In that sense, the continuous need for technological advancements and implementation will inevitably call for the advancement of PCBs. In this post, we’ll cover three of the most likely future trends of the circuit board.

What does the future hold for the circuit board?

3D printed electronics

3D printing technology is one of the most interesting and innovative technological advancements in recent years. From 3D printed tools to complex digital designs, 3D printing technology is traversing almost every industry, and PCB manufacturing is no different.

The technology is already being used in PCB manufacturing and is predicted to revolutionize how future electrical systems are designed. The technology allows PCB manufacturers to print a substrate item layer by layer, then add liquid ink on the parts that contain electrical functionalities. Future advancements in this mode of PCB manufacture will pave the way for the innovation of circuits that can take any shape imaginable.

Flexible PCBs

Between flexible displays, wearable electronics and medical applications, the electronics industry is pushing increasingly toward flexible PCBs. Flexible PCBs can handle more stress than their rigid counterparts. They can even be folded into awkward 3D spaces. This makes them very useful in applications where bending is a common occurrence.

Biodegradable PCBs

Electronic waste is one of the biggest environmental concerns in the modern era. Considering the number of electronics a person goes through in a decade, coupled with the industry’s trend for short-lived electronics, we’ll need a drastic solution to minimize electronic waste.

Some scientists are proposing that we attack the pollution problem by changing the PCBs themselves. This would mean switching from traditional PCB manufacturing materials to more environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials. There is also talk about switching up the harmful etching chemicals used in today’s assembly process with more environment-friendly alternatives.

The bottom line

PCBs have come a long way since they were invented. What was once a big rigid blocks is now the slim, compact designs we know today. As the future unfolds, we’ll see further advancements in PCB technology. Are you ready to embrace the future? Call us today for all your PCB needs.

2-Layer PCBs

Compared to 4-layer PCBs, 2-layer PCBs are much easier to work with due to their simple design. While not as simple as 1-layer PCBs, they’re as straightforward as you can get without sacrificing the functionality of double-sided inputs. The reduced complexity leads to an equally reduced price tag, but this means there are fewer possibilities than with the 4-layer PCB. As a pro, though, there is no propagation delay with the signal.

4-Layer PCBs

4-layer PCBs have much greater surface area than a 2-layer PCB, increasing the possibilities. As a result, they can be great for more complex devices. Because of their complexity, the production cost will be higher and development will be a bit slower. They are also more likely to have propagation delays, so be sure to factor in extra production time to any project timeline.

What are the Layers Used For?

The most important layer in a PCB is the copper signal layer, which is what the PCBs are named after. While 2-layer PCBs have two signal layers, 4-layer PCBs have – you guessed it – four. These signal layers are used to connect to other electronic components in the device. In between those layers is the insulation layer or core, which is added in between the signal layers to give it structure. In 4-layer PCBs, here’s also the solder mask layer, which is applied on top of the signal layers. This prevents the copper traces from interfering with other metal components on the PCB. They also have a silkscreen layer which is used to add numbers to the different components, making them easier to understand.

If you’re looking for PCB solutions, look no further than Advanced Circuits. We offer PCB assembly, barebones PCBs, free PCB design software, and so much more. Our 24-hour tech support team would love to help you– contact us today.

PCB Prototyping

PCB prototypes are the first samples of products that are built with the primary aim of testing the functionality of the design ideas.  Designers and engineers use different types of PCB prototypes to test various aspects of a selected design.

Advantages of PCB Prototyping

PCB prototypes help speed up the process of developing a PCB design through visual assistance, complete testing, and minimizing the amount of rework required. Prototyping gets rid of guesswork by allowing engineers to quickly and accurately identify problems.

Disadvantages of PCB Prototyping

While there are not many cons regarding PCB prototyping, it is fully dependent on how you choose to prototype the board design. Most challenges arise when using a breadboard. The breadboards often have limitations compared to using software to prototype. They are not a good option for those working on a design that requires a high voltage, or one that is very complicated. It becomes difficult to map what you are doing, which could lead to challenges along the road.

Full Spec Production

Once the engineering and design team are satisfied that the basic prototypes are working to their expectations, they can opt to make enhancements to the design to increase efficiency. Full spec production means that the team is making the actual board that will be used in your applications.

Advantages of Full-Spec Production

If there is already an existing design in place to work from and you have determined that it is okay for use, numerous preliminary tests are not needed. Instead, you can go ahead and use high-end materials to make the boards. This gives you numerous options to select from. You may also incorporate advanced features.

