PCBA Glossary A–Z
All important technical terms of PCB assembly explained clearly.
48 Technical Terms
Basics & Processes
(10)Mixed Technology Assembly
What is Mixed Technology Assembly? Learn how SMT and THT are combined on a single board and which soldering methods are used.
Pick & Place – Automatic SMD Assembly
What is Pick & Place? Machine types, speed, feeder systems, accuracy and how automatic SMD component placement works.
PCB – Printed Circuit Board
What is a PCB? Learn about Printed Circuit Boards: construction, materials, layer stackup and the role of PCBs in electronics manufacturing.
PCBA – Printed Circuit Board Assembly
What is PCBA? Learn about Printed Circuit Board Assembly: process steps, technologies, quality requirements and the difference between PCB and PCBA.
Reflow Soldering
What is reflow soldering? The temperature profile explained, leaded vs. lead-free, common defects and why reflow is the standard SMD soldering method.
Stencil Printing
What is stencil printing? Learn about solder paste stencil printing: how it works, stencil types, quality parameters and its importance in the SMT process.
Selective Soldering
What is selective soldering? Learn how selective soldering works, when it is used and its advantages over wave soldering.
SMT – Surface Mount Technology
What is SMT? Learn about Surface Mount Technology: advantages, process flow, difference from THT and why SMT is the dominant assembly technology.
THT – Through Hole Technology
What is THT (Through Hole Technology)? Through-hole components, soldering methods (wave, selective, manual) and when to use THT instead of SMD.
Wave Soldering
What is wave soldering? Learn about wave soldering: how it works, applications for THT components and differences from selective soldering.
Quality & Testing
(8)IPC-A-610 (Acceptance Criteria)
What is IPC-A-610? The globally recognized standard for acceptance criteria of electronic assemblies: classes, requirements and significance.
AOI – Automated Optical Inspection
What is AOI (Automated Optical Inspection)? How it works, detectable defects, AOI vs. X-ray vs. ICT comparison, and its importance for quality.
Flying Probe Test
What is the Flying Probe Test? Learn how it works, advantages over ICT and when it is used.
Functional Test (FCT)
What is a functional test? Learn how functional testing works for PCBAs and why it is the most important final inspection for electronic assemblies.
ICT – In-Circuit Test
What is ICT? Learn about In-Circuit Testing: how it works, test coverage, fixtures and when ICT is the right choice.
X-Ray Inspection
What is X-ray inspection? Learn how X-ray inspection reveals hidden solder joints beneath BGAs and QFNs.
SPI – Solder Paste Inspection
What is SPI? Learn how Solder Paste Inspection works and why it is essential in the SMT process.
IPC J-STD-001 (Soldering Requirements)
What is IPC J-STD-001? The standard for soldering requirements: process specifications, materials, training and certification.
Components & Materials
(6)BGA – Ball Grid Array
What is a BGA? Learn about Ball Grid Array: construction, soldering process, X-ray inspection and common challenges.
Fine Pitch
What is fine pitch? Learn about the challenges of fine-pitch component assembly and the technologies required.
Flux
What is flux? Learn about flux: its function in the soldering process, flux types and cleaning requirements.
Solder Paste
What is solder paste? Learn about solder paste: composition, alloys, storage and processing in the SMT soldering process.
QFN – Quad Flat No-Lead
What is QFN? Learn about Quad Flat No-Lead packages: construction, advantages, soldering and inspection.
SMD – Surface Mount Device
What is SMD (Surface Mount Device)? Everything about surface-mounted components: package types, advantages, SMD vs. THT and the manufacturing process.
Design & Engineering
(7)BOM – Bill of Materials
What is a BOM (Bill of Materials)? Required fields, common mistakes, format tips and how to create the perfect parts list for your PCBA request.
Centroid Data (Pick-and-Place File)
What are centroid data? What a pick-and-place file contains and why it is essential for automated component placement.
DFM – Design for Manufacturing
What is DFM? Learn how Design for Manufacturing improves quality, reduces costs and prevents common design errors.
DFT – Design for Testability
What is DFT? How Design for Testability improves test coverage and what design rules matter.
Fiducial Marks
What are fiducial marks? Why fiducial marks are essential for automated placement and how to position them correctly.
Gerber Files
What are Gerber files? Learn about the Gerber format: contents, file types and why it is the standard for PCB manufacturing.
Panelization
What is panelization? Why PCBs are manufactured in panels, which depaneling methods exist and what to consider in panel design.
Surfaces & Finishes
(4)Conformal Coating
What is conformal coating? Learn about protective coatings for PCBAs: materials, application methods and environmental protection.
ENIG – Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold
What is ENIG? Learn about ENIG surface finish: layer structure, advantages for fine-pitch and BGA, costs and potential issues.
HASL – Hot Air Solder Leveling
What is HASL? Learn about Hot Air Solder Leveling: process, advantages, limitations and alternatives like ENIG and OSP.
OSP – Organic Solderability Preservative
What is OSP? Learn about Organic Solderability Preservative: function, advantages, limitations and comparison with HASL and ENIG.
Standards & Certifications
(4)ISO 13485 (Medical Devices)
What is ISO 13485? The quality management standard for medical device manufacturing and its significance for PCBA production.
ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
What is ISO 9001? The foundation for quality management systems in electronics manufacturing.
RoHS / REACH
What are RoHS and REACH? European substance restrictions in electronics manufacturing and their impact on PCBA production.
ESD Protection (Electrostatic Discharge)
What is ESD? Why ESD protection is essential in electronics manufacturing and what measures are required.
Supply Chain & Manufacturing
(6)EMS – Electronics Manufacturing Services
What is EMS? Learn about Electronics Manufacturing Services: scope of services, benefits and what to look for in an EMS partner.
NPI – New Product Introduction
What is NPI? Learn how the new product introduction process works with an EMS partner.
Obsolescence Management
What is obsolescence management? How to detect component discontinuations early and prevent production disruptions.
Prototype Manufacturing
Prototype manufacturing for PCBA: fast first samples, DFM feedback and seamless transition to series production with your EMS partner.
Traceability
What is traceability? Why tracking is important in PCBA manufacturing, especially for medical devices and safety-critical applications.
Turnkey Assembly
What is turnkey assembly? Benefits of complete electronics manufacturing and difference from consignment assembly.
Special Applications
(3)Flex-PCB (Flexible Circuit Board)
What is a Flex-PCB? Learn about flexible circuit boards and rigid-flex combinations: materials, advantages and applications.
HDI – High Density Interconnect
What is HDI? Learn about High Density Interconnect PCBs: microvias, layer stackup, advantages and applications.
Medical Device PCBA
PCBA manufacturing for medical devices: learn about the special requirements for quality, traceability and certifications.