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What is a Circuit card Assembly? Circuit Card Assembly Definition

Saturday, December 7th, 2024

What is a CCA Circuit Card Assembly?

A circuit card assembly, often abbreviated as CCA, is a fundamental component in modern electronic devices. It is essentially a populated printed circuit board (PCB). A PCB is a flat board made of insulating material with conductive pathways etched or printed on it. The CCA takes this a step further by having electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, and connectors mounted and soldered onto the PCB. These components are carefully placed and connected according to a specific circuit design, which enables the board to perform a particular function or set of functions within an electronic system. For example, in a smartphone, the CCA might be responsible for handling the communication functions, power management, or display control.

CCAs are essential in transforming electronic designs into physical devices. Without them, modern technology would lack the precision and functionality we rely on daily. They are not standalone products but rather building blocks for larger systems. Whether in smartphones, automotive controls, or industrial machinery, CCAs ensure devices operate as intended.

Circuit Card Assembly vs. PCB

When comparing a CCA to a PCB, there are several key distinctions. A PCB is the basic platform, typically a flat panel made of non-conductive material like fiberglass epoxy laminate, onto which conductive paths or traces are etched or printed. It serves as the foundation, providing the physical and electrical interconnectivity layout.

On the other hand, a CCA is a more complete and functional entity. It is a PCB that has been populated with various electronic components. These components, such as resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, and connectors, are carefully mounted and soldered onto the PCB in accordance with a specific circuit design. For example, a PCB for a simple amplifier circuit might just have the etched traces for the signal path, but the CCA would have the actual transistors, resistors, and capacitors attached to perform the amplification function.

In terms of manufacturing, the PCB manufacturing process focuses on creating the board itself. This involves steps like preparing the substrate, imaging the circuit layout, etching the traces, and drilling holes for component mounting. The CCA manufacturing process builds upon this. It requires additional steps such as component sourcing, accurate component placement using pick-and-place machines, and soldering the components to the PCB. The quality of the PCB is vital for the success of the CCA. If the PCB has flaws in its traces, such as breaks or shorts, it can lead to malfunctioning CCAs.

Circuit Card Assembly Diagram

Circuit Card Assembly Design

Designing a circuit card assembly is a meticulous process. It begins with a clear understanding of the product’s purpose and functionality. Engineers follow these steps:

1. Schematic Creation:

The schematic acts as a blueprint, detailing the electrical connections between components. It defines how the circuit should operate.

2. PCB Layout Design:

The layout focuses on arranging components efficiently while ensuring signal integrity. Tools like CAD software help optimize space and performance.

3. Simulation and Testing:

Before physical production, simulations verify that the design meets all specifications. This minimizes errors in the final product.

4. Bill of Materials (BOM):

A BOM lists every component, including specifications and quantities. It ensures all necessary parts are available for assembly.

5. Prototyping:

A prototype is built to test the design under real-world conditions. Any issues are addressed before mass production.

If the prototype are verified, then you can go to next step – PCB mass production.

What is a Circuit Card Assembly Used For?

Circuit card assemblies are used in virtually every electronic application. Below are some examples of their widespread utility:

Consumer Electronics
Medical Equipment
Aerospace and Defense
Automotive Systems
Industrial Automation
Communication Devices
Health-care

Circuit Card Assembly HS Code

What is Circuit Card Assembly HS Code? The Harmonized System (HS) Code for circuit card assemblies is 8538.90, which covers parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8537. This classification includes CCAs as essential components in various electronic systems. Correctly identifying HS codes ensures compliance with international trade regulations. Here are some commonly used HS codes in the electronics and circuit board industry:

8534.00: Printed circuits (excluding assembly). This code applies to bare PCBs, which have copper tracks and pads but no mounted components.
8537.10: Boards, panels, and consoles with electronic components for controlling electrical circuits.
8542.39: Electronic integrated circuits, including microprocessors and memory chips, which are often used in CCAs.
8473.30: Parts and accessories for computers, which may include PCBs and CCAs.
9030.90: Parts for measuring or testing instruments, often used for CCA inspection during manufacturing.

