FAQ, frequently asked questions about PCB assembly

A resistor is one of the simplest passive electrical components. In electronic circuits, resistors are used, for example, to limit current, divide voltage, set operating points or generate defined impedances.

Resistors are available in many different designs and materials.

Metal film resistors are the most commonly used resistor type in industry due to their good properties. This results in high production volumes, which have a positive effect on the price.

Capacitors are also passive components. In principle, capacitors consist of two electrically conductive plates, the electrodes, which are separated from each other by an electrically insulating layer, the dielectric. The electrical capacitance of a capacitor is given in farads and depends essentially on the area of the electrodes, their distance from each other and the material of the dielectric.

There are a variety of possible uses for capacitors in electrical circuits. For example, they are used as energy storage devices, storage elements in sample-andhold circuits, end-of-interference elements for electromagnetic interference signals or as frequency-determining components in filters and resonant circuits.

Capacitors are manufactured in a variety of designs and materials. The most commonly used capacitors include ceramic capacitors, electrolytic capacitors, film capacitors and tantalum capacitors.

Electrolytic capacitors are polarized capacitors. The anode electrode consists of a metal on which an oxide layer is created by anodic oxidation. This oxide layer forms the dielectric. The cathode is formed by an electrolyte that flows around the anode structure.

Due to their internal structure, electrolytic capacitors have a relatively high capacity in relation to their volume. This makes them particularly suitable as large energy storage devices. In the circuit diagram, the anode of an electrolytic capacitor is marked with a ‘+’. The cathode is usually marked on the capacitor.

Electrolytic capacitors may only be operated with direct current. Although it is possible to superimpose an alternating current, this must not lead to the capacitor being reversed in polarity, as this could damage or destroy the dielectric. This could result in a fire or explosion.

Diodes are semiconductor components. They consist of a pn junction, i.e. a junction between a p-doped and an n-doped semiconductor layer, or a metal-n junction. Diodes can be operated in three areas: forward, reverse and breakdown areas.

One function of diodes is the rectification of alternating voltages. The diodes are operated alternately in the forward and reverse range. The current flow through the diode is only possible in one direction. These diodes are also called rectifier diodes.

Another class is the Zener diodes. These diodes are operated in the blocking or breakdown range and are used for voltage stabilization or as a reference voltage source.

There are also a variety of specialized diode types such as suppressor, TVS, shotkey or capacitance diodes. These are used in applications for switching regulators, overvoltage protection or high-frequency resonant circuits.

Coils are also passive components. Alongside capacitors, they form the second large group of energy storage devices. In its simplest form, a coil consists of a wound wire. If a current flows through the wire, a magnetic field is generated in the coil. The most important property of the coil is called inductance and is given in the unit Henry. The inductance of a coil depends essentially on the number of windings and the material of the body onto which the wire is wound.

Coils also have a wide range of applications. In signal processing, they are used as filter elements or in oscillating circuits. In relays, they are used as electromagnets to carry out a switching process. In motors, coils can be used to generate the rotating magnetic field that imparts the rotary motion to the motor.

LEDs are a special form of diode. LED stands for “light emitting diode”. If an LED is operated in the forward direction, photons are emitted at the barrier layer. Depending on the doping of the semiconductor materials, light is emitted in certain wavelengths. LEDs can be produced that shine in the infrared, visible or ultraviolet wavelength range.

LEDs have a wide range of applications. In many cases, LEDs are used as optical signal transmitters. This ranges from simple status displays on devices to LED screens that are used as monitors. LED matrices are used as display panels in almost all flat screens.

LEDs are also used in lighting technology. Here, too, there is a wide range of applications, from desk lamps to car headlights and large-scale street or factory lighting.

In optical communication, LEDs are also used as optocouplers or transmitting diodes. This is where information is transmitted between two systems, even though they have no electrical connection.

LED drivers belong to the class of integrated circuits (IC). All components that can provide enough current to light up one or more LEDs can be described as LED drivers

Potentiometers are variable resistors. Their internal structure is relatively simple. Between the two outer contacts there is a conductive resistance track. This usually consists of a layer of carbon or a conductive plastic. The middle contact is connected to a wiper, which is guided over the conductive track via the axis of rotation and can thus tap the voltage. The resistance curve over the track can be linear or logarithmic.

Potentiometers are used wherever the functionality of an electrical circuit needs to be manually varied or parameterized. Trim potentiometers can also be used to tune filters or oscillating circuits or to set the operating points of circuits.

The NE555 is a “classic” in electronics. It is a so-called timer component that was developed in the 1970s. The three basic circuits with the NE555 are the monostable multivibrator, the bistable multivibrator and the astable multivibrator.

These basic circuits open up a number of possible applications for the NE555. These include timers, frequency dividers, capacitance measurements, switch debouncing, oscillators, pulse generators and many more.

Many of these circuits can be created with minimal external circuitry.

Switching regulators are certain electronic circuits that are used for power supply. The main working principle is to charge an energy storage device via a periodically activated electronic switch.

The two most important representatives are the buck and boost regulators. As the name suggests, buck regulators produce a lower voltage from a higher one. The opposite is true for boost converters. There are also hybrid forms that support both operating modes.

Switching regulators have the advantage over linear voltage regulators that they are much more efficient and can usually be built much more compactly and cheaply. They are therefore used as power supplies in almost all electrical devices.

Express capacities must be agreed with production on a project-by-project basis and depend on the number of units, the complexity of the assembly, and material availability.

