Surface Mounted
Printed Circuit Boards Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Tips
Many people don't like to deal with surface mount technology (SMT) because of some misinformation about it. There exist several good references for commercial assembly, but not much is written about prototyping and hand soldering with SMT.
SMT is a type of electronic component package. Surface Mount (SM) is one of two categories of electronic components; the second is through hole (TH). SM components are designed for loading and soldering on a specific side of the printed circuit board. TH is designed for loading and printing on one side of the circuit board.
Why is SMT used in industry?
SMT offers several important benefits over though TH -- including smaller physical size with the same electrical function -- are cheaper in terms of raw material, have less unwanted effects and are faster for automatic machines to place. The greatest advantage of SMT is the real estate saved by not drilling holes through the board. That allows the board to have more trace and thus be more compact in size.
Why should you care about Surface Mount Technology?
SMT increasingly affects those involved in development, repair, and modification of electronics. SMT equivalents are quickly replacing the TH components as producers increase their investment in SMT production equipment to reap the benefits.
SMT Myths
Some of these myths include the idea that SMT requires special training, professional PCBs, special expensive equipment, and other components that are difficult to find. Most printed circuit board assembly houses do not have any problems with SMT. Find out before you place an order. Sierra Circuits in Sunnyvale, California has an amazing assembly facility with years and years of experience. They can handle SMT, TH, BGAs or any other technology.
Tip to Use SMT without Stress
To use SMT without stress, you must practice your technique, keep a steady hand, have good eyesight or use some sort of magnification, and use a good pair of tweezers.
How can SMT help you?
SMT offers many benefits over leaded components. These include:
- SMT resistors are simple to parallel together and quick to solder and de-solder. Not working on both sides of the board at the same time reduces frustration.
- When using RF signals, unwanted effects in SMT parts are fewer than parts.
- When space is limited, SMT parts fit perfectly on the gaps of VERO board and posses the ability to mix with designs that utilize leaded parts.
- When hole drilling is an issue, SMT streamlines this because you load and solder on the same side.
Tips for soldering SMT Parts
Good soldering techniques come with practice. There are also a few tips to follow, including keeping the circuit board clean, using the correct soldering iron for the job, selecting the correct tip and using solder flux where possible. For practicing, use SMT resistors because they are not easily damaged.
What parts can you recycle?
It's possible to obtain many SMT parts from surplus or junk equipment. It saves money and allows or good de-soldering practice. Ceramic capacitors are problematic as they crack easily. Resistors, inductors and transistors can be verified for proper operation, but excessive heat may damage the device. For a list of all parts, there a couple good component suppliers. DigiKey is one of the more popular ones. You can also scavenge old computers, cell phones, TV's, etc.
About the Author
Amit Bahl
Director of Marketing and Sales for Sierra Circuits, Inc.
Amit is tasked with exploring and developing new markets for High Density Interconnect PCBs and Microelectronic substrates. Sierra Circuits, Inc. has primarily serviced the quick turn prototype market and is now actively developing the Medical, Military and Automotive markets. Prior to joining Sierra Circuits, Inc., Amit Bahl was a part of IBM's Global Services team, where he worked on automating and optimizing business processes using the latest Information technologies. Amit Bahl received his B.S.C in computer science with a minor in marketing from UCLA.
https://www.protoexpress.com/index.jsp
http://www.9h1mrl.org/workshop/SMT-GuideV1-3.pdf
Surface Mount Capacitor
 |
 Intex Deluxe Wall Mounted Above Ground Swimming Pool Surface Skimmer 58949 $23.49 Time Remaining: 14d 9h 20m Buy It Now for only: $23.49 Buy It Now |
 Antique R E Surface Mounted Door Lock $9.99 Time Remaining: 14h 58m |
 Villeroy Boch AVEO Surface Mounted Washbasin Sink $199.99 Time Remaining: 10h 52m |
 Stainless Steel 35 Inch Surface Mounted Folding Boat Cleat from Accon Marine $39.90 Time Remaining: 21d 21h 15m Buy It Now for only: $39.90 Buy It Now |
