RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Common Circuit Board Component Abbreviations and PCB Terminologies

Abbreviations are commonly used across several industries, including the PCB and electronics industry. One
thing about abbreviations is that they make communication easier. However, effective communication is
when both parties understand the real meaning. The communication Age is more accurate.

Furthermore, the ability to send and receive meaningful information is crucial in our everyday lives. The
PCB industry uses abbreviations more often. The fabrication of PCBAs depends on accurate and effective
communication between board designers and assemblers. We have compiled a list of PCB abbreviations and
terminologies in this article.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

Table of Contents

Common PCB Component Abbreviations

IC

IC means integrated circuit. It is a chip or microchip fabricated as a single unit. Integrated circuit is a
semiconductor-based electronic component that comprises capacitors, transistors, and resistors. An IC is an
integral part of most modern electronic devices. An integrated circuit is an integrated system of several
interconnected and miniaturized components fused in a semiconductor material.

BGA

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Also known as ball grid array, BGA is a crucial component in PCB assembly. It is a surface-mount
packaging utilized for integrated circuits. Also, BGA packages are permanently used to mount devices like
microprocessors. The ball grid array has contributed to the advancement in electronic devices. This is
because it utilizes less space in electronic devices.

EMI

Electromagnetic interference is a common terminology in the electronics industry. EMI refers to unwanted
interference or noise in a circuit. This interference is usually caused by an external source. EMI can cause
failure in a printed circuit board. EMI is the radio frequency interference.

SPI

Serial peripheral interface (SPI) enables serial exchange of information between two devices. One of them is
a master while the other is a slave. Also, SPI functions in full duplex mode. Therefore, this means you can
transfer data in both directions simultaneously.

USB

Universal serial bus enables connections between computer and peripheral devices. It is an easy method of
transmitting data between a host device and a peripheral device. A USB enables the use of different
devices.

RF

Radio Frequency is the oscillation rate of electromagnetic radio waves between the range of 3kHZ and 300
GHz. Also, RF is widely used in several electronic applications such as cellular telephones, microwave, and
satellite communications.

CAD

CAD refers to computer-aided design. It is the use of computer-based software to help in design processes.

Common Printed Circuit Board Terminologies

Understanding certain terminologies is important in the PCB industry. This can enhance communication
among PCB designers and manufacturers. These are terminologies commonly used in the PCB industry:

Aspect ratio

This is the ratio between the thickness of a circuit board and diameter of its minimum via. Aspect ratio must
be low as this enhances plating quality and reduces potential via failures.

Active components

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Active components refer to a component that depends on the flow direction of an electrical current. For
instance a valve and transistor are examples of active components. Also, active components depend on an
external source of power to regulate electrical signals.

Component hole

A component hole in a PCB is drilled for a component. Also, these holes enhance a pin or component with
an electric connection. Designers must always specify if a hole is a component hole. This is because the size
of component holes is more crucial than a hole that won’t have component place in it.

Edge plating

Edge plating is a copper plating that connects the top to the bottom surface of a circuit board. Also, edge
plating enables edge soldering and connections.

AOI

Automated optical inspection is a method of inspecting printed circuit boards. This inspection method
detects possible problems as regards soldering performance in multi-layer circuit boards. Also, the AOI
equipment discovers these issues by capturing the inner PCB surfaces. Therefore, it looks for any potential
issues as regards polarity and displacement.

Functional test

Functional test is a software testing that verifies the functionality of software application. Also, this test
helps to verify if an application has a defect or there is a missing requirement it needs. Functional test
verifies if the function of an application works according to the required specification.

Other PCB Terminologies

Assembly house

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

This refers to a production facility where the assembly of PCBs and their components takes place. Also, an
assembly house usually comprises PCBA equipment like reflow oven, mounter, and more.

Gerber file

A Gerber file is a CAM file type that controls a photoplotter. Also, the Gerber file is a good way of
delivering information about a board specification to manufacturers. Gerber files are very crucial for
fabricating printed circuit boards. Also, these files comprise information that guides the PCB manufacturer
during PCB fabrication.

EMC

Electromagnetic compatibility deals with the ability of a system or a piece of equipment to function without
generative excessive EMI. Also, EMC means a device is compatible with its electromagnetic environment.
Therefore, it does not produce electromagnetic energy.

Silkscreen

Silkscreen is a layer of epoxy ink on a PCB. It comprises the names and positions of components. Silkscreen
has a label that directs engineers through the PCB assembly process. Silks screens are usually white.
Therefore, this makes the labels stand out against the solder mask of the PCB.

Reference designator

Reference designator refers to the name of an electronic component on a circuit board. The component name
usually begins with one letter or two. Therefore, these letters indicate the component class. Also, reference
designators are mostly printed in the silkscreen. This helps to identify each component

Schematic

This is a technical sketch that specifies the connections between PCB components. Also, schematic is an
abstract representation of components rather than pictures. Schematics are the first crucial step in PCB
design.

Membrane switch

A membrane switch specifies the functions of the circuit board and components like indicators, functions,
and other parts. A PCB manufacturer applies a membrane switch to a PCBA. Also, the membrane protects
the PCB by waterproofing.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

Basic Electronic Components and Their Functions

Electronic components are commonly found in electronic devices. Electronic components are in two major
categories. These are passive components and active components. When fabricating a printed circuit board,

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

you will need a number of active and passive electronic components. However, it is important you identify
these components. Here are some examples of active and passive electronic components:

Active electronic components

Transistors

Transistors have three terminals that allow you to easily identify them. These electronic components regulate
voltage or current flow. Also, they are semiconductor devices that switch or amplify electrical signals and
power. Transistors are the fundamental building blocks of most modern devices.