Disadvantages of Full Spec Production

The main demerit is that the process takes a bit longer. This is because the production team is tasked to work with more volume than when doing a small patch assembly job. Secondly, you may end up spending more money to eliminate potential errors.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the key differences between PCB prototyping and full spec production allows you to determine the process that will be the best fit for you at a particular time. At Advanced Circuits, we offer both PCB prototyping and full-spec production. To learn more about our services and products, contact us today.

Start with a Schematic

A schematic uses symbols to designate the components and shows the components used and how they connect in the circuit and is needed to design the PCB.

PCB Design

The PCB designer uses the schematic and specifications of the components to design the PCB manually or with a computer-aided design (CAD) program like the one offered free through Advanced Circuits.

TIP: To make your PCB look professional:

• Place the components on a 0.10 grid, horizontally (x-axis) or vertically (y-axis), not on angles.
• Place the components with polarity (anodes) facing the same direction in both axes.

The same with resistor stripes.

Inserting the Components on the PCB

The components are inserted manually or by a machine called an automatic insertion machine. This procedure is called PCB electromechanical assembly.

The component wire leads are soldered in place by hand or a wave solder. Some companies bend the wire leads on the solder side of the PCB to hold the components in place before soldering.

Before the Production Run

The making of a prototyping board before the production run is not only a common but wise procedure. By doing so, any errors in the circuitry or printed circuit board design are more likely to be detected.

TIP: Prototype PCBs often lack a solder mask. Make sure the traces are wide enough to handle the amperage with a solder mask.

Advanced Circuits Can Solve Your PCB Needs

If you are looking for a one-stop shop for your PCB needs, Advanced Circuits is your PCB solution. From the design of your PCB to making your boards to assembly.

Some of the services provided are:

• PCB Design Layout software
• Free PCB file checks
• Barebones PCBs
• PCB full spec prototyping
• PCB full spec production
• PCB assembly
• PCB stencils
• 0-10 layers PCB (standard)
• 0-40 layers PCB (custom)
• No minimum order
• DOD contracts ready
• Space & flight approved PCB supplier

Advanced Circuits is your market industry expert, whether you are a student, hobbyist, or a manufacturer of defense, aerospace, or medical equipment.

Contact us today for more information or to have a live chat with an expert.

Turnkey PCB Assembly

Choosing turnkey printed circuit board assembly is a great solution for any business. With this option, our professionals will gather all necessary parts and components as well as assemble the PCB. This PCB assembly solution is cost-effective and helps save time as we will ensure we have everything we need for the proper build.

Kitted/Consigned PCB Assembly

For those who know exactly what they want in their PCB, but perhaps don’t have the time or equipment to assemble, kitted printed circuit board assembly is a perfect choice. You can purchase all of the components and parts you want and need, and our experts will use each when assembling the PCB. This can help you have better control of production costs and know what to expect with the completed printed circuit board.

Combo PCB Assembly

Perhaps you have a few components you know you want to use in your PCB, but still need some parts to complete your PCB electromechanical assembly – that’s where combo PCB assembly comes in. You supply us with the parts and components you have, and we’ll supply anything you still may need, and professionally assemble it all together. This option still allows you to have some control of the production costs, as well as control over your most important components combined with the ease and time-saving capabilities of the Advanced Circuits team completing the work.

To learn more about our available PCB assembly options, view our quote order process page, or contact us today.

Use the Right Software

One of the best things you can do to improve the quality of your PCB design is to use quality software for the creation. Of course, some might worry that software will be expensive or difficult to use. While this is certainly a potential problem with some pieces of software, it doesn’t have to be.

Advanced Circuits offers PCB Artist, a robust piece of software that can provide you with the guidance and tools you need for your PCB design regardless of how simple or complex it might be. It offers more than is found with most other pieces of software on the market that provide similar features. One of the best features of the software is the price. It is entirely free, so you will not have to worry about paying anything when you are getting started. Whether you are a hobbyist or working for a company, you will appreciate this benefit.

While the software will have a learning curve, like any piece of software, it tends to be easy to use. Those who have any experience with PCB design should not have a problem getting started with the intuitive software. When you use PCB Artist, you can create up to 28 layers on your PCB. It features Gerber format files, has design rule and check support, and a host of other helpful features.

