Before you can create a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) you must understand the relationship between the idea of what needs to be printed and the schematic before you can assemble the final product. Schematics are drawings that define the idea behind the PCB. Although PCB fabrication is a step-by-step process, it is also an iterative, creative process full of interrelationships that begin with the development of an idea in its schematic form and ends with the testing and assembly of the final product.
The PCB Fabrication Interrelationships
There are many steps in the processing and manufacturing of a printed circuit board. These steps must follow this order:
Each step depends on the step prior to it. This relationship between taking the idea of what is on the schematic, creating the PCB, and testing it before soldering and assembling it is what is called the fabrication process.
The Process of Development to Testing
Unless the PCB design is very simple, the process of developing the PCB is an iterative one. Iteration means a change in order to improve the PCB so that it can be tested and assembled in the allotted amount of time for the project. This development process consists of 3 stages: design, manufacturing, and testing.
Once the schematic design is approved, the PCB is manufactured. The 2-step manufacturing process begins with fabricating the PCB and ends with the printed circuit board assembly. Before any parts can be soldered onto the PCB, the board's design must be tested for functionality.
Operational Testing to Soldering and Assembly
Every PCB must be tested to make sure that it is operationally functional before the solder-assembly process begins. If testing is neglected, then the PCB may have errors in its design that could create performance issues when used. If there are design errors, this is where the iterative process creates a redevelopment cycle until the design is correct and the PCB is operationally functional.
At this point, the board is still bare as parts have yet to be soldered to it. Once the parts are soldered to the board, then you can consider the fabrication and assembly process complete.
The PCB fabrication process may seem purely mechanical in that no step can continue until one step is completed. It is in the iterative process that PCB fabrication is both developmental and creative. Each step works separately; and yet iteratively, in order to process and manufacture the exact PCB solution to create the best product possible for the project and the client.
To learn more about PCB fabrication and processes, contact a company such as Advanced Circuits.
Share10 June 2022
I have always been one of those people who is concerned about things like safety, which is probably one of the reasons I started going through and carefully evaluating manufacturing processes. Although I don't work in the field, I realized that it would be fun to learn about how things are made, so I started focusing on different techniques. I was able to find a ton of really great information about manufacturing, and it has really helped me to understand the detailed processes involved with manufacturing. This blog is here to encourage people to learn as much as they can about manufacturing. Check it out!