Bittele Electronics is a leading provider of turnkey PCB assembly services, catering to clients in industries such as consumer electronics, aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. Committed to quality, innovation, and fast delivery, Bittele offers comprehensive solutions that cover everything from prototype assembly to high-volume production.

Our services are designed to support diverse client needs, whether assembling a complex, multi-layer board or delivering reliable solutions for compact devices. Our expertise in handling rigid, flex and rigid-flex PCBs ensures adaptability to any design requirement, while our robust quality control processes, including Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and X-ray inspection, guarantee precision and reliability.

Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) is the process of attaching electronic components to a PCB to create a functional electronic device. This intricate process includes critical steps such as component placement, soldering, testing, and inspection, all aimed at transforming a bare board into a fully operational electronic system. PCBA forms the backbone of modern technology, powering devices ranging from smartphones to advanced aerospace systems.

PCB assembly plays a vital role in the electronics manufacturing process by converting conceptual designs into functional products. Its importance can be summarized as:

• High Precision: Ensures accurate placement of components to guarantee flawless performance.
• Reliability: Delivers robust assemblies capable of withstanding regular use and challenging environmental conditions.
• Scalability: Enables production at scales ranging from small prototypes to mass manufacturing.

We offer a comprehensive range of PCB assembly solutions designed to meet the needs of diverse industries. From advanced SMT and through-hole assembly to custom board designs and rigorous quality testing, our capabilities ensure precision, reliability, and efficiency for projects of any scale.

There are several PCB assembly methods, each designed to meet specific needs based on the type of electronic device and its complexity. Below, we explore six common types of PCB assembly:

1. Single-Sided PCB Assembly: Single-sided PCB assembly involves mounting components on only one side of the PCB. This assembly type is simple and cost-effective, ideal for low-cost, high-volume production. Single-sided PCBs are commonly used in devices like calculators, toys, and LED lights, where the circuit's complexity is relatively low.
2. Double-Sided PCB Assembly: Double-sided PCB assembly involves mounting components on both sides of the PCB. This assembly-type allows more components to be placed in a smaller area, which benefits more complex designs. Double-sided assembly is used in advanced electronics such as smartphones, computers, and automotive control systems. While the process is more intricate than single-sided assembly, it supports higher density and more advanced applications.
3. Through-Hole PCB Assembly: Through-hole PCB assembly is a traditional method in which component leads are inserted into holes drilled in the PCB and soldered on the opposite side. This technique provides strong mechanical bonds and excellent electrical conductivity, making it ideal for heavy components or devices that will endure mechanical stress. It is commonly used in industrial applications, automotive electronics, and high-reliability systems.
4. Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Assembly: Surface Mount Technology (SMT) is today's most widely used PCB assembly technique. In SMT, components are placed directly onto the surface of the PCB, eliminating the need for through-holes. SMT offers several advantages:
   • Reduced Size and Weight: Components are smaller and more compact, making SMT ideal for devices requiring miniaturization.
   • Higher Component Density: More components can be placed in a smaller area, enhancing the PCB's functionality.
   • Improved Performance: SMT is especially beneficial for high-frequency applications, allowing for more precise and efficient component placement.
   SMT is widely used in consumer electronics, telecommunications, medical devices, and automotive systems.
5. Mixed PCB Assembly: Mixed PCB assembly combines through-hole and surface mount techniques to meet an electronic device’s specific needs. This assembly type is often used when a combination of the two methods is required to achieve the desired performance and design criteria. For example, high-power components may be mounted using through-hole assembly, while smaller, high-density components are placed using SMT. Mixed assembly is commonly found in complex circuit boards, such as industrial equipment, automotive systems, and networking devices.
6. BGA PCB Assembly: Ball Grid Array (BGA) PCB assembly is an advanced surface mount technology for components with high pin counts, such as microprocessors and memory chips. BGA components are mounted on the PCB with balls of solder arranged in a grid pattern, offering excellent electrical performance and reliability. BGA assembly is particularly valuable in high-speed and high-frequency applications like smartphones, computers, and networking equipment. Specialized equipment and techniques, such as X-ray inspection, are required to ensure the accuracy of solder joints in BGA assembly.