The software does not take up too much computing power either. You will only need to have a Pentium processor that’s at least 1.8Ghz. You will also need 512MB of RAM and 1.26 GB of storage space on your hard drive. These small requirements should be achievable by just about any computer today. However, it does need to be a Windows computer because MAC and Linux are not supported currently.

The software can help to make the PCB design process faster and easier, but it’s important to realize that this is just a tool. You still need to understand the concepts of good design.

Streamline Your Circuit Design

One of the most important aspects of PCB design is keeping things functional, often through the simplicity of design. You don’t need to jam as many components as possible onto a single board. Instead, you want to be sure that you are creating a circuit that can perform the functions that you need without being too crowded. Think about what you need the circuit to do and design for that. Streamline the board, use good, basic design principles, and build from there.

Beware of trying to do too much on a single board. There is a chance for more to go wrong. There is also the worry that too many components could cause overheating if you don’t consider how it will be cooled.

The software can make circuit design easier and have a good representation of what it will look like and how it will work. You can often see issues that would come into play even before you prototype. Additionally, you can send the design for an engineering review. Advanced Circuits offers a free engineering review. This will give you a better idea of whether your PCB design will work or not.

Always Use a Prototype

Of course, the next step should be to prototype the board. Even if you have checked it virtually and the engineering review looks good, get a prototype. This will help to ensure that it is working properly in the real world. You can see how it fares in the case you have designed. You can see if there are overheating issues, if it doesn’t always trigger properly, etc. The testing will give you a better look at the board and the areas where you might need to make some changes.

In a perfect world, you will find that the prototype works without a problem. If that’s the case, you can move on with manufacturing. However, if there’s an issue, it is better to know now, so you can go back and fix it and then test again before unleashing your PCB design into the world.

Use Advanced Circuits for Your Manufacturing Needs

Advanced Circuits is one of the largest PCB manufacturers in the country. We have decades of experience and can provide you with everything you need from start to finish. Not only do we have the free PCB Artist software you can use for the PCB design and free engineering reviews before you go into manufacturing, but we also have quality manufacturing facilities. We can be the “one-stop-shop” for all of your PCB needs.

As the third-largest manufacturer of PCBs in the United States, we provide a fast turnaround time, so you can get your boards quickly once you place your order. You will be happy to know that there is no minimum order either. This will make it easier for you to get those prototypes you’ll want to use for testing.

Advanced Circuits is not a broker. All of the work is done in-house at our facilities. This includes the manufacturing and assembly of your PCBs. We have a fantastic shipping record, we’ve been around for years (so you can be sure we aren’t going to disappear overnight), and we strive to make the entire process as easy as possible for you. Contact us to learn more and to get a quote. We are looking forward to helping you with all of your PCB design needs.

The PCBs today are more complex than they were in the past, so designers need to be sure that the design is just right before moving on to full manufacturing. If you are responsible for creating the circuit boards for the next electronic gadget, you want them to work perfectly. You can’t leave anything to chance. That is why you need to prototype them first.

Prototyping Your Circuit Board Offers Many Benefits

The prototype is the step that comes after the design. Even if you have spent a lot of time and effort working with the PCB Artist software to create what you believe to be the ideal circuit board, there could still be some issues. You might not see them, and they might even slip through a review. The only way you will know if there are problems is to check the board in the real world.

Doing this will allow you to see how it works in practice when it is in one of your devices. Whether this is for a small, personal project or it is a large project for a commercial device, prototyping is needed.

Let’s look at one of the reasons why you’ll need to be sure that you have a prototype of your circuit boards. Let’s say you have a board that you have tested virtually, and it works without a problem. However, there are a lot of components and you haven’t thought about how small and tight the housing is for your device. There is a chance that the board could get too hot and start to overheat. This is not something that you want to discover after you’ve shipped thousands of the product to your customers.

The prototyping will provide your circuit boards with the testing that is needed. It is not a step you will want to skip, or you could come to regret that decision.

One of the reasons some people do not prototype and test their board after it’s been reviewed and undergone virtual testing is time. They worry that getting a prototype and testing it in the real-world will end up wasting a lot of time. When you order through Advanced Circuits, you can receive your prototype circuit boards quickly. However, even if you didn’t, it would still be in your best interest to test a prototype because it can still help you save time and money down the road.

If you don’t prototype and you send out a board that doesn’t work properly, it’s going to come back to haunt you. It would mean you might have to replace the boards that are in circulation and that you need to rework the board before you can manufacture and ship more. This would take up a lot of time and effort. It would also mean that your customers may not instill as much trust in you as they did in the past.

