Electronics Assembly Technology

Master PCB Assembly from Components to Production-Ready Electronics The Electronics Assembly Technology course provides a comprehensive introduction to the processes, tools, materials, and standards used in modern printed circuit board (PCB) assembly.

As electronics manufacturing continues to evolve, understanding how components are accurately placed, soldered, and inspected is critical for ensuring product reliability and performance.

In this course, you explore the full PCB assembly lifecycle, from bare boards to fully functional electronic systems.

You will gain practical knowledge of surface mount technology (SMT), through-hole assembly, and mixed technology integration, while also learning how automated equipment and quality assurance processes are used in real-world manufacturing environments.

Special emphasis is placed on soldering techniques, inspection standards such as IPC-A-610, and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to improve manufacturability and efficiency.

Whether you are pursuing a career in electronics manufacturing or looking to strengthen your technical foundation, this course equips you with the skills needed to succeed in today’s electronics industry.

Course Topics Understanding the PCB Assembly Process Acceptability, Regulations, and Materials Solder Paste Screen Printing Component Pick-and-Place Reflow Soldering Through-Hole Component Soldering Wave & Selective Soldering Processes Inspection & Quality Control Rework Techniques Supplemental Processes Test Processes Cleaning Practices Transport & Handling Industry Trends & Career Opportunities Learning Outcomes By the end of this course, you will be able to: Understand SMT and through-hole assembly processes and equipment Identify electronic components , placement methods, and assembly line stages Analyze soldering methods including reflow, wave, and hand soldering Apply IPC standards (especially IPC-A-610) for inspection and quality control Perform basic rework, repair, and yield improvement techniques Interpret assembly documentation such as BOMs, pick-and-place files, and drawings Evaluate Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to improve manufacturability Who Should Take This Course Aspiring electronics technicians and assembly specialists Manufacturing and process engineers working with PCBs Quality control and inspection professionals in electronics production PCB designers and hardware engineers seeking DFA knowledge Students and career changers entering the electronics manufacturing field Course Details and Next Steps Course Typically Offered: Online during Summer and Winter quarters.

Next steps: Upon completion of this course, consider expanding your PCB expertise by enrolling in the PCB Fabrication Technology (EE-41005) .

More information : Contact unexengr@ucsd.edu to learn more about this course and related PCB offerings.