known for its high thermal resistance and flexibility, making it perfect for wearable electronics and medical devices. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is another flexible material with good electrical insulation properties.
Advanced Solder Compounds
SAC305 (a lead-free alloy of tin, silver, and copper) is favored for its mechanical and thermal properties. Whatever you want to mount a ceramic PCB or the flexible PCB, it is the best choice. Sn63Pb37, a traditional tin-lead solder, is still used for its ease of use and excellent performance.
Reliable circuit card assembly manufacturers
Choosing the right manufacturer for your CCAs is key to getting quality products. PCBonline and Best Technology are go-to-choice reliable circuit card assembly manufacturers. Both of them has advanced pick and place machine, full-auto SPI, AOI equipment, ensuring a good quality.
As a leading manufacturer in the circuit card assembly, Best Technology prides full turn-key service, ranging from the PCB design, PCB fabricating, electronic component sourcing, circuit card assembly and box build assembly. We handle complex and high-volume orders efficiently, ensuring timely and fast delivery without sacrificing quality. In 2023 alone, we completed over 5000 high-complexity projects with a client satisfaction rate of over 98%.
It is crucial for anyone to fullly understand the circuit card assembly in the electronics industry. From their basic components and manufacturing process to the advanced materials used, CCAs are the backbone of modern electronic devices.
In our daily life, electronic devices are existing everywhere. And there are many people know the “PCB” nowadays, while very less people know the “PWB”. Unless you’ve been in the PCB business for more than 20 years.
Actually, PWB is another term of circuit board, and it was used commonly before the year 1999. But with the development of electronics, it was replaced by PCB gradually. You want to know more about it? In this article, we will answer it for you. Deeply explain their definitions, manufacturing process, applications and the key differences between PCB and PWB.
What is A Printed Circuit Board (PCB)?
A Printed Circuit Board is a fundamental component in modern electronics, providing the physical and electrical connections for various electronic components. It consists of multiple compositions, including a non-conductive substrate, conductive pathways, and insulating layers, which facilitate the complex circuitry required in contemporary devices. A PCB can be made into single sided PCB, double sided PCB and multilayer PCB.
PCBs are integral to the functionality of a wide range of electronic products, from consumer gadgets like smartphones and computers to industrial machinery, medical devices, and aerospace systems. The advanced design and manufacturing processes involved in PCB production ensure high reliability and performance, making them essential in virtually all electronic applications.
Basic manufacturing process of PCB
Design and Layout
PCBs are designed using sophisticated computer-aided design (CAD) software. Designers create detailed layouts, specifying the placement of components, conductive pathways, and vias (interlayer connections). The design is converted into Gerber files, a standard format for PCB fabrication that contains all the necessary information for manufacturing. These files are essential for ensuring precision and accuracy during the manufacturing process.
Material Preparation
The substrate, typically FR4 (fiberglass epoxy laminate), is prepared. FR4 is known for its excellent mechanical strength and thermal stability, making it an ideal base material for PCBs. Copper sheets are laminated onto the substrate, which will form the conductive pathways after the etching process. This preparation stage is crucial for creating a reliable foundation for the PCB.
Printing the Circuit Pattern
A photoresist, a light-sensitive material, is applied to the copper-clad substrate. The board is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light through a mask that defines the circuit pattern. The UV light hardens the photoresist in the exposed areas. The board is then developed in a chemical solution that removes the unexposed photoresist, revealing the copper to be etched away. This step accurately transfers the circuit design onto the board.
Etching
The board is immersed in an etching solution, commonly ferric chloride or ammonium persulfate, which removes the unprotected copper, leaving only the desired circuit pattern. This etching process is crucial for defining the conductive pathways on the PCB, ensuring that the correct connections are made according to the design specifications.
Drilling
Precision drilling machines are used to create holes for through-hole components and vias. These holes are then cleaned to remove any debris that could affect electrical connectivity. Drilling is a critical step in the PCB manufacturing process as it ensures proper placement and connection of components across different layers of the board.
Plating
The drilled holes are plated with copper to create electrical connections between the layers, which is especially important for multilayer PCBs. Additional layers of plating, such as nickel or gold, may be applied to improve conductivity and protect against oxidation. This plating process enhances the durability and performance of the PCB.