Prototyping and testing ensure you aren’t surprised by anything that happens with your circuit boards. While there could still be problems depending on how the end consumer uses those boards, you can be sure that they are designed correctly before they are “out in the wild,” so to speak.

You will find that it becomes easier to ensure a great circuit board design when you work with us at Advanced Circuits. We provide the PCB Artist software for creating the design and we can provide an engineering review. This helps to reduce the risk of having circuit boards that do not work properly. However, it doesn’t mean that you wouldn’t still benefit from ordering a prototype first.

Don’t Become Complacent

Ideally, when you receive your prototype, you will find that it works flawlessly. It means that you’ve done a great job with the design and now that you’ve put it through its paces, you are ready to put it into full production. You might create several subsequent designs in a row that have perfect prototypes, too. This is great news, but it doesn’t mean that you can forego prototypes on your future designs.

Each design is its own challenge, and this means that you need to prototype them all, no matter how much experience you have. It is the best and only way to ensure that everything is working properly. Even a relatively “small” problem could hurt the reputation of your company.

What If There There is a Problem?

When you test the circuit boards, you might find that there is a problem. If there are issues, you will want to rethink the design. Figure out where the problem stems from and what you might be able to do to rework your design to get it to work properly. Remake it in the software and get another prototype to ensure that the problem is fixed. It can take some time to get everything right, but it is worth putting in the extra effort. It will ensure a better end product.

Do not make the mistake of skipping the prototyping phase. When you work with Advanced Circuits, we can provide you with a board quickly, so you can test it before going into production We have a lot of experience in this field and are one of the largest PCB companies in the United States. We know and understand what it takes to create excellent boards that can work in even the most trying conditions. In addition to software and a review, we utilize quality materials. You will love our prices and our quick turnaround time. You can get in touch with us today to learn more.

Use Software to Design the Circuit Boards

Modern software has helped to make it easier to design printed circuit boards. It has cut down on the amount of time it takes, not to mention the number of errors that would need to be fixed. Software, such as Advanced Circuits’ PCB Artist, will make it nice and easy to create just the board you need. The software will let you create your circuit boards virtually. You can add and remove components as needed and test them in the software to get a better sense of how they would work.

This is a nice benefit for designers. It allows for the creation of a range of interesting and new designs far faster than it would be with a breadboard. It’s possible to find problems and errors in the board even before it goes into prototyping. It becomes possible to save time and money, which is helpful for anyone whether working as a hobbyist or creating circuit boards for the latest and greatest electronic gadget.

If you want to have the best possible design for your circuit board, our PCB Artist software is an ideal solution. Even better, you will not have to pay anything for the software. It is available at no cost to those who need to use it. You can use it to create the files for your circuit boards, and then have them sent to us to be manufactured. We even provide a review of the files to ensure they are ready to be made. This cuts down on potential errors even further.

The software we offer is intuitive and easy to use. If you have any experience putting together circuits, even minimal experience, you should not have any trouble with it.

Always Use Good Design Protocols

One of the issues that some designers come to find when they are creating circuit boards is crowding. Boards today have the potential to do quite a bit. However, there is often the temptation — especially with new designers — to put too many components onto the PCB. While it might seem like a good idea to make the best use of space, too many components could be a problem. Typically, these problems will arise during the testing phase. Therefore, you will want to be sure that you do plenty of testing.

A better option is to think simpler. Consider what the circuit board needs to do and make sure it can do that with as few components as possible. It might mean needing an additional board or even redesigning the device. Still, finding the cleanest design possible tends to be the best option. It can reduce problems later.

Also, consider how the components are mounted on the board, along with your trace angles. It’s a good practice to use 45-degree trace angles. This can help to reduce the amount of overcrowding that you might have otherwise.

One of the main problems that can come from overcrowding a board is overheating. If there are too many components on the board trying to do too much, there is a good chance it will overheat. Even with the fans that might be in the device already, there is still a chance that it could overheat. It’s best to use the right design principles and protocols in the first place rather than trying to add more fans to keep things cool with your circuit boards.

Check Your Prototype

Once you believe that you have a great design, you will want to order a prototype. You should test this prototype (or several of them) in real-world situations with your device. See how they work in practice, not just in theory. This will give you a chance to see if there are any issues that weren’t discovered during design. It’s better to realize that you have a problem with overheating on your prototype before you order 5,000 units from the manufacturer.