Circuit Card Assembly Manufacturers

If you are looking for a relibale circuit card assembly manufacturer, then Best Technology is your best-choice. Best Technology located in Shenzhen and Vietnam, it is a professional PCB and PCBA manufacturer. Our complete CCA manufacturing services are tailored to our customers’ needs in assemblies. We mainly focus on saving our clients time and money by delivering the highest quality box build assembly solutions:

Complete Testing and Burn-In
Pin Through-hole Assembly
Selective Wave Soldering
Conformal Coating
Software Loading
Complete box build for a variety of applications

What is a circuit card assembly?

Circuit card assembly or CCA is the process of producing printed circuit boards. In essence, it is the same as PCBA (PCB assembly), just in different name. CCA is a manufacturing technology that converts raw materials into printed circuit boards. It is used in many industries, including the military and aerospace sectors. This type of manufacturing requires skilled professionals to lay out the design and then assemble it. If you are planning to buy a batch of circuit card components, here are some things you should know about CCA.

A circuit card is a thin, flat dielectric material on which conductive paths or traces are etched. These paths connect various electronic components. They are also used to connect components to sockets on printed circuit boards. Circuit card assy is the process of manufacturing circuit card components. The process involves adding electronic components to the substrate.

Key components of a circuit card assembly (CCA)

Circuit card assembly have several key components to make the circuit function properly. These can be divided into three basic components.

Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
Electronic component
Solder paste

Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

This is the backbone of the CCA. The printed circuit board provides the structural foundation on which all other components are mounted. A PCB is typically made of a flat, insulating material such as FR4 fiberglass, which is layered with conductive tracks made of copper. These tracks form the circuit pathways that connect various electronic components. The PCB board can be single-sided, with components and conductive tracks on one side only, or double-sided, with tracks and components on both sides. For more complex applications, multi-layer PCBs are used, which consist of multiple layers of insulating material and conductive pathways stacked together. These printed circuit boards are essential in ensuring that electrical signals are routed efficiently and reliably across the assembly.

Electronic Components

These include resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, transistors, and more passive and positive components. Each part plays a specific role in the circuit, like pieces of a puzzle fitting together to make a complete picture. Resistors control the flow of electrical current, capacitors store and release energy, integrated circuits (ICs) perform various functions like processing and memory storage, and transistors act as switches or amplifiers. These components are carefully placed on the PCB in positions that allow them to connect and interact as designed.

Solder paste

Solder paste is like the glue that holds everything together, but it’s electrically conductive. It’s used to attach the electronic components to the PCB, so that they can stay put and work properly. Soldering creates a strong, conductive bond between the component leads and the PCB’s copper tracks. There are different types of soldering, such as lead-based and lead-free solders, each with its specific properties and applications. The soldering process can be done manually or using automated printing machines, depending on the complexity and volume of the assembly. Please noticed that solder paste should used in a very short time, otherwise, it will become dry solder paste.

What is the Difference Between a PCB and a CCA?

You might wonder, what’s the difference between a PCB and a CCA? Well, here’s a quick rundown:

Aspect	PCB (Printed Circuit Board)	CCA (Circuit Card Assembly)
Definition	A blank board with conductive pathways	A PCB populated with electronic components
Components	No electronic components	Includes electronic components like resistors, capacitors, ICs
Functionality	Serves as the foundation for electronic circuits	A functional electronic circuit ready for use in devices
Manufacturing Steps	Involves design, etching, and printing of conductive paths	Involves PCB manufacturing plus component placement and soldering
Usage Stage	Intermediate stage in manufacturing	Final stage, ready for integration into electronic devices
Complexity	Less complex, involves fewer manufacturing steps	More complex, involves multiple stages of assembly and testing

What is the circuit card assembly manufacturing process?