Solder Mask Applying
A solder mask is applied to protect the copper traces from oxidation and prevent solder bridges between closely spaced solder pads. The solder mask is exposed to UV light and then developed to reveal the solder pads. This layer not only protects the PCB but also improves its appearance and reliability.
Silkscreen Printing
A silkscreen layer is printed on the board to add text, component labels, and other identifiers. This layer helps in the identification and assembly of components, making it easier for technicians to work with the PCB during the manufacturing and repair processes.
Surface Finishing
Generally, a layer of surface finishing is coated on the PCB to protect its surface, it also called surface treatment. The common surface treatments are HASL-LF, ENIG, ENEPIG, OSP, Immersion Silver/Tin. Of course, different treatment offers different function, like OSP is to protect surface from oxidation, HASL-LF provides a good solderability, ENEPIG make sure the chemistry corrosion. Choose a suitable one according to your specific demands.
Assembly and Testing
Components are placed on the board using automated pick-and-place machines, and soldered using techniques like reflow soldering for surface-mount devices (SMD) and wave soldering for through-hole components. The finished PCB undergoes various tests, such as automated optical inspection (AOI), electrical testing, and functional testing, to ensure quality and performance. Want see the whole manufacturing process of a multilayer PCB, click here: Manufacturing Process of Multi-layer PCB.
What is the definition of Printed Wiring Board (PWB)?
A Printed Wiring Board is a term historically used to describe a type of circuit board that focuses primarily on the layout and wiring of electronic connections rather than the overall circuit functionality. PWBs emphasize the physical arrangement of conductive paths to connect various components but do not necessarily include all the integrated features found in modern PCBs.
This term was more prevalent during the earlier stages of electronic development, where the primary concern was establishing reliable electrical connections. As technology advanced, the term PCB became more common, reflecting the expanded capabilities and comprehensive role of these boards in forming complete electronic circuits. Despite being less common today, understanding the term PWB is crucial for historical context and certain niche applications.
How to Manufacture A Printed Wiring Board (PWB)?
Design and Layout
PWBs typically have simpler designs focused on wiring patterns rather than complex circuitry. In some cases, the layout may be done manually or using basic design software.
Material Preparation
Simpler substrates such as phenolic or epoxy resins may be used for PWBs. Copper sheets are laminated onto the substrate to form the conductive pathways. These materials are cost-effective and suitable for applications where advanced performance characteristics are not required.
Printing the Wiring Pattern
Similar to PCBs, a photoresist is applied to the copper-clad substrate. The board is then exposed to UV light through a mask and developed to reveal the copper to be etched away. This process creates the wiring pattern necessary for connecting electronic components.
Etching
The board is immersed in an etching solution to create the wiring pattern. This step is straightforward compared to the more intricate etching processes used in PCB manufacturing, reflecting the simpler requirements of PWBs.
Drilling
Holes for through-hole components are drilled, but the process may not require the precision needed for complex PCBs. This basic drilling process is adequate for the less demanding applications of PWBs.
Plating (if necessary)
Plating is done to ensure electrical connectivity but may not involve advanced techniques like those used for multilayer PCBs. It suffices for the simpler construction of PWBs.
Solder Mask Application
A basic solder mask may be applied to protect the wiring pattern. This layer provides sufficient protection for the relatively simple designs of PWBs, preventing short circuits and oxidation.
Silkscreen Printing
A simple silkscreen layer may be added for component identification. This helps in the assembly process but does not require the detailed labeling often necessary for PCBs.
Assembly and Testing
Components are manually or semi-automatically placed on PWBs and soldered using standard techniques. Basic electrical testing is conducted to ensure functionality. This simpler assembly and testing process aligns with the less complex nature of PWBs.
Which Kind of Materials used in PCB and PWB?
Substrate Materials
FR4 (fiberglass epoxy laminate) is the most common substrate material for PCBs due to its excellent mechanical strength and thermal stability. Phenolic resin, used in PWBs for simpler applications, is less durable and has lower thermal stability compared to FR4, but it is cost-effective and suitable for basic electronic devices. Polyimide is used for flexible PCBs due to its high flexibility and thermal resistance, making it ideal for applications requiring bending and flexing, such as wearable electronics and flexible displays.
