CUSTOM ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLIES
PCB Assembly (PCBA)
Turn your PCB files and component list into assembled control electronics. JASPER coordinates the board, components, assembly and agreed checks around your product requirements, from the first build to repeat orders.
SMT & through-hole
Match the assembly process to the component package.
Board to interface
Coordinate connectors, mounting and the operator panel.
Defined acceptance
Agree inspection and functional checks before the build.
A populated board, built around your design
PCBA is the circuit board after electronic components have been fitted and soldered. A bare PCB supplies the interconnections; the assembled board provides the hardware needed for the intended circuit. Firmware and final equipment validation are separate project requirements.
Prepare the build before components reach the line
A good quotation starts with matching revisions. PCB fabrication files, the BOM, placement data and assembly drawing should describe the same board. Resolve component availability and substitutions before material purchasing.
- Check manufacturer part numbers, quantities and do-not-populate positions.
- Separate customer-supplied parts from components to be sourced with the order.
- Review placement coordinates, rotation, polarity and assembly side.
- Identify connectors, cables and mechanical parts that belong in the supplied assembly.
Inspection and functional testing answer different questions
Optical inspection checks visible assembly features, including component presence, orientation and accessible solder joints. It does not establish that every circuit function works. Functional testing needs its own power conditions, loads, fixtures, firmware and pass/fail limits.
- Assembly inspection
- Define the workmanship criteria and any areas that need additional inspection.
- Programming
- Identify the firmware version, programming interface and configuration when programming is part of the order.
- Functional checks
- List the inputs, outputs, operating conditions and measured limits that the fixture must verify.
- Records & packaging
- Specify lot identification, required test records, connector protection and ESD packaging.
Choose what arrives at your assembly bench
| Supply scope | Included in the definition | What to specify |
|---|---|---|
| Bare PCB | Fabricated board without fitted components | Board files, stack-up, finish and fabrication requirements |
| PCBA | Board with the specified electronic components assembled | BOM, placement data, assembly drawing and test requirements |
| HMI assembly | PCBA integrated with the operator interface and mechanical parts | Panel, keypad or display, connectors, mounting and complete assembly checks |
Send the files that define your board
Start with your available design files and the quantity you need. Include the intended application and any parts that are difficult to source. The quotation should separate materials, assembly, fixtures and any programming or testing work.
PCB fabrication data
Gerber and drill files, or the agreed manufacturing-data format; include the fabrication drawing.
Bill of materials
Reference designator, quantity, manufacturer, exact part number and approved alternatives.
Placement & assembly
Pick-and-place/CPL data, assembly sides, polarity notes and assembly drawing.
Quantity & acceptance
Prototype and production quantities, requested delivery date, firmware and inspection/test specification.
From first build to repeat orders
- 01
File review
Align the drawing, BOM and component supply responsibilities.
- 02
Build preparation
Resolve open material and assembly questions before purchasing and setup.
- 03
Sample approval
Check the assembled board against the agreed fit, inspection and test requirements.
- 04
Repeat production
Keep the approved revision, substitutions and test configuration under change control.
PCB Assembly Questions
What is the difference between PCB and PCBA?
A PCB is the unpopulated circuit board. PCBA is the board after components have been assembled. A complete HMI may also include a keypad, overlay, display, housing and cables.
What files are needed for a PCBA quotation?
Send the PCB manufacturing files, BOM, placement data and assembly drawing with the requested quantities. Add programming, test, packaging and delivery requirements so the quotation covers the intended scope.
Can I supply components for the assembly?
Customer-supplied parts can be included in the project plan. Identify them in the BOM and agree quantities, packaging, traceability and any spare components before shipment.
Does AOI replace functional testing?
No. AOI checks visible assembly features. Functional testing verifies circuit behaviour under defined electrical conditions and requires a suitable fixture, test method and acceptance limits.
Can the board be integrated with a membrane switch or keypad?
Yes. The project can include interface integration with a membrane switch, silicone keypad or other HMI components. Define the mating connector, pinout, mounting, clearances and assembly test requirements together.
How are price and lead time determined?
They depend on the BOM, component availability, board design, quantity, assembly operations and testing or programming work. Share the latest file revision and requested delivery date for a project-specific quotation.
Ready to review your PCBA project?
Share your BOM, board files and intended use. Start with the build you need, not assumptions about what is included.