All SMD and through-hole components placed on the same side of the PCB.
This is not a step backward. It is cost optimization.
| Comparison | Double-Side PCBA | Single-Side PCBA (Same Side) |
|---|---|---|
| Pick-and-Place Runs | 2 (top and bottom) | 1 |
| Reflow Soldering Passes | 2 | 1 |
| Wave Soldering / Touch-Up | Complex (bottom side components need protection) | Simple (one pass for all) |
| Component Drop-Off Risk | Yes (components on bottom side may fall during second reflow) | None |
| Carrier Fixtures | Required (trays / pallets) | Not required or very simple |
| Panelization Efficiency | Limited by double-side layout | Highly flexible, high utilization |
| Bulk Unit Price | Baseline | 15-30% lower |
Panelization Advantages
With all components on the same side, panelization design is extremely flexible:
V-CUT or mouse bites — you choose · Pick-and-place machine populates all panels in one run · After depaneling, each board is complete and fully functional