Conductive Materials
Copper is the primary conductive material for both PCBs and PWBs. It is used to create the conductive pathways and pads, providing excellent electrical conductivity and reliability. Gold, nickel, and silver are used for plating to enhance conductivity and protect against oxidation, primarily in PCBs. These materials improve the durability and performance of the PCB by providing a reliable contact surface for soldering and component connections.
Insulating Materials
Prepreg, a fiberglass cloth impregnated with resin, is used in multilayer PCBs to bond the layers together. Prepreg provides mechanical strength and electrical insulation between the layers. Dielectric materials are used between layers in multilayer PCBs to provide electrical insulation, maintaining signal integrity and preventing short circuits.
Solder Mask Materials
Liquid Photo Imageable (LPI) solder mask is the most common type used in PCBs, providing excellent protection and durability. LPI solder masks are applied using a photolithographic process, ensuring precise coverage and protection. Dry film solder mask is used for simpler applications and PWBs. This type of solder mask is less expensive and easier to apply but may not offer the same level of protection as LPI solder masks.
Key differences between PCB and PWB
Feature
PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
PWB (Printed Wiring Board)
Design and Layout
Designed using sophisticated CAD tools for complex circuitry, including detailed simulation and optimization.
Simpler designs focused on wiring patterns, often done manually or with basic software.
Layer Count
Can have multiple layers (e.g., double-sided, multilayer) to support intricate circuit designs.
Generally single or double-sided, less commonly multilayer.
Component Types
Supports surface-mount technology (SMT) and through-hole technology (THT) components.
Designed to maintain high signal integrity, minimizing electrical noise and interference.
Basic signal integrity management, sufficient for simple applications.
Flexibility and Rigidity
Includes both rigid and flexible PCBs, allowing for a wide range of applications.
Typically rigid, not commonly used in flexible applications.
Terminology and Usage
Universally used in the industry to refer to boards that integrate all necessary components to form complete circuits. Also called “bare board”.
Universally used in the industry to refer to boards that integrate all necessary components to form complete circuits.
Industry Standards
Recognized by standards organizations like IPC, IEC, and ANSI with specific performance and quality criteria.
Covered under broader standards but with fewer specific guidelines due to limited modern use.
Cost and Efficiency
Higher cost due to advanced materials and processes, offering superior performance and reliability.
More cost-effective for simple applications, but with limited performance and reliability.
Applications
Used in consumer electronics, industrial equipment, medical devices, aerospace, and defense.
Historically used in simpler electronic devices and early computers, still relevant in niche applications.
(Summary Differences: PCB VS PWB)
Other Terms Related to PWB and PCB
Based on the PCB and PWB, you may still hear about CCA, PCA, PWA during the PCB working. These terms are also related to printed circuit board. Here is a detailed explanation of each:
Printed Wiring Assembly (PWA)
PWA is the abbreviation for printed wiring assembly. This is an archaic term that was once used to describe what we now refer to as PCB assembly or PCBA. Although it is less common today, understanding this term is useful for historical context and when dealing with older documentation.
Circuit Card Assembly (CCA)
CCA stands for circuit card assembly. It is essentially the same thing as PCBA, where the PCB is assembled with all necessary components to create a functional unit. CCA is a less frequently used term compared to PCBA but is still recognized in certain industries and contexts.
Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA)
PCBA is the abbreviation for printed circuit board assembly. When the PCB is assembled with all its electronic components by SMT technology, it is called PCBA or PCB assembly. Since a change in terminology in 1999, PCBA has become the standard term used for all assembled circuit boards. From users to technical committees, PCBA is the preferred term for referring to assembled boards. The assembly process involves placing and soldering components onto the PCB, making it a functional electronic circuit.
Printed Circuit Assembly (PCA)
PCA stands for printed circuit assembly, which is another term for PCBA. Like CCA, PCA is not commonly used in modern terminology but refers to the same concept of an assembled printed circuit board.
