As we enter the new year, Gelco EMS extends its warmest wishes for a prosperous and innovative year. At the heart of every groundbreaking electronic device is a well-crafted PCB assembly, and we look forward to continuing to serve your needs with advanced technology and unmatched dedication. Let’s take a closer look at one of the most versatile and innovative technologies in circuit board assembly – Mixed PCB Assembly.

The demand for high-performance, compact electronic devices has grown exponentially. As designs become more intricate, meeting these requirements often calls for a blend of assembly techniques—specifically through-hole technology (THT) and surface mount technology (SMT). This is where mixed PCB assembly takes center stage. Combining THT and SMT advantages, mixed PCB assemblies deliver unmatched versatility and functionality. Let’s dive into the benefits and applications of this hybrid approach to PCB assembly.

What Is Mixed PCB Assembly?

Mixed PCB assembly is the combination of through-hole technology (THT) and surface mount technology (SMT) into a single PCB.

• Through-Hole Technology (THT): Involves components placed using lead wires that pass through holes drilled in the PCB. Known for durability and strength, THT is especially effective for components subject to mechanical stress.
• Surface Mount Technology (SMT): Components are directly mounted onto the PCB without the need for drilled holes, making SMT ideal for compact designs.

Mixed PCB assembly bridges the gap between these two techniques, allowing manufacturers to produce boards that benefit from the strengths of both, meeting even the most challenging application requirements.

Scenarios for Mixed PCB Assembly

Mixed PCB assembly is implemented in different scenarios, depending on the application. These include:

• Single-Sided Mixed Assembly: THT and SMT components are mounted on the same side of the board.
• One-Side SMT and One-Side THT Assembly: Each side of the board uses a different assembly technique, creating a distinct separation.
• Double-Sided Mixed Assembly: Both sides of the PCB feature a mix of THT and SMT components.

Each of these approaches comes with specific manufacturing steps and sequencing to ensure precision and quality.

Why Choose Mixed PCB Assembly?

Mixed PCB assembly has become a popular choice among PCB designers and manufacturers due to its unique set of advantages:

• Dual Benefits: By combining THT and SMT, mixed PCBs deliver the durability of THT components along with the compactness and flexibility of SMT.
• Reduced Costs: With fewer product parts and a streamlined layout through design for manufacturability (DFM), mixed assembly minimizes costs and speeds up production.
• Effective Layout Design: Self-aligning properties and modular layouts ensure precision and flexibility, enabling consistency across various products.

These benefits make mixed PCB assembly a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable solution for complex designs.

Applications of Mixed PCB Assembly

Thanks to their versatility and high performance, mixed PCBs are used in a wide range of industries and applications, including CPUs, IoT Hardware, Sensor Boards, Server Boards, Video Processing Units, LED Lighting Products, Various Communication Devices, Industrial Controllers, Smartphone Accessories etc.

These assemblies deliver the precision and durability required for modern electronic and electromechanical applications.

Start the New Year with Innovation

At Gelco EMS, we are dedicated to delivering cutting-edge PCB solutions that meet the dynamic demands of today’s industries. Mixed PCB assembly is one of our specialties, allowing us to cater to complex, performance-driven applications. As we embark on another year, we remain committed to advancing technology and driving innovation in PCB assembly.

Let us help you bring your projects to life with custom-tailored solutions, premium quality, and unwavering support. Here’s to a year filled with growth, innovation, and success!

Happy New Year from all of us at Gelco EMS!