• Order Quantity: We support orders from 1 to 10,000 boards, catering to small prototype projects, medium-scale production runs, and large-volume manufacturing.
• Components Supported
  1. Passive Parts: We handle components as small as 0201, enabling the assembly of highly compact and miniaturized designs.
  2. Fine Pitch Components: We can assemble components with pitches as fine as 8 mils, providing precision for high-density PCB layouts.
  3. Advanced Packages: We support a variety of sophisticated component packages, including:
     • BGA (Ball Grid Array) and uBGA (Micro Ball Grid Array): Used for high-performance processors and memory components.
     • QFN (Quad Flat No-Lead) and POP (Package on Package): Ideal for modern, compact electronics.
     • Leadless Chips: Accommodates chip designs without traditional lead frames for sleek profiles.
  4. Connectors and Terminals: We support various connector types and terminals to meet diverse interfacing needs.
• Component Packaging Supported
  • Reels: To ensure efficient and automated assembly for high-volume projects.
  • Cut Tape: Suitable for smaller production runs with fewer components.
  • Tube and Tray: To safely accommodate fragile or large components during assembly.
  • Loose Parts and Bulk: Offers flexibility by assembling components supplied in non-standard packaging.
• Board Dimensions: We are capable of assembling boards ranging in size from:
  • Smallest Dimensions: 0.2" x 0.2", ideal for microelectronics.
  • Largest Dimensions: 24" x 18", suitable for industrial or large-scale applications.
• Board Shapes: We accommodate diverse board shapes, including:
  • Rectangular: Standard PCB designs for most applications.
  • Round: For specialized electronics like wearable devices or motor controls.
  • Slots and Cutouts: Supports designs requiring mechanical flexibility or heat dissipation.
  • Complex and Irregular Shapes: Tailored for innovative applications requiring unique geometries.
• Board Types
  • Rigid FR-4 Boards: Standard and cost-effective PCBs suitable for most consumer and industrial electronics.
  • Rigid-Flex Boards: Combines rigid and flexible materials, ideal for compact devices or applications requiring bending without compromising durability.
• Assembly Processes
  • Leaded Process: Uses traditional soldering materials for applications where lead is permissible.
  • Lead-Free (RoHS): This method ensures compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive by using environmentally friendly and safe materials.
• Design File Formats Supported
  • Gerber RS-274X: Industry-standard file format for PCB layout and design details.
  • BOM (Bill of Materials): We accept component lists in .xls, .csv, and .xlsx formats for streamlined production.
  • Centroid (Pick-N-Place/XY Files): This tool is used for automated component placement, ensuring precision and speed in assembly.
• Sales and Support
  We offer customer-friendly services through multiple communication channels:
  • Emails for formal inquiries and updates.
  • Phone Calls for quick and direct assistance.
  • Web-Based Quotation Portals to request quotes for PCB and assembly services conveniently online.
• Oven Profiles
  We offer customizable soldering profiles to meet specific project needs:
  • Standard Profiles: For common assembly requirements.
  • Custom Profiles: Tailored for unique soldering conditions or advanced components.
• Turnaround Time
  • PCB Assembly Only: Completed in 1-5 days, suitable for urgent projects.
  • Turnkey PCB Assembly: Includes component sourcing, fabrication, and assembly, delivered within 10-16 days, offering an all-inclusive solution.
• Quality Control and Testing Procedures
  We enforce stringent quality control through:
  • Automated Optical Inspection (AOI): Ensures precise component placement, alignment, and soldering of components.
  • In-Circuit Testing (ICT): Verifies individual components and connections.
  • Functional Testing: Confirms the operational performance of assembled PCBs to ensure we meet design specifications.
  • X-Ray Inspection: Detects hidden defects in solder joints for leadless components.
  • 3D AOI and SPI Testing: Measures solder paste volume and component placement in three dimensions.
  • First Article Inspection (FAI): This ensures the first batch of PCBs meets design specs, helping identify issues early enough to adjust before mass production.
  • Visual Inspection: This examines PCBs for visible defects like solder bridges or component misplacement. It is often used alongside other tests for thorough quality checks.
• Certifications
  Our operations adhere to global quality standards, including:
  • ISO 9001: Demonstrating robust quality management systems.
  • RoHS Compliance: Ensuring eco-friendly production processes.
  • IPC-A-610 Class 2 and Class 3: Meeting stringent standards for electronic assemblies.
  • ISO13485: Satisfying regulatory requirements for medical device manufacturing.