In a word, whatever for PWB, PCB, or circuit cards, they are refer to bare printed circuit boards (bare boards). While PCA, CCA, PWA, and PCBA refer to assembled circuit boards. Among these terms, PCB and PCBA are the most widely used in both industry and technical documentation.
This is the end of this introduction of PWB and PCB, welcome to contact us if you want more about PCB knowledge.
In PCB electronics, components are classified into two main categories: active and passive components. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone working with electronic circuits. Active components control electricity flow and require an external power source. Passive components do not control electricity and do not need an external power source.
What are active and passive components meaning?
Active and passive components, simply say, the device that needs an energy (electrical) source is called an active device, and the device that does not need an energy source is a passive device. Active components, such as transistors and diodes, require external power to function. They can control the flow of electricity. Passive components, like resistors and capacitors, do not need external power. They cannot control electrical flow but can store, resist, or filter energy. Both passive and active components are common useful in PCB assembly and SMT technology.
Active components play a dynamic role in circuits. They can amplify signals, switch currents, and perform various complex functions. These components rely on an external power source to operate and influence the behavior of the circuit. For instance, a transistor can amplify a weak signal, making it stronger and more useful for further processing.
Passive components, on the other hand, are more static in nature. They cannot amplify signals or control current flow but are essential for other functions like energy storage and signal filtering. Resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers are common examples. Each of these components has a specific role in maintaining the stability and functionality of an electronic circuit.
What are the key differences between active and passive components?
The main difference between active and passive components is their ability to control electricity. Active components can amplify signals and perform complex tasks. Passive components can only store, resist, or filter energy. They cannot amplify signals or control current.
Active components are energy-dependent. They require an external source of power to function and can influence the flow of electricity within the circuit. For example, an integrated circuit (IC) can perform multiple functions like amplification, switching, and signal modulation, all of which require external power.
Passive components, in contrast, do not require an external power source. They can only perform their functions passively. For instance, a resistor can limit the current flowing through a circuit without needing additional power. Similarly, a capacitor can store electrical energy and release it when needed, all without external energy input.
Common active components in electronics
Active devices are the main components of electronic circuits. From the physical structure, circuit function and engineering parameters, active devices can be divided into discrete devices and integrated circuits.
1. Discrete devices
Bipolar transistor, generally referred to as transistor or BJT
Field effective transistor
Thyristor
Semiconductor resistors and capacitors – resistors and capacitors manufactured by integrated technology are used in integrated circuits.
2. Integrated circuit
Integrated circuit can be divided into analog IC and digital IC. Analog integrated circuits mainly deal with continuous analog signals, such as sound, light, temperature, etc., and retain the continuity and accuracy of the signal through amplification, filtering, mixing and other operations. In contrast, digital integrated circuits are used to process discrete time digital signals, convert the signal into binary digital form, and then perform logical operations and processing.
Basic analog integrated circuit devices generally include:
Passive devices in electronic systems can be divided into circuit components and connection components according to the circuit functions they play. These components are essential for functions like energy storage, filtering, and impedance matching in electronic circuits. The common passive components are including:
Circuit components
Diode
Resistor
Resistor network
Capacitor
Inductor
Transformer
Relay
Key
Speaker
Switch
Connection components
Connector
Socket
Cable
PCB (printed circuit board)
Why are active components crucial in modern electronics?
The ability of active components to control and manipulate electrical signals makes them indispensable in a wide range of applications.
In computers, for example, active components such as processors and memory chips perform complex calculations and store large amounts of data. In communication systems, active components amplify weak signals, making long-distance transmission possible. Without these amplifiers, the signal would decay with distance, leading to a decline in communication quality. Power electronics, another key area of modern development, relies heavily on active components. Devices like power converters, inverters, and motor controllers use transistors and integrated circuits to efficiently convert and control electrical energy. This efficiency is crucial for applications ranging from renewable energy systems to electric vehicles.
It’s fair to say that without active components, devices like computers, smartphones, and TVS wouldn’t function the way they do today, and our era of big data wouldn’t be moving as fast as it is today.
How do passive components complement active components?
Both active and passive components are indispensable in a circuit. They depend on each other and complement each other. Without active components, the circuit cannot be activated or perform a specific work. Without passive components, the circuit cannot be controlled and adjusted, nor can it achieve a stable operating state. Such a relationship between the two is like the relationship between the “dynamic” and the “static” of a circuit.
