Systems and methods for precision placement of components

Abstract

Precisely aligned assemblies can be complex, time consuming, labor intensive, and expensive and a need exists for better alternatives. Systems and methods described herein yield high precision printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) that contain pre-built alignment features to address this need. The work of precisely locating components on the PCBA to a final position in the overall assembly is already built in to the board. Locating features are used to precisely position one or more components, such as optical components, electro optical components, or mechanical components in assemblies. The locating features may be used to constrain the positions of those components, such as by kinematic coupling, solder wetting dynamics, semiconductor cleaving, dicing, photolithographic techniques for etching, constant contact force, and advanced adhesive technology to result in optical level positioning that significantly improves or eliminates assembly alignment challenges.