PCBA Frequently Asked Questions
Every PCBA question, organized by topic. Pick a category below to open its full guide — definitions, processes, testing, cost and choosing a manufacturer.
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PCB & PCBA Basics 15 questionsThe basic terms — PCB, PCBA, EMS, OEM, ODM and the assembly models.
- What is a PCB?
- What is a PCBA?
- What is the difference between a PCB and a PCBA?
- …12 more
- What is SMT assembly? What components can be assembled with SMT?
- What are the steps in PCB assembly? How does SMT assembly work step by step?
- What happens during solder paste printing?
- …8 more
- What is THT assembly? When should it be used?
- What is the difference between SMT and THT? Which is better?
- What is THT insertion?
- …3 more
- What is the difference between rework and repair?
- What are the most common PCB assembly defects?
- What is tombstoning?
- …18 more
- What happens during NPI? What are the typical stages?
- What is production validation?
- What is an ECN/ECO?
- …5 more
- How do you move from prototype to mass production? (smooth transition)
- Can you scale production after NPI? Can the same manufacturer handle prototype and mass production?
- What determines PCB assembly cost? What factors affect the cost?
- Why is the unit cost of a prototype usually higher?
- What factors affect PCB assembly lead time? How do you shorten it?
- …7 more
- What documents are required for a PCB assembly quote?
- What are Gerber files?
- What are pick-and-place files?
- …3 more
- How do you test a PCBA? What testing methods are used for PCB assembly?
- What does AOI check? Can AOI find all problems?
- What does X-ray (AXI) check?
- …15 more
- Can you do high-voltage electric fireplace control?
- Do you support custom software?
- How is voice control implemented? Is it multilingual?
- …12 more
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