For example, in an audio amplifier circuit, the power supply and amplifier are the active components, and the load and resistance are the passive components. The power supply provides energy, the amplifier amplifies the signal, and controls and limits it through load and resistance, and finally realizes the amplification and regulation of the audio signal. In signal processing, inductors filter out high-frequency noise and protect sensitive active components from interference. Transformers, on the other hand, enable efficient power transfer between different parts of the circuit, allowing active components to operate within their optimal voltage range.
Comparing the Energy Requirements of Active and Passive Elements
Active components need an external power source to function. They consume energy during operation. Passive components do not need external power and generally do not consume energy, except for minor resistive losses. This difference impacts the design and efficiency of electronic circuits.
Active components, such as transistors and integrated circuits, rely on external power to operate. This power requirement means that active components consume energy during their operation. The amount of energy consumed depends on the specific component and its application. For instance, a power amplifier consumes more energy than a simple transistor switch.
Passive components, in contrast, do not need external power to function. They operate solely based on the electrical energy present in the circuit. Resistors, capacitors, and inductors do not consume significant energy, except for minor resistive losses in resistors. This low energy requirement makes passive components more efficient in certain applications.
The difference in energy requirements between active and passive components impacts the overall efficiency of electronic circuits. Designers must carefully balance the use of active and passive components to achieve optimal performance and energy efficiency. For example, using passive filters instead of active ones can save energy in low-power applications.
Active and Passive Component Images and Symbols
Recognizing symbols are essential for reading and designing circuit diagrams. They provide a visual representation of the components and their functions, helping designers understand the overall structure and operation of the circuit. Recognizing these symbols is a fundamental skill for anyone involved in electronics. Here is a detailed images and symbols listing of common active and passive components.
Above all is the introduction to passive and active components, hope it is useful for every engineers. Best Technology is a professional PCB and PCBA manufacturer in Asia. We have our own factory in China and Vetnam. Welcome to contact us if you have any questions about components and PCB assembly.
X-ray inspection is a technology used to inspect the hidden features of the target objects or products. As for PCB inspection, X-ray is commonly used in the inspection of PCB assembly in order to test the quality and find the hidden defects, X-ray inspection is one of the most important steps for quality-oriented PCB manufacturers.
X-Ray Machine
X-Ray Inspection’s Working Principle
Generally, there are three elements in the X-ray devices.
X-ray tube—to generate the X-ray photons.
Operation platform—to move along with the sample so that the sample can be inspected from different angles and magnification.
Detector—it can capture the X-ray through the samples and then transfer it into the image so that we can find out whether there are defects on the printed circuit board.
The Hidden Defects that can be Identified by X-Ray
Since PCB has the higher density with the solder joints hidden and holes buried or blind, X-ray enable us to inspect the quality of the PCB and identify various hidden defects. And there are three common hidden defects that can be inspected by X-ray.
PCB’s Image Under X-Ray
Solder bridges—it is a common issue that will occur when the solder joints are so close that they create a connection which is not allowed. And usually, the solder bridges will be covered by some components on the PCB. But they can be easily found with the help of the X-ray device.
Solder voids—when gas or flux is entrained during welding, solder voids will be produced, which will lower the thermal conductivity at the solder joint and may cause physical defects. And X-ray can help to identify the solder voids
Pin-hole fills—pin-hole fills issue is a common problem occurring in the plug-in components on the printed circuit boards. The X-ray device can be used to identify these errors, and can even quantify the missing filling amount.
Our X-Ray Inspection Device
The maximum size of the board that can be put in the device’s operation platform is 510*430 mm, while the maximum inspection size of the device is 435*385 mm. So here is the manifestation of the operation platform’s function. When the size of PCB is over 435*385 mm, the operation platform will move along with the board so that the board can be inspected thoroughly.
And here is a video about operation of our X-ray inspection device.
So, this is the end of this article. In case if you have any questions, you are welcome to contact us via email at sales@bestpcbs.com. We are fully equipped to handle your PCB manufacturing requirements.