Making a CCA is a multi-step process:

Design

First, the PCB layout is designed using computer software. It includes numerous steps, like schematic drawing, layout design, SI, PI analysis, DFM. This can ensure the PCB board can fit all the necessary components and function correctly.

Fabrication

The PCB is then fabricated, which involves creating the physical board with layers of insulating and conductive materials. This is where the board gets its pathways. In this step, proceed strict quality control process to make sure the bare boards are qualified.

Component Placement

Next, printing solder paste and preparing components, then place them onto the PCB board according to the BOM file (bill of material). After setting up the pick and place machine, automated machines can precisely position each component based on the design.

Soldering

The components are soldered to the PCB. This can be done using methods like wave soldering or reflow soldering to ensure everything is securely attached and electrically connected. You must know, different products require different parameters, please make sure all the parameters like temperatures, time are suitable.

Inspection and Testing

The assembled CCA goes through rigorous inspection and testing to ensure it works as intended. This includes visual inspections, automated optical inspections (AOI), in-circuit testing (ICT), aging testing and functional testing.

Final Assembly

If the CCA passes all tests, it moves on to final assembly, where it’s integrated into the larger electronic system or device. That is we say the box building assembly.

What are the types of circuit card assembly?

CCAs can be divided into various types according to the different manufacturing technology.

Through-Hole Technology (THT) Assembly

Here, components have leads or pins inserted into holes drilled through the PCB and soldered on the other side. This method provides strong mechanical bonds, making it great for components that experience mechanical stress. It’s often used in aerospace, military, and industrial equipment.

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Assembly

In SMT, components are mounted directly onto the PCB surface using solder paste. No drilling required, which allows for higher component density and smaller PCBs. This method is commonly used in consumer electronics, telecommunications, and automotive industries.

Box Building Assembly

Box building assembly involves the complete assembly of electronic systems, including CCAs, into enclosures or boxes. This process includes not only the assembly of the PCB but also the integration of cables, connectors, and other components into a final product. Box building is ideal for producing complete electronic devices ready for end-use.

Advanced materials for CCAs

Advanced materials help CCAs perform better and last longer:

High-Temperature Laminates (e.g., FR-4, Polyimide)

High temperature laminate like FR4 or polyimide. These materials can handle extreme conditions without breaking down. FR-4 is popular for its excellent thermal and mechanical properties, while polyimide is great for high-temperature stability.

Flexible Substrates (e.g., Kapton, PET)

Kapton and PET are the most common flexible substrate. These materials allow CCAs to bend and flex. Kapton, a type of polyimide, is known for its high thermal resistance and flexibility, making it perfect for wearable electronics and medical devices. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is another flexible material with good electrical insulation properties.

Advanced Solder Compounds

SAC305 (a lead-free alloy of tin, silver, and copper) is favored for its mechanical and thermal properties. Whatever you want to mount a ceramic PCB or the flexible PCB, it is the best choice. Sn63Pb37, a traditional tin-lead solder, is still used for its ease of use and excellent performance.

Reliable circuit card assembly manufacturers

Choosing the right manufacturer for your CCAs is key to getting quality products. PCBonline and Best Technology are go-to-choice reliable circuit card assembly manufacturers. Both of them has advanced pick and place machine, full-auto SPI, AOI equipment, ensuring a good quality.

As a leading manufacturer in the circuit card assembly, Best Technology prides full turn-key service, ranging from the PCB design, PCB fabricating, electronic component sourcing, circuit card assembly and box build assembly. We handle complex and high-volume orders efficiently, ensuring timely and fast delivery without sacrificing quality. In 2023 alone, we completed over 5000 high-complexity projects with a client satisfaction rate of over 98%.

It is crucial for anyone to fullly understand the circuit card assembly in the electronics industry. From their basic components and manufacturing process to the advanced materials used, CCAs are the backbone of modern electronic devices.