If you notice there are issues, it’s time to head back to the drawing board and make some changes. However, don’t jump the gun and think that those changes were all you needed. It’s best to err on the side of caution and to continue with another prototype round. Test it again and put it through all of its paces to ensure it will work properly no matter what you put it through.

Choose a Quality Manufacturer

Ideally, you will have chosen a great company to make your prototypes that can also manufacture all of the circuit boards you need. This will be a better solution than trying to find two different companies. Fortunately, Advanced Circuits can provide you with what you need. You will be able to use the free software and take advantage of the engineering review. You can order some prototypes to see how it all works, and then you can place your main order.

You will be happy to know that we have some of the best and fastest service in this field. You can often get your orders within days of placing them. We strive to make it as easy as possible for you to get high-quality circuit boards quickly and easily, and at prices that you can afford. We work hard to ensure that you get the best possible service no matter the size of your order. To stress this, we don’t have an order minimum. Order as many or as few as you need. Get in touch to learn more.

Why PCB Design Matters

Why is PCB design such an important consideration? Simply put, it affects all aspects of the electronic device. If the board is designed with the wrong materials, if the traces are not correctly routed, if the vias are not properly designed – the board will either not work, or will not work as expected. That could lead to problems as basic as a lack of functionality, or as dangerous as overheating.

The key to PCB design is software. However, the market has grown immensely in the last few years. How do you choose the right PCB design software for your needs? We’d like to offer a helping hand here by outlining the things to look for in PCB design software.

Ease of Use

The first consideration has nothing to do with feature sets, automation, or component libraries. Instead, we’re going to focus on how easy the software is to use. Of course, ease of use is a deep topic and touches on everything from the intuitiveness of the user interface to the ease of accessing tools and features. It is also one of the most difficult qualities to quantify.

We’ll limit our discussion here to a simple formula: the number of clicks, keystrokes, and mousing required to achieve a goal. The more clicks, keystrokes, or mouse movement necessary to complete a step, the less easy to use the software is. The fewer clicks, keystrokes, and mouse movements necessary, the easier the software is to use.

Why does this matter? Simply put, if you have to click, hit multiple keys, and then move the mouse several times to accomplish a common action, it will require a significant investment of time and effort. Instead, look for PCB design software that helps streamline common actions to save you time and hassle.

Learning Curve

This is tied directly to ease of use but also touches on other aspects, such as design language (not coding, but the way the software is designed with users in mind), and more. Shorter learning curves mean you can get started using the software sooner. Steeper learning curves mean increased time learning how to do things within the program. Shorter learning curves are always preferable, as this ensures you’re able to hit the ground running. However, make sure that you’re not sacrificing features for a shorter learning curve.

Feature Set

The feature set offered is a critical consideration with any PCB software. While features and capabilities vary dramatically from one software option to the next, there are some commonly needed features to look for, as well as nice-to-have options that make one option stand out from the others.

• Component Library – A robust component library helps reduce design time by allowing you to drag and drop commonly used components from the library onto your board design. However, to get the most value from this feature, you must know the components your board will need and then verify that they’re included in the library.

• Layers – How many layers can the software handle? While simple PCB designs might call for just a few layers, complex boards that support multi-functionality will require many layers. Today, most PCB software can handle multiple layers, but it is important to verify that the option you are considering matches your design complexity.

• Simulation – Any PCB software worth considering should provide you with a simulation function. Essentially, once you finish designing the board, this feature allows you to test operation and model usage scenarios. It is important for identifying potential flaws in traces and vias, components set too close together, verifying heat resistance during operation, and so much more. Without an ability to accurately simulate real-world use, you’re relying on guesswork.

• 3D Modeling – Three-dimensional modeling capabilities are vital to creating an optimized PCB. This feature allows you to get a bird’s-eye view, but also to zoom in on the smallest features of your board. From component placement to lamination, layering to design changes, 3D modeling offers powerful capabilities that every board designer needs, whether you’re creating a single prototype or gearing up for a full production run.

The Cost Factor

Finally, let’s touch on cost. Robust PCB design software can be costly. Those costs can rise even more when you factor in add-ons, such as multiple user licenses, or limits set on the number of signal layers or pins. However, many engineers assume that PCB software must come with a high price tag to be worthwhile. The truth is that cost is not always an indicator of quality or capabilities. In fact, free PCB design software can be both high-quality and highly capable.

