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Glossary
Electronics manufacturing glossary
Plain-English definitions of PCB, SMT, EMS and other terms you will meet on an electronics project.
AOI
Automated optical inspection. Cameras check assembled boards for solder and placement defects.
BGA
Ball grid array. An IC package with solder balls underneath, used for dense, high-pin-count devices.
BOM
Bill of materials. The list of all components and quantities needed to build a product.
Box build
Assembly of PCBs, wiring and components into a finished enclosure or system.
Conformal coating
A thin protective film applied to PCBs to resist moisture, dust and chemicals.
Consigned build
A build where the customer supplies some or all components.
DFM
Design for manufacturing. Designing products so they are easy and economical to produce.
DFT
Design for test. Designing boards with access and features that make testing effective.
Embedded system
A computer system built into a device to perform dedicated functions.
EMS
Electronics manufacturing services. Manufacturing electronics to a customer's design.
Fiducial
A reference mark on a PCB used by assembly machines for alignment.
Firmware
Software that runs on a device's microcontroller.
Gerber files
The standard file format describing PCB copper, mask and silkscreen layers.
ICT
In-circuit test. Testing component values and connections on an assembled board.
IPC
An industry association whose standards define PCB design and assembly workmanship.
Lead time
Time from order to delivery.
Microcontroller (MCU)
A small computer on a chip with processor, memory and peripherals.
NPI
New product introduction. The process of moving a new design into production.
ODM
Original design manufacturing. The manufacturer designs and builds the product.
OEM
Original equipment manufacturer. A company that sells products under its own brand.
PCB
Printed circuit board. A board that mechanically supports and connects electronic components.
PCBA
Printed circuit board assembly. A PCB with components soldered on.
Private label
A product made exclusively for one brand, often to a custom specification.
Reflow soldering
Melting solder paste in an oven to attach SMT components.
RoHS
A directive restricting hazardous substances such as lead in electronics.
SMT
Surface-mount technology. Mounting components directly onto the PCB surface.
Stencil
A thin sheet used to print solder paste onto PCB pads.
THT
Through-hole technology. Components with leads inserted through holes in the PCB.
Turnkey
A build where the manufacturer sources all materials.
White label
A product made by one company and sold under another company's brand.
Wire harness
An assembly of wires, terminals and connectors that carries power and signals.
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