Typical express delivery times are 10 business days from receipt of all materials and data transfer. However, 5 or 3 business days are also possible by prior arrangement.

Please send us your express request by email, specifying the target date. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

The standard delivery time is 4 weeks after receipt of all materials.

The following express delivery times are available upon request:

• Express: 14 business days > 50% surcharge * compared to standard production of 4 weeks
• Express Premium: 10 business days > 100% surcharge *
• Express Super: 5 business days > 150% surcharge *
• Express Hyper: 3 business days > 200% surcharge *

* The surcharges only apply to production costs.

This is 4 weeks from receipt of the complete material; partial deliveries are possible after consultation.

• Bill of materials in Excel (feel free to use our template
• Assembly diagram (PDF) Here you will find an example
• PCB specifications: This information is required

For a rework/conversion, we require a specific description of the fault.

Information such as “The circuit board is not working” is not sufficient.

It is better to say: “Diode XY is defective and must be replaced by diode Z” or “Position J16 must be replaced by component XY.” Please send your request, including pictures if possible, to us by email.

Please note that our service is only available to business customers! We do not carry out conversions for private individuals!

This is not possible. Please contact the respective manufacturers for such inquiries.

We are happy to take care of the entire procurement process for you. To do this, we need the bill of materials, including the manufacturer part numbers and order numbers, in Excel format, as well as the PCB data (Eagle or Gerber). See our PCB assembly checklist.

There is no minimum order quantity. We offer prototype production starting from a single piece.

You can provide the components either completely or partially. Upon delivery, processing by machines must be guaranteed. Please contact us for more information. Alternatively, we will be happy to take care of procurement for you.

We are happy to produce advance samples/prototypes that you can review before series production. Please indicate your request when inquiring.

We accept Gerber files for PCB design, CSV or Excel files for the bill of materials (BOM), and pick-and-place files in common formats.

Yes, we offer RoHS-compliant manufacturing and use lead-free soldering materials in accordance with EU regulations.

Our tolerances for component placement comply with current industry standards. More detailed information is available on request.

We offer comprehensive cable management services, including precision cutting, assembly, stripping, crimping, and labeling of cables. This provides you with ready-to-install cables that can be integrated directly into your assemblies.

PCB assembly refers to the process of mounting and soldering electronic components onto printed circuit boards. There are three main types: SMD or SMT assembly (Surface Mount Technology), THT assembly (Through-Hole Technology), and mixed assembly.

SMD assembly enables space-saving and cost-efficient production of printed circuit boards. Advantages include higher component density, lower production costs, fast automated placement, and improved electrical performance.

THT (Through-Hole Technology) is primarily used for components subject to high mechanical stress or thermal load, such as connectors, relays, or power electronics.

In mixed assembly, both SMD and THT components are mounted on the same circuit board. This process is common in complex assemblies used in industrial electronics, medical technology, and automotive applications.

For EMS production, the following data are required:

• Gerber data for PCB manufacturing
• Bill of Materials (BOM) including component specifications
• Pick-and-Place files for SMD assembly
• Assembly drawings for visual inspection
• Test requirements or functional testing (if applicable).

Yes. In addition to PCB assembly, we also provide cable assembly, wiring harnesses, connector assembly, and complete system integration – all from a single source.

Upon request, we take care of complete material procurement through certified distributors. Alternatively, customers can supply their own components. We check availability, lead times, and possible obsolescence in advance.

Yes, we offer prototype and small-batch production for development projects. This allows layouts and circuits to be tested and optimized before series production.

After successful prototyping, series production is carried out using state-of-the-art placement machines, 3D AOI systems, functional tests, and documented processes according to ISO and IPC standards.

We employ various quality assurance procedures:

• 3D AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) for precise SMD testing
• Functional testing according to customer specifications
• MOI / Manual visual inspection
• Microscopic inspection

3D AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) checks the exact position, solder joint quality, and component height of SMD parts. It enables early detection of defects such as solder bridges, missing components, or misalignments.

Our production complies with international standards such as:

• IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies)
• ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management)
• RoHS (lead-free production); leaded processes available upon request.

Yes. In addition to PCB assembly, we also provide final assembly of electronic units, including housing installation, cable assembly, and functional testing.

We manufacture anything from single units and small batches to medium and large-scale series. Our flexible production lines allow quick adjustments to batch size changes.

Yes, our production is RoHS-compliant by default. Leaded processes are available upon request for special applications (e.g., aerospace).

We handle:

• SMD components from 01005 up to large BGAs/QFNs
• All sizes of THT components
• Connectors, relays, power transistors
• Specialized components for high-frequency or power electronics.

Depending on material availability, prototypes can be produced within just a few days (as fast as 72 hours).

Yes. Upon request, we check BOMs for discontinued components (EOL) and suggest suitable alternatives or second-source options.

• Complete service: procurement, PCB assembly, and final assembly
• Cost optimization through experience and purchasing volume
• Quality assurance using modern testing methods
• Flexibility in batch sizes and delivery times.

We work with:

• Gerber RS-274X, ODB++
• BOMs in Excel/CSV format
• Pick-and-Place files (CAD, ASCII)
• Drawings as PDF/DXF.

Our services are used in various sectors, including:

• Industrial electronics
• Automotive
• Medical technology
• IoT / Communication
• Energy technology / Renewable energy
• Aerospace.

• Custom packaging
• Just-in-time delivery
• Direct shipment to production sites.