A via plays an important role in multi-layer PCBs. It is used to make an electrical connection between the layers of a multi-layer PCB. Generally speaking, every hole in the printed circuit boards can be called as via.
A via is constructed by placing copper pads on each layer of the PCB and drilling a hole through them. And the hole is plated with copper that forms electrical connection through the insulation that separates the copper layers.
PCB Vias
Types of Vias
There are three main types of vias used in PCB: through-hole via, blind via and buried via.
Through-Hole Via
Through-hole via goes right through the printed circuit board from top to bottom and can be used to connect all the layers of a PCB. It is the most common via and is easiest to construct.
Blind Via
Blind via connects the outermost layer of a PCB to the next layer. Namely, it cannot be seen on the other side of the board and is therefore called blind via.
Buried Via
Buried via is used to connect internal layers of a PCB. And it cannot be seen on the surface of the board.
Via Types
In addition, it is always better to use multiple smaller vias rather than one large via since smaller vias can reduce the inductance and also provide an additional path to the current flow in case any of the vias fail.
So, this is the end of this article. In case if you have any questions, you are welcome to contact us via email at sales@bestpcbs.com. We are fully equipped to handle your PCB manufacturing requirements.
Both 3M Epoxy Adhesive DP190-Gray and 3M Epoxy Adhesive DP190-Translucent are a two-part epoxy adhesive that delivers exceptional performance with high shear and peel strength.
They can bond to a wide range of materials, such as metals, ceramics, wood, fiberboard, glass, rubber and many plastics. So, PCB is no exception. But what are the similarities and differences between them?
Similarities
Provide tough, strong bonds through high shear and peel strength.
Capable of bonding to a wide variety of different materials.
Deliver extended work-life, providing additional time for adjustment.
Exhibit good environmental aging properties, delivering long-term durability.
Differences
3M Epoxy Adhesive DP190-Gray has a moderately high modulus. With a 90-minute work-life, it reaches handling strength in approximately 10 hours and full cure in 7 days at room temperature.
Additionally, this epoxy adhesive has medium viscosity and self-leveling with a 1:1 mix ratio by volume. But its flexibility and elongation are moderate.
(3M Epoxy Adhesive DP190-Gray)
3M Epoxy Adhesive DP190-Translucent has a moderately low modulus. With an 80-minute work-life, it reaches handling strength in approximately 10 hours and full cure in 14 days at room temperature.
It has low viscosity and self-leveling with a 1:1 mix ratio by volume. Additionally, it features high flexibility and elongation.
3M Epoxy Adhesive DP190–Translucent
This is all about the similarities and differences between the 3M Epoxy Adhesive DP190-Gray and 3M Epoxy Adhesive DP190-Translucent. It is supposed that you have known about them.
But if you still have any questions about them or PCB, please feel free to contact us. Because at Best Technology, we are fully equipped to handle your PCB manufacturing requirements.
The abbreviations PWB and PCB are very common, especially in the field of electronics manufacturing. Therefore it is necessary to gain a clear understanding of the meaning of each one and the differences between the two. On this article, we will help our readers to distinguish PWB from PCB.
pcb vs pwb
PCB: Based on insulating substrate, it means a kind of products on which the wires are connected and components are printed from point to point on a dielectric substrate in a predetermined design. It is the English abbreviation of Printed Circuit Board.In a word, PCB stands for printed circuit board, where the width, side to side and multi-layer relationship(spacing) of conductor runs has or is designed to have a specific effect on circuit operation other than just a point to point connection.
PWB: Based on insulating substrate, it means a kind of products on which the wires are connected from point to point on a dielectric substrate in a predetermined design. However, there is no printed component on it. PWBs are the early name of the British, because at that time there were only circuit diagrams on the circuit board, but no printed components. So they belonged to the more primitive board. Under its effect, now many traditional British and some Hong Kong people still call the circuit board to be PWB, which is the English abbreviation of Printed Wire Board. In a word, PWB stands for printed wiring board, one of the first uses when the issue was only a point to point connection.
