PCBA, short for printed circuit board assembly, refers to the combination of PCB, components and electronic accessories. Simply speaking, PCBA is actually the PCB with components assembled.

PCB and PCBA are the results of two different steps of the same overall process. A PCB is a blank circuit board with no electronic components attached, while a PCBA is a completed assembly that contains all of the components required for the board to function as needed for the desired application. A PCB is not yet functional, while a PCBA is ready to be used in an electronic device.

Manufacturing a blank board is a simpler process than producing a completed PCBA because of the various components and processes involved in PCB assembly. It also costs more to produce a PCBA than a blank PCB. However, both steps are necessary to create a completed board. You can not create a PCBA without a PCB. PCB manufacturing is the first step in the process, and PCBA manufacturing builds upon that first step.

FAQ:

Q1: Are you a factory or trade company?

A: Yes, we are the factory, we have independent quick turn prototype PCB manufacturing & big volume PCB production lines.

Q2: How will you usually ship the PCB?

A: Usually for small packages, we will ship the boards by DHL,UPS,FedEx door to door service, we could use your shipping account to do collection or use our account to ship in DDU (import duty unpaid) delivery term.

For heavy goods more than 300kg, we may ship your PCB boards by ship or by air to save freight cost. Of course, if you have your own forwarder, we may contact them for dealing with your shipment.

Q3: Could you provide PCB Assembly services and components sourcing?

A: Yes, we could also provide components sourcing and PCB Assembly services as well as box build if request.

Q4: What kind of PCB file format can you accept for production?

A: Gerber, PROTEL 99SE, PROTEL DXP, POWER PCB, CAM350, ODB+(.TGZ)

Q5: Are my PCB files safe when I submit them to you for manufacturing?

A: We respect customer's copyright and will never manufacture PCB for someone else with your files unless we receive written permission from your side, nor we'll share these files with any other 3rd parties. And we could sign NDA with client if necessary.

Q6: Will our PCB files be checked.

A: Yes. Your data will be checked by our Engineers Team. If we find any technical issues or have any inquires, we will contact you and solve the problems together.

Q7: If we have no PCB file/Gerber file, only have the PCB sample,can you produce it for me? 

A: Yes,we could help you to clone the PCB.  Just send the sample PCB to us, we could clone the PCB design and work out it.

Q8: What any other information should be offered except for file?

A: Following specifications are needed for quotation:

1) Base material

2) Board thickness:

3) Copper thickness

4) Surface treatment:

5) Color of solder mask and silkscreen

6) Quantity