📋
PCBA Request Checklist
All documents for a quick quote from your EMS partner.
- ✓Gerber files (RS-274X or ODB++)
- ✓BOM with manufacturer part numbers
- ✓Pick & Place / Centroid file
- ✓Assembly drawing
- ✓Quantity and delivery date
Knowledge Portal for Electronics Manufacturing
Everything about
PCB Assembly
From SMD to THT, from prototype to series – the comprehensive reference for PCBA.
50+
Technical Terms
15+
Guides
100%
Expert Knowledge
// Glossary
PCBA Glossary A–Z
All important technical terms of PCB assembly explained clearly.
SMDSurface Mount Device
Surface-mounted components that are soldered directly onto the circuit board – without through-holes. SMD enables more compact designs and automated high-speed assembly.
Learn moreTHTThrough Hole Technology
Leaded components whose pins are inserted through holes in the circuit board and soldered on the underside. Mechanically more stable than SMD.
Learn moreAOIAutomated Optical Inspection
Camera-based quality control for automatic detection of assembly errors, soldering defects and polarity errors.
Learn moreBOMBill of Materials
The list of all components required for the assembly of a board. Contains manufacturer numbers, quantities and positions.
Learn moreRFLReflow Soldering
Standard soldering process for SMD components: solder paste is applied using a stencil, components are placed, then melted in a controlled manner in the reflow oven.
Learn moreP&PPick & Place
Fully automatic assembly machine that places SMD components on the circuit board with high speed and precision.
Learn more// The PCBA Process
How Your Assembly is Created
From solder paste to finished electronics – the SMD assembly process at a glance.
1
Solder Paste Application
Precise application via stencil
2
SPI Inspection
3D control of solder paste volume
3
Pick & Place
Automatic SMD assembly
4
Reflow Soldering
Controlled melting
5
3D-AOI Inspection
Automatic quality control
6
THT Assembly
Manual through-hole mounting
7
Box Build
Final assembly and integration
8
Test & Shipping
Function test and packaging
// Templates & Resources
Templates and Resources
Practical templates to download for your PCBA projects.
📝
BOM Template
Professional bill of materials template with all important fields.
- ✓Reference designator (R1, C5, U3...)
- ✓Manufacturer and MPN
- ✓Footprint / Package type
- ✓Quantity and alternatives
- ✓DNP marking
// FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most important questions about PCB assembly.
PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is the bare circuit board – just the board with traces and holes, without electronic components.
PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) is the assembled circuit board with all electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, ICs, connectors, etc. PCBA is the finished, functional product.
PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) is the assembled circuit board with all electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, ICs, connectors, etc. PCBA is the finished, functional product.
Costs depend on several factors:
• Quantity: Prototypes have higher unit costs than series
• Component count and complexity: More components = higher costs
• SMD vs. THT: Manual THT assembly is more expensive
• Test requirements: AOI, ICT, functional test
• Lead time: Express costs more
European manufacturing is more expensive than Asia but offers advantages: short lead times, direct communication, high quality. For a specific quote, we recommend contacting SMTEC AG.
• Quantity: Prototypes have higher unit costs than series
• Component count and complexity: More components = higher costs
• SMD vs. THT: Manual THT assembly is more expensive
• Test requirements: AOI, ICT, functional test
• Lead time: Express costs more
European manufacturing is more expensive than Asia but offers advantages: short lead times, direct communication, high quality. For a specific quote, we recommend contacting SMTEC AG.
Both technologies have their merits:
SMD (Surface Mount):
✓ More compact designs possible
✓ Faster, automated assembly
✓ More cost-effective at high volumes
✓ Double-sided assembly possible
THT (Through Hole):
✓ Mechanically more stable (connectors, relays)
✓ Easier to repair
✓ Better for high-current applications
✓ More robust with vibrations
Recommendation: Most modern designs combine SMD for standard components with THT for mechanically stressed components.
