PCBA & Circuit Board Assembly
A circuit board alone is only half the solution. Assembly, soldering, testing and programming turn it into a functional unit. Intelligent Components offers you complete PCBA procurement — from individual prototypes to series production, including component sourcing and quality inspection.
PCB vs. PCBA — The Difference
PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
An unpopulated circuit board — the physical carrier material with traces, vias and pads. A PCB contains no electronic components and has no function yet.
PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly)
A populated and soldered assembly — the circuit board plus all electronic components (resistors, ICs, connectors, etc.), mounted and tested. A PCBA is ready for use and can be integrated into an end product.
Assembly Technologies Overview
Different components require different assembly methods. We cover all common technologies.
SMT Assembly
Surface Mount Technology — automated placement of SMD components. Standard for modern, high-density assemblies.
THT Assembly
Through-Hole Technology — components with wire leads are inserted through holes and soldered by wave or hand.
Mixed Technology
Combination of SMT and THT on one assembly — for designs requiring both technologies.
BGA Assembly
Ball Grid Array — high-precision placement of ICs with solder balls on the bottom. Requires X-ray inspection for quality control.
QFN / QFP / Fine Pitch
Placement of ICs with fine pitch (≤ 0.5 mm). Requires precise solder paste application and placement accuracy.
Cable Assembly & Wire Harness
In addition to board assemblies, also cable assemblies and wire harnesses — for a completely integration-ready unit.
Test Methods for Assembled Boards
Optical & Mechanical Inspection
Electrical & Functional Tests
Beyond Assembly
Firmware Programming
Programming of microcontrollers and flash memory directly during production.
Conformal Coating
Protective coating for the assembly against moisture, dust and chemical influences.
Potting
Complete encapsulation of the assembly for maximum protection against environmental influences.
Box Build / Final Assembly
Integration of the assembly into an enclosure — including cables, connectors and mechanical parts.
Component Sourcing
We source all components per your bill of materials (BOM) — including alternative suggestions.
Documentation
Inspection reports, traceability, CoC and further documentation as agreed.
From Design to Finished Assembly
An end-to-end process — from inquiry through procurement and assembly to the tested, ready-to-ship unit.
Inquiry
BOM and Gerber data or description of your assembly.
DFM Review
Design-for-Manufacturing check and feasibility analysis.
Quote
Detailed quote with prices, lead times and specifications.
Component Sourcing
Procurement of all components per your bill of materials.
PCB Manufacturing
Circuit board production per your Gerber data.
Assembly
SMT, THT or mixed technology — depending on design.
Testing
AOI, X-ray, electrical and functional tests.
Programming
Firmware and calibration if required.
Final Assembly
Box build, cable assembly and potting as needed.
Delivery
Ready-to-ship assemblies — on time in the DACH region.
Why PCBA via Intelligent Components?
With Intelligent Components
- PCB + components + assembly from one source
- One contact in the DACH region
- Communication in your language
- DFM review before production
- Transparent prices and lead times
- Documented quality inspection
- Prototype and series with the same partner
Challenges with Self-Management
- Coordinate PCB, components and assembler separately
- Multiple suppliers, multiple contacts
- Time zone differences and language barriers
- Check component availability independently
- Quality issues hard to trace
- High internal coordination effort
- Supply chain hard to plan
PCBA Assembly: Questions & Answers
Can I order PCB and assembly together?
Yes, that's our core business. We offer circuit board, component sourcing and assembly as a complete package — one quote, one contact.
Which BGA/QFN packages can be assembled?
All common BGA, µBGA, QFN and QFP packages. Fine pitch down to ≤ 0.4 mm and BGA pitch from 0.5 mm. X-ray inspection is standard for these packages.
How does component sourcing work?
You send us your bill of materials via our BOM Sourcing. We check availability, prices and alternatives and source all components for assembly.
Related Services
Discuss Your PCBA Project
From bill of materials to finished assembly — send us your inquiry and receive a customized quote.