Manufacturing Processes for Electronic Systems

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication is a crucial step in the production of electronic systems.
PCB Design involves layout of the components and planning the routing of electrical connections. Software such as CAD can aid in this process.
Etching is the process of using acidic solutions to remove excess copper from a PCB, leaving behind the desired conductive paths.
Drilling is carried out to create holes in the PCB for through-hole constructed components or mounting hardware.
Soldering is used to secure components to the PCB and to create a strong electrical connection.

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) involves the placement of components directly onto the surface of a PCB, rather than using through-hole connections.
Precision machines, known as pick-and-place machines, are usually used to place components accurately.
SMT allows for smaller components and a higher density of interconnections, leading to miniaturisation of electronics.

Through-hole Technology involves inserting a component pin through a hole in the PCB and then soldering it to a conductive pad.
This technology is typically used for large or high-power components, and it offers stronger mechanical connections.
However, it is generally a slower and more costly process compared to SMT.

Hand Assembly is a process of constructing PCBs by manually soldering components onto a PCB.
This method is typically used in low volume production, prototyping, or for components not suitable for machine placement.
Skilled technicians are required for this process, as it requires a understanding of electronic components and the ability to make precise movements.

Quality Control is a series of checks to ensure the final electronic system meets the desired design specifications.
Visual inspections can be conducted to evaluate solder quality, component placement, and to detect any missing or incorrect parts.
Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) systems can be used to scan the PCBs and compare them to a digital image.
Testing could involve functional tests which power the system and check for correct operation.