Which types of components are commonly inspected according to IPC-A-610?

The correct answer reflects the comprehensive nature of inspections conducted according to IPC-A-610 standards. IPC-A-610 provides guidelines for the acceptability of electronic assemblies and specifies inspection criteria applicable to various types of components used in both surface mount technology (SMT) and through-hole technology, as well as mixed technology assemblies that incorporate features from both categories.

Surface mount components are soldered directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards, while through-hole components have leads that pass through holes in the circuit board and are typically soldered on the opposite side. Mixed technology refers to assemblies that utilize both surface mount and through-hole components within a single circuit board. The standards ensure that all types of components are inspected for proper soldering, alignment, placement, and other quality parameters crucial for the reliability and performance of electronic assemblies.

By including all three types of components, the standards aim to provide a unified approach to quality assessment in electronic manufacturing, ensuring that assemblies meet performance and reliability expectations across various technological applications.