Diodes

Diodes are electronic components that enable the flow or electric current in a single direction.
Every diode features two terminals which are the cathode and anode. Electric current will flow when you
charge the cathode with a negative voltage and the anode with a positive one. The reversion of these voltages
will prevent the flow of current.

Integrated circuits

Integrated circuits are a thin small outline package of complex circuits. These passive electronic components
are available in various sizes and packages. Also, ICs can function as an oscillator, amplifier, and a
microprocessor. They are usually made of silicon. Also, they can hold several resistors, capacitors, and
transistors. Integrated circuit package having two rows of pins is a dual in line package.

Microcontrollers

These are a single integrated circuit that features a microprocessor with memory and associated circuits.
A microcontroller gets input and process the information. Therefore, it reacts and delivers outputs based on
the data gathered.

Microcontrollers consume less power. This is because they are inside other devices that consume power.
Also, microcontrollers function at lower speeds between the range of 1MHz and 200MHz.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

Passive electronic components

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Resistors

These electronic components regulate or limit electrical current flow in a circuit board. Also, resistors can
offer specific voltage for an active component like a transistor. These electronic components are mostly
found in many electrical circuits. Also, resistors have a fixed electrical resistance. A resistor is a passive
electronic component.

Capacitors

These electronic components temporarily store electric charge. Also, these components are available in
various forms. The electrolytic and ceramic disk are the most common types. The capacity of
this capacitor is usually measured in microfarads.

Inductors

Inductors are passive electronic components that save energy in a magnetic field. These components
comprise a coil of wire tied around a core. Also, the core can be air or a magnet. A magnetic field forms
around an inductor when current passes through it. If the core is a magnet, the magnetic field will be
stronger. Inductors are crucial for the performance of a printed circuit board.

Transformers

Transformers are electrical devices that allow energy transfer between two or more circuits via
electromagnetic induction. Also, transformers help to step down or step up power. Transformers are
commonly used in a multi layer PCB.

Switches

These electronic components interrupt current. Switches control both the closing and opening of an electric
circuit. These electronic components are critical in any circuit. Therefore, they require control or user
interaction. A switch comprises two pieces of metals that can touch or cannot touch.

Motors

Motors are passive electronic components that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Also,
motors function through the interaction between its electric current and magnetic field in a wire winding to
produce force in torque form.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

Electronic Components Name Abbreviations

Electronic components name abbreviations are commonly used in the electronic industry. Therefore, it is
crucial to know these electronic components name abbreviations. We have compiled a list of electronic
components name abbreviations in this section. Also, we included some through hole components.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

 AE: This means aerial or antenna

 BR: This refers to bridge rectifier
 CRT: CRT refers to cathode ray tube
 GDT: This is one of the rarely used electronic components name abbreviations. It refers to a
gas discharge tube.
 IC: IC is one of the commonly used electronic components name abbreviations. It refers to
integrated circuit
 MCB: This refers to circuit breaker
 OP: OP refers to operational amplifier
 JFET: JFET means junction gate field-effect transistor
 SCR: SCR means silicon controller rectifier
 VLSI: This means very large scale integration
 T: T stands for transformer
 Ne: Ne stands for neon lamp
 CR or D: This refers to diode
 TFT: TFT is one of the common electronic components name abbreviations. It stands for thin
film resistor
 DSP: DSP refers to digital signal processor
 LED: This refers to light emitting diode
 SCR: SCR refers to silicon controlled rectifier
 VFD: This is one of the most common electronic components name abbreviations. It refers to a
vacuum fluorescent display.
 Z: Z refers to zener diode
 BGA: This refers to ball grid array. BGA helps in component packaging.
 HDI: HDI stands for high-density interconnect
 IoT: IoT stands for internet of things

Electronic components name abbreviations are a way of communicating to electronics engineers.

Understanding what electronic components name abbreviations will help to ensure accurate communication
among PCB manufacturers. Also, understanding electronic components name abbreviations are critical
for electronics manufacturing.

Benefits of Using Electronics and PCB symbols

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

There are several circuit symbols in the electronic world. Some circuit symbols are commonly used across
the industry. It is crucial to represent electronic components in circuit symbols. Without a circuit symbol, it
is difficult to create the design of schematics. PCB boards layout can feature circuit symbols. Below are
some benefits of using circuit symbols.

 Circuit symbols make circuit drawing easier

 Also, circuit symbols solve the circuits
 Circuit symbols make electrical component representation very easy.

Conclusion

It is crucial to know some common symbols in the electronic industry. Also, in PCB manufacturing, some
common symbols help in creating a PCB layout. A printed circuit board features several electronic
components and parts.

Most times, PCB manufacturers use abbreviations and terminologies in their PCB design and layout.
Therefore, understanding these terminologies, abbreviations, and symbols is necessary. These days, circuit
symbols and their functions have been standardized.

Related Posts:

1. What are the Common Ventec Materials for PCB Circuit Boards?

2. How Many Common PCB Design Mistakes You Should Know

3. What is 4G IoT? Most Common Cellular IoT Connectivity

4. What are the Common Considerations and Applications of RF Designs?

https://www.raypcb.com/common-circuit-board-component/

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/