How do I know if a component is not connected to the PCB?

According to the circuit requirements and configuration, many PCB components are installed on the PCB. These PCB board components provide their own output and form the logic flow of the circuit. If the components are not connected correctly, the circuit will not work. So we need to learn how to identify PCB components. For PCB manufacturers, it is important to check whether the components of the PCB are connected to each other.

Need to check the different stages of component connection

In order to check the connection between the components and the PCB, electronic component PCB manufacturers use a variety of methods to identify PCB components. The connection between the components and the PCB is checked at every step of product development.

1. In the PCB design stage: any PCB manufacturing starts from the initial design. Designing a complete PCB and its parts can learn more about circuits, components, and other technical information. When designing PCB layout and schematic diagrams, designers can see whether the PCB components are connected to the circuit.

2. DRC and ERC: By using the DRC (design rule check) and ERC (electrical rule check) tools in the PCB design software, PCB connection components can be checked. These tools are useful in multi-layer PCB design and complex design. Visual inspection is only suitable for small and less complex circuits, where PCB board components can be seen in the layout. The generated DRC and ERC reports must not contain any errors. After the circuit verification is completed, it can be further sent for the manufacturing process.

3. Circuit automation or functional testing: Use automated tools to test the design layout and schematic diagram of the PCB. This gives the functional results of the PCB under all conditions. If any component is not connected correctly or incorrectly, the result and all information and results are recorded.

Product testing in the manufacturing process

After completing the design and layout of the electronic component PCB, the manufacturing process of the product begins. Any manufacturing is a set of processes in which many tasks are completed in an organized and defined manner. If the manufacturing process is standard and all quality control procedures are effectively implemented, then the possibility of any defects in the product will be less likely. Designers must pay attention to identifying PCB components before manufacturing. In PCB manufacturing, process defects related to component disconnection will occur.

1. Component placement stage: After identifying and selecting PCB components, insert and place components according to the circuit design and layout. If any element is placed in the wrong direction or any holes are missing, it will be considered unconnected.

2. Pasting and welding process: Through-hole PCB components are placed in the holes of the PCB. In order to establish an electrical connection between the component and the track, welding is required. If the welding is incorrect, the PCB board components may be in the non-connected layer of the product. Similarly, surface mount PCB components are first glued to the PCB pad with glue. They must be pasted correctly, otherwise they will lose contact with the PCB.

3. Final inspection of PCB: The final quality inspection of the finished product is a necessary step in the PCB manufacturing process. Even if all quality measures are implemented and all processes are followed correctly, there may still be defects in the PCB. These defects can be identified by the following methods：–

4. Visual inspection: Visual inspection is a simple step to identify any manufacturing defects. This requires sufficient skills in identifying PCB components and PCB manufacturing experience. All manufactured products are visually inspected by quality experts to see if there are any defects.

5. Use a multimeter: A multimeter is the most needed equipment in any PCB manufacturing process. The multimeter can check and provide many electronic components and parameters. You can use a multimeter to check the continuity in the PCB and circuit. In addition, you can use a multimeter to verify the component values. Before proceeding with this step, we must perform PCB component identification.

6. Customized fixture testing: Customized fixtures and fixtures are used to check circuit faults during PCB manufacturing. Place the PCB in a fixture, and then measure the output or response of the product under various input conditions. On this basis, identify the types of defects in the PCB, including components that are not connected. However, before performing this test, we need to enhance our PCB component identification skills.

In a PCB, components are connected to each other through copper rails. During the substrate preparation process of the PCB, the copper track is etched and obscured. Sometimes, PCB board components are well connected to the circuit board, but the PCB cannot pass continuity and functional tests. In this case, we need to check and verify the track around the PCB assembly. Any damage, breaks, and gaps in the track are also considered connection defects in the PCB. Therefore, the tracks should also be checked in parallel.

conclusion

All components of the PCB have their own dedicated functions and need to be properly connected to the PCB. If there is no correct connection, the PCB will be in a faulty state and will affect the overall life of the product. The PCB manufacturer must ensure that all PCB components are properly connected in place. For designers, PCB component identification is an indispensable skill in PCB design.