Our Online Ordering Engine simplifies parts and assembly orders—complete the process in under 20 minutes with automatic discounts and optimized BOM pricing.

Steps to Order:

1. Input Project Details: Provide your project name and PCB quantity, and choose services (parts procurement, assembly).
2. Enter PCB Parameters: Add PCB details to calculate costs. Follow our consignment instructions or upgrade to turnkey for bare PCBs by selecting “PCB Fabrication.”
3. Submit/Create BOM: Upload your BOM in Excel or use our Octopart-powered BOM tool.
4. Define Assembly Parameters: Specify SMT pads, through-hole connections, and smallest package size.
5. Upload Gerber Files: Submit relevant files to ensure accurate processing.
6. Checkout & Payment: Finalize your order with shipping details and secure payment.

Our Online Ordering Engine makes PCB assembly fast and easy—complete your order in under 20 minutes while enjoying automatic discounts and the lowest BOM pricing.

Steps to Order:

1. Input Project Details: Provide your project name and PCB quantity and select the needed services (fabrication, parts procurement, assembly).
2. Enter PCB Parameters: Add fabrication details to calculate costs.
3. Upload/Create BOM: Submit or create your Bill of Materials using our Octopart-powered tool.
4. Define Assembly Details: Specify SMT pads, through-hole connections, and smallest component size.
5. Upload Gerber Files: Submit necessary design files for processing.
6. Checkout & Payment: Finalize your order with shipping info and secure payment.

After completing your PCB design and preparing it for submission to Bittele for PCB Fabrication and/or Assembly, it’s essential to understand the necessary files and expectations to ensure a smooth process. This checklist provides a quick, point-form summary of the essential requirements for obtaining a quote and collaborating during production.

Getting a Quote for PCB Assembly:

1. Submit Files: Upload essential files such as the BOM, Gerber files, and Pick and Place files.
2. Request a Quote: Use our Online Quote Portal to receive a detailed quote within 24 hours.
3. Confirm and Order: Review the quote, confirm details, and proceed with payment.
4. Track Your Order: Monitor the project’s progress via our online tracking platform.

During the Production Process:

1. BOM Inquiries: Within the first 1-2 days after placing a turnkey order, our parts procurement team may email you to address any questions regarding your Bill of Materials (BOM). These issues are typically resolved quickly to keep your project on track.
2. DFM Review: Our engineering team conducts a Design for Manufacturability (DFM) review shortly after placing your order. Any questions or concerns are shared within 1-2 days, often in an Excel file accompanied by images for clarity, ensuring a smooth production process.
3. High-Resolution Photos: Once assembly is complete, we email high-resolution images of your finished PCBs for your review and approval. Shipments are held until you confirm approval of these photos.
4. Order Tracking: Upon confirmation of your initial payment, you’ll receive a tracking link for your order. Our production team updates this link daily to provide real-time order status and estimated final shipping date, keeping you informed every step of the way.

• Comprehensive Solutions: End-to-end services covering design, assembly, and testing.
• Quick Turnaround: Efficient processes to meet tight deadlines.
• Exceptional Quality: Rigorous testing ensures reliable performance.
• Flexibility: Supports various board types, designs, and production scales.

PCB assembly is the cornerstone of modern electronics, and Bittele Electronics stands out as a trusted partner for high-quality, cost-effective solutions. Whether you need a single prototype or a large production run, our expertise and commitment to excellence ensure your project’s success.