Component ID for PCB Assembly

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Module 1: Introduction

• Distinguish between through-hole (TH) and surface mount (SMT) components
• Explain the materials, tools, and processes used to assemble TH, SMT, and mixed technology PCAs
• Distinguish between component packages and component packaging
• Distinguish between through-hole (TH) and surface mount (SMT) components
• Explain the materials, tools, and processes used to assemble TH, SMT, and mixed technology PCAs
• Distinguish between component packages and component packaging

Module 2: Component Verification

• Describe how markings are used to identify the origin and value of a component
• Use a manufacturer data sheet to determine the characteristics of a component
• Use component reference designators to identify the most common types of components
• Describe the purpose and contents of a bill of materials
• Recognize the polarity markings of common types of components
• Recognize the markings used to correctly orient components on a PCB
• Use component markings, PCA markings, assembly drawings, and sample boards to verify that the right components have been correctly placed and oriented on the    assembly.

Module 3: Resistors

• Explain the function of a resistor
• Visually identify the most common types of TH and SMT resistors
• Explain ohm, tolerance, and PPM (parts per million per degree °C)
• Interpret component markings and code tables to determine a resistor’s value, tolerance, and PPM
• Use component markings, BOM, packaging, and data sheet to verify that the correct resistor is installed in the correct location on a PCB
• Examine the characteristics of resistor array and power resistors
• Determine a resistor’s power rating

Module 4: Capacitors

• Explain the function of a capacitor
• Visually identify the most common types of TH and SMT capacitors
• Explain capacitance and voltage
• Use a capacitance conversion table (microfarad, nanofarad, picofarad)
• Interpret component markings to determine capacitance, voltage, and tolerance
• Use markings, BOMs, packaging, and data sheet to verify that the correct capacitor is installed in the correct location on a PCB
• Use polarity markings to verify correct orientation on a PCB 

Module 5: Inductors 

• Explain the function of an inductor
• Explain inductance
• Visually identify the most common types of TH and SMT inductors
• Use an inductance conversion table (millihenries, microhenries, nanohenries)
• Interpret inductor color bands and alphanumeric codes to determine inductance and tolerance
• Use component markings, BOM, packaging, and data sheet to verify that the correct inductor is installed in the correct location on a PCB 

Module 6: Diodes 

• Explain the function of the most common types of diodes
• Explain voltage (volts) and current (amperes) and how they determine the operation of diodes
• Identify the types of component packages used to house the most common types of TH and SMT diodes
• Use component markings, BOM, packaging, and data sheet to verify that the correct diode is installed in the correct location on a PCB
• Use polarity markings to verify correct orientation on a PCB 

Module 7: Transistors

• Explain the characteristics and function of the two most common types of transistors (BJTs and FETs)
• Identify the types of component packages used to house the most common varieties of TH and SMT diodes
• Use assembly documentation and manufacturer data sheets to verify the identity value, and characteristics of a transistor
• Use assembly documentation, data sheets, and component and board markings to identify pin 1 and ensure that transistors are correctly oriented on the PCB 

Module 8: Integrated Circuits

• Explain the characteristics and function of the most common types of transistors
• Identify the types of component packages used to house common varieties of TH and SMT diodes
• Use assembly documentation and manufacturer data sheets to verify the identity value, and characteristics of an integrated circuit
• Use assembly documentation, data sheets, and component and board markings to identify pin 1 and ensure that integrated circuits are correctly oriented on the
 PCB