The PCBs are the boards already equipped with various components, however the PWB is just a designed substrate with no components.
pcb vs pwb
Moreover, PWB vs PCB greatly varies from one region to the other. For example, in the United States of America, the term Printed Circuit Board is more common in use while the use of the name PWB is more commonly used in Japan. In Japan, PWB is more preferred that PCB because it prevents confusion with another name, polychlorinated biphenyls, which refers to a particular poison available in Japan.
For your more information, in approximately 1999 the IPC Technical Activities Executive Committee made a mandate to only use the term PCB for all new document development because more often than not the printed circuitry design will have an impact on function.
If you are still confused or have any queries or comments about PCB, do not hesitate to contact us. Our sales team can give you a reply at our soonest convenience.
Everything will break if it has been operated for a long time, especially electronic products. However, the broken items, which can be recycled, are not completely waste, and the printed circuit board is the same. With the development of technology, the amount of electronic products increase rapidly. Their operating cycles are shortening and many products are discarded without damage, resulting in serious waste. Meanwhile, there are some substances of electronics will d harms to the environment. Therefore, it is required to recycle them.
There are many kinds of metals in PCB, including aluminum, copper, gold etc.. It also has amount of high polymer from petroleum directly or indirectly, which have high calorific value. They can be used to generate energy as well as related chemical products. Many of them are toxic and harmful, and if discarded, they will cause great pollution.
1. Paint Removing
The surface of the printed circuit board is coated with protective metal, so it is required to remove the paint if you would like to recycle the PCB. The paint strippers can be divided into organic one and alkaline one. The organic paint stripper is highly toxic and harmful to human body and environment. It can be dissolved by heating with sodium hydroxide and corrosion inhibitor.
 2. Crushing
After the paint on the PCB was removed, it will be crushed by the methods of impact crushing, extrusion crushing and shear crushing. Ultra-low temperature freezing crushing technology is commonly used, which can cool the tough materials and make them fragile and crush, so that metal and non-metal can be separated completely.
3. Sorting
The material after crushing need to be sorted according to the characteristics of its components such as density, particle size, conductivity and so on. The methods of sorting usually can be divided into dry and wet methods. The dry sorting includes dry screening, magnetic sorting, Â density sorting, etc.. Wet sorting includes hydrocyclone classification, flotation, hydraulic shaker, etc. In this way, the separated substances can be reused.
Best Technology is the premier expert in PCB manufacture of electronics, brings a unique combination of technology and quality that offers a competitive supply of printed circuit board and PCBA. With high qualified engineers, we are able to help you find a PCB with high quality. To find out more, contact Best Technology at 0755-29091601 or check the website: https://www.bestpcbs.com/
The fingerprint is one of the major disasters of PCB and it will also cause the poor products of PCB as well as deterioration of terminal user reliability. However, the manual operation will go through every step of printed circuit board manufacturing. Only every operator forms a good habit and stop touch the PCB with bare-hands, so that can reduce the fingerprint doing the harms to PCBs. As the professional PCB vendor, BEST would like to let you know more details of the harms and provide some solutions for you.
Do not Touch the PCB with bare hands
The Harms of Fingerprint on PCB
A. If the bare-hands touch the printed circuit board directly, it will result in oxidization of copper. After plating, the fingerprint will appear obviously. The outline of the board will be seriously poor if the plating layer is not flat.
B. Toughing the printed circuit board with bare hands before solder mask, it will decrease the adhesion of the green oil and the green oil will peel off because there are bubbles during HAL (Hot Air Leveling).
C. Touching the PCB after solder mask until package with bare hands will cause unclean surface of boards and poor soldering.
D. There is fingerprint with grease when print wet film or silk screen, it is easy to cause the adhesion of the dry or wet film to decrease, causing the separation of cementation and plating layer during plating. Solutions
A.It is required to develop a good habit about fetching and putting the PCB.
B.It must wear gloves when touch the printed circuit board.
C.Setting an example and keeping the rule of in mind–do not touch the board with bare hands.
Best Technology is the premier expert in PCB manufacture of electronics, brings a unique combination of technology and quality that offers a competitive supply of printed circuit board and PCBA. With high qualified engineers, we are able to help you find a PCB with high quality. To find out more, contact Best Technology at 0755-29091601 or check the website: https://www.bestpcbs.com/