SMD (Surface Mount):
✓ More compact designs possible
✓ Faster, automated assembly
✓ More cost-effective at high volumes
✓ Double-sided assembly possible
THT (Through Hole):
✓ Mechanically more stable (connectors, relays)
✓ Easier to repair
✓ Better for high-current applications
✓ More robust with vibrations
Recommendation: Most modern designs combine SMD for standard components with THT for mechanically stressed components.
Europe (e.g., SMTEC AG):
✓ Short lead times (prototypes from 24h)
✓ Direct communication
✓ High, consistent quality
✓ Flexibility with changes
✓ Simple logistics
✓ IP protection and confidentiality
Asia:
✓ Lower unit costs for large series
✗ Long lead times (2-6 weeks)
✗ Communication barriers
✗ Quality variations possible
Recommendation: Prototypes and small/medium series in Europe. Large series possibly in Asia with local quality control.
✓ Short lead times (prototypes from 24h)
✓ Direct communication
✓ High, consistent quality
✓ Flexibility with changes
✓ Simple logistics
✓ IP protection and confidentiality
Asia:
✓ Lower unit costs for large series
✗ Long lead times (2-6 weeks)
✗ Communication barriers
✗ Quality variations possible
Recommendation: Prototypes and small/medium series in Europe. Large series possibly in Asia with local quality control.
Lead time depends on material availability:
At SMTEC AG:
• Express prototypes: from 24-48 hours (material available)
• Standard prototypes: 5-10 working days
• Series production: by arrangement
Asia:
• Typically 2-4 weeks production
• Plus 1-2 weeks shipping
Tip: Material procurement is often the bottleneck. Coordinate early with your EMS partner for critical components.
At SMTEC AG:
• Express prototypes: from 24-48 hours (material available)
• Standard prototypes: 5-10 working days
• Series production: by arrangement
Asia:
• Typically 2-4 weeks production
• Plus 1-2 weeks shipping
Tip: Material procurement is often the bottleneck. Coordinate early with your EMS partner for critical components.
EMS stands for Electronics Manufacturing Services.
An EMS provider like SMTEC AG offers comprehensive electronics manufacturing services:
• PCB assembly (SMD + THT)
• Material procurement and warehousing
• Prototype building and NPI (New Product Introduction)
• Series production
• Testing (AOI, ICT, functional test)
• Box-build / final assembly
• Logistics and fulfillment
EMS partners enable companies to develop and sell electronic products without building their own manufacturing capabilities.
An EMS provider like SMTEC AG offers comprehensive electronics manufacturing services:
• PCB assembly (SMD + THT)
• Material procurement and warehousing
• Prototype building and NPI (New Product Introduction)
• Series production
• Testing (AOI, ICT, functional test)
• Box-build / final assembly
• Logistics and fulfillment
EMS partners enable companies to develop and sell electronic products without building their own manufacturing capabilities.
// Guides
Expert Knowledge for Professionals
Practical articles on all aspects of PCB assembly.
Costs
How Much Does PCB Assembly Cost?
The most important price factors at a glance: from quantity to component complexity to test requirements.
8 min readPopular
Basics
PCBA vs. PCB – The Difference
Circuit board and assembled board: What's the difference and when do you need which?
5 min read
Location
Europe vs. Asia: Where to Have PCBs Assembled?
Quality, communication, IP protection: When does local production pay off?
10 min readRecommended
Practice
Creating the Perfect BOM
Tips for a bill of materials that EMS partners love: complete, unambiguous, with alternatives.
6 min read
Design
DFM: Design for Manufacturing
10 rules for manufacturing-friendly PCB design – avoid errors, save costs.
12 min read
Troubleshooting
Recognizing and Avoiding Common Soldering Defects
Solder bridges, tombstoning, cold joints – understand causes and prevent them.
7 min read
// Expert Tip
Ready for Your PCBA Project?
Benefit from over 30 years of experience in electronics manufacturing.
A project bySMTEC AG|Non-binding and competent
// Useful Resources
Useful Resources
Helpful websites for PCB assembly and electronics manufacturing.