Are pcb assemblers suitable for high-frequency applications?

pcb assemblers suitable

The ability to assemble circuit boards with speed and precision allows companies to deliver cost-efficient mass production of electronic products. It also enables a high level of maintenance efficiency, making it easy to identify faulty components and repair or replace them.

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are an integral part of many electronic devices. As technology evolves, the need for PCBs continues to grow. As a result, pcb assemblers need to be able to handle a wide range of different products with different requirements, from standard and simple to complex and sophisticated. To meet this requirement, a pcb assembler must have the right equipment, including a wide variety of pick and place machines. This is especially important for high-frequency applications, as they can require specialized materials and processes to maintain high-quality signal transmission and avoid crosstalk between circuit traces.

For example, a pcb assemblers should be capable of handling both surface mount and through-hole technology, as well as different materials such as FR-4, Rogers, Teflon, and polyimide. Moreover, it should be able to provide a fast turnkey assembly service for a diverse array of industries such as aerospace, medical, automotive, consumer electronics and new energy pcb.

Are pcb assemblers suitable for high-frequency applications?

High-frequency pcb assembly typically uses through-hole components with plated leads, which are inserted into holes on the circuit board. These components include larger power transistors and transformers. The plated through-hole technology is ideal for digital and analog components that must be connected to other elements, such as ICs and sensors. However, plated through-hole components require more space on the PCB and can be costly.

When assembling a PCB with through-hole components, the assembler should use a designated design transport frame to track the construction process. The assembler should also ensure that the parts are correctly placed, even if they don’t need to be soldered immediately. Finally, the assembler should use wave soldering to heat the bare board in temperatures up to 500°F and fix the components in place.

With a high-speed programmable auto-inserting machine, a pcb assembler can build 20-30,000 components in an hour. This process starts with the application of a thin layer of solder paste to the bare board, followed by the insertion of the components. The programmable machine will then cut the extra leads, clinch them inward, and deposit glue or solder paste to hold the component in place. The programmable auto-inserting machines can be used to make both through-hole and surface-mount assemblies.

For a more precise placement of surface-mount components, a pcb assembler uses a pick and place machine. The programmable pick and place machine can handle SMCs in cassettes, reels, tubes, or trays. The assembler will program the machine to pick a specific SMC, then place it at a pre-marked spot on the board. The machine will then deposit either glue or solder paste to attach the SMC to the circuit board. Once all the components are in place, the assembler will pass the PCB over a wave soldering machine to finish the job.