Free PBC Artist Software

At Advanced Circuits, we’ve led the PCB industry for decades and understand the complexity of finding the right PCB design software. In addition to our groundbreaking production capabilities, we also offer access to PCB Artist at no cost. It supports native Eagle import, multi-page schematics, controlled auto-router, up to 28 layers, and comes with a library of over 500,000 parts. All that, plus it’s unrestricted and requires no licensing fees.

Contact us today to learn more about our free PCB design software or our capabilities when it comes to board manufacturing and assembly.

The PCB assembly process is critical to get right the first time. A single misstep here could result in malfunctions, lack of functionality, or even the threat of accidents. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most important PCB assembly process steps and what you should know.

It’s Not Board Manufacturing

First and foremost, understand that the PCB assembly process takes place during a specific time in the development of an electronic device. It’s not about manufacturing – that happens first. For instance, at Advanced Circuits, we’ll manufacture the board itself, including all the required layers, creating the traces, and all the other important steps, and then work on PCB assembly.

In short, PCB assembly is the process of bringing everything together into one place and creating something functional out of multiple components. It’s taking that newly manufactured board, adding components and resistors, and then making sure it does what it is intended to do.

Understand the PCB Assembly Technologies

Assembling a printed circuit board requires more than just the raw components and a well-designed board. It also requires the right technology. In this case, there are several options to choose from, and each brings something different to the table. For instance, there’s surface mount technology (SMT), as well as manual soldering, and the use of pick and place machines.

While some PCB assembly processes will require just one technology, others will require a combination of two or more technologies. For example, many boards require the combination of through-hole technology (THT) and surface mount technology. Understanding when, where, and how to integrate those technologies is a critical consideration when choosing a company to handle your project or production.

It’s also important to understand that the PCB assembly steps involved with the various technologies differ, as well. Below, we’ve outlined some basic steps involved, as well as how they differ from technology to technology.

The PCB Assembly Process: An Overview

• Solder Paste: If you’re following a traditional PCB assembly process, the first step is the application of solder paste. Note that this is not the case with THT, but SMT does require paste application and/or printing.

• Component Placement: In the traditional PCB assembly process, the next step is to place the components on the board. This can be done manually, or it can be done with the assistance of machinery (pick and place systems). In THT assembly, components are placed by hand, which requires incredible precision. In the SMT process, robotic systems place components on the board. Note that automated placement is far faster than manual placement and is just as precise.

• Reflow: In the traditional PCB assembly process, the next step is reflow, which is when the solder is first melted and then resolidified. The board and all its components move through an oven, which heats the solder, liquifying it and ensuring that connections are formed before the board moves into a cooler, where the solder is cooled.

Note that the THT process does not require reflowing solder. Instead, the second step here is to inspect the board and rectify component placement. This is due to the manual placement process – a visual inspection in conjunction with a design transport frame helps ensure placement accuracy.

In the SMT process, reflow soldering takes place at this time, as well. The board is sent through a furnace, which melts the solder paste, allowing it to flow as necessary, before the board passes through a series of coolers that gradually bring the temperature down, solidifying the solder on the board and cementing the components in place.

• Inspection: The next step in the traditional PCB assembly process is a visual inspection of the board, soldering, and components. Note that this step has already occurred in the THT and SMT processes.

• Through-Hole Part Insertion: The traditional process requires that through-hole insertion be done manually, after the reflow and inspection process. Soldering is also often done manually, but it may be done using wave soldering.

Wave soldering occurs during the THT process at this point, as well. The entire board moves over liquid solder and then moves through coolers to solidify the solder.

Note that there is no correlating step in the SMT process (it is actually already finished, and wrapped up after just three steps, although a visual inspection should still be conducted to ensure accuracy and to reduce the potential for errors).

• Final Inspection and Cleaning: The final step in the traditional PCB assembly process is a final inspection of the board, the solder points, and the components, and a cleaning to ensure that debris or excess solder is removed.

The Right PCB Assembly Process for You

While the SMT assembly process is faster and often more accurate than either the traditional PCB assembly process or the THT process, it is not always the best option. For instance, if you only need a single prototype board assembled, the THT method might be the better choice. Each situation varies and there is no single solution that will always work for every need.

At Advanced Circuits, we understand that needs, budgets, and goals vary. We pride ourselves on offering exactly the solutions each client needs. Whether you’re producing a single prototype for proof of concept needs or you’re ready to move into full production with thousands of units being produced, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or to learn more about our services and capabilities.