You make a PCB connection primarily by **soldering electronic components to the copper pads on the board**. This process creates a strong electrical and mechanical link between the component and the Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
Based on the provided information, you connect electronic components to a PCB by **soldering their leads or terminals to the copper pads on the board**. The process involves placing the components in their designated positions, often through holes or on surface pads, and then applying solder to create a strong electrical connection.
## Understanding the Core Method: Soldering
Soldering is the most common and reliable method for connecting electronic components to a PCB. It involves using a metal alloy (solder) with a low melting point to join the component leads or terminals to the copper traces (pads) on the board. When heated, the solder melts and flows, and upon cooling, it solidifies, creating a durable conductive bond.
There are two main types of component mounting relevant to making connections:
* **Through-Hole Technology (THT):** Components have leads that pass through drilled holes in the PCB and are typically soldered on the opposite side of the board.
* **Surface-Mount Technology (SMT):** Components (Surface-Mount Devices or SMD) sit directly on the surface of the PCB and are soldered to pads on that same surface.
Regardless of the type, the fundamental principle of using solder to join the component to the copper remains the same.
## Steps for Making a Soldered Connection
Making a proper soldered connection requires care and practice. Here are the basic steps involved, aligning with the process mentioned in the reference:
1. **Prepare the Workspace:** Ensure you have a clean, well-lit area, a soldering iron, solder, flux (often in the solder core), and appropriate safety gear (like safety glasses).
2. **Place the Component:** Carefully position the electronic component onto its designated spot on the PCB. For through-hole components, insert the leads through the holes. For surface-mount components, place them accurately on the surface pads.
3. **Heat the Joint:** Using the soldering iron, heat *both* the component lead/terminal and the copper pad simultaneously. This is crucial for the solder to flow correctly and wet both surfaces.
4. **Apply Solder:** While the pad and lead are hot, apply a small amount of solder to the joint, *not* directly to the soldering iron tip. The solder should melt and flow smoothly around the lead and onto the pad, creating a shiny, smooth connection.
5. **Remove Solder and Iron:** First, remove the solder, then remove the soldering iron from the joint. Allow the joint to cool and solidify naturally without disturbing it.
6. **Inspect the Connection:** Examine the finished joint. It should look shiny and have a smooth, concave shape, indicating good contact with both the component lead and the pad. Dull, lumpy, or ball-shaped joints may indicate a poor connection.
By following these steps, you create the vital electrical connection between the electronic component and the complex circuitry on the PCB, enabling the device to function as designed.