 Villeroy Boch 23 5 8 Surface Mounted Washbasin Sink $199.99 Time Remaining: 10h 53m |
 Intex Deluxe Wall Mounted Swimming Pool Surface Skimmer 58949E $60.00 Time Remaining: 18d 12h 38m Buy It Now for only: $60.00 Buy It Now |
 Rutherford Controls 9Surbox Surface Mounted Utility Box NEW $19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 51m Buy It Now for only: $22.50 Buy It Now |
 Intex Deluxe Wall Mounted Above Ground Swimming Pool Surface Skimmer NEW 58949 $25.99 Time Remaining: 26d 18h 11m Buy It Now for only: $25.99 Buy It Now |
 Rutherford Controls 9Surbox Surface Mounted Utility Box NEW $19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 51m Buy It Now for only: $22.50 Buy It Now |
 NEW Intex Krystal Clear Wall Mounted Pool Surface Skimmer FREE SHIPPING $24.99 Time Remaining: 16d 7h 12m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 Buy It Now |
 LOT 6 ASI 10 0030 Surface Mounted Twin Hide A Roll Toilet Tissue Dispenser $24.99 Time Remaining: 17h 53m |
 Stainless Steel 4 1 2 Surface Mounted Folding Boat Cleat from Accon Marine $44.90 Time Remaining: 19d 17h 39m Buy It Now for only: $44.90 Buy It Now |
 2 piece design provides a surface mounted solution for $6.59 Time Remaining: 18h Buy It Now for only: $7.26 Buy It Now |
 HK1800PA FastDry Automatic Hand Dryer with FREE Wall Plug Surface Mounted $104.00 Time Remaining: 14d 10h 16m Buy It Now for only: $104.00 Buy It Now |
 2 piece design provides a surface mounted solution for $6.59 Time Remaining: 18h Buy It Now for only: $7.26 Buy It Now |
 55mm Cupboard Door Catch Latch Surface Mounted Chrome Plate $5.53 Time Remaining: 8d 3h 18m Buy It Now for only: $5.53 Buy It Now |
 LEVITAN HEAVY DUTY POWER RECEPTACLE 5378 50 AMP 250 VOLT SURFACE MOUNTED Vintage $9.99 Time Remaining: 13h 2m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 Bobrick B 27460 Toilet Tissue Dispenser Surface mounted Two Rolls $25.25 Time Remaining: 20d 18h 49m Buy It Now for only: $25.25 Buy It Now |
 Bobrick Touch Free Pull Down Surface Mounted Roll Towel Dispenser SS $49.99 Time Remaining: 16h 44m |
 Bobrick Washroom B 7680 Classic Series Surface Mounted Soap Dish $9.95 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 37m Buy It Now for only: $10.95 Buy It Now |
 XLERATOR XL C Automatic Surface Mounted Hand Dryer with Chrome Cover 220 240v $399.95 Time Remaining: 10d 19h 45m Buy It Now for only: $399.95 Buy It Now |
 ClassicSeriestm Satin Stainless Steel Surface Mounted Soap Dispenser with a Ho $35.00 Time Remaining: 8h 45m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 Buy It Now |
 4 DOOR APARTMENT STYLE MAILBOX LOCKING WALL MAIL BOX $147.00 Time Remaining: 17d 8h 31m Buy It Now for only: $147.00 Buy It Now |
 Bobrick B2892 Surface Mounted Twin Jumbo Roll Toilet New $74.99 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 16m |
 Bobrick B4112 Contura Series Surface Mounted Soap $42.00 Time Remaining: 6d 20h 33m Buy It Now for only: $42.00 Buy It Now |
 Tech Lighting Surface Mounted Transformer 12V 300W Satin Nickel 700SRT30DS $220.00 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 12m Buy It Now for only: $320.00 Buy It Now |
 Erickson Manufacturing Surface Mounted Hide A Hook Folding Cargo Hook E09094 $14.95 Time Remaining: 21d 15h 42m Buy It Now for only: $14.95 Buy It Now |
 Buyers Surface Mounted Rope Tie Down Rings 02025 or B701SM New in $1.00 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 1m |
 Stainless Steel Six Inch Surface Mounted Folding Boat Cleat from Accon Marine $59.90 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 38m Buy It Now for only: $59.90 Buy It Now |
 SUPER SURFCO E Z Plug Peel Stick Surface Mounted LEASH Plug w LEASHLOK Strap $5.95 Time Remaining: 4d 21h 7m |
 AJBA Reverse Reversing Lamp Light 12v Flush Surface Mounted FR30 $6.31 Time Remaining: 8d 11h 22m Buy It Now for only: $6.31 Buy It Now |
 Safe Home Door Window Surface Mounted Magnetic Switch $3.16 Time Remaining: 6h 21m |
 Paper Towel Dispenser American Specialties ASI Multi Fold Surface Mounted $28.50 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 13m Buy It Now for only: $28.50 Buy It Now |
 Surface Mounted Wired Metal Iron Gate Magnetic Contact Switch Alarm $11.51 Time Remaining: 14h 17m |
 Rear surface mounted foglight for trailer caravan TR052 $4.35 Time Remaining: 13d 2h Buy It Now for only: $4.35 Buy It Now |
 Surface Mounted Wired Iron Gate Window Magnetic Switch $8.26 Time Remaining: 6h 42m |
 10 Pcs Metal Shank Taper Wood Stone Iron Surface Grinding Bit Mounted Points $10.27 Time Remaining: 9h 57m |
 AJBA Rear Fog Lamp Light 12v Flush Surface Mounted FR20 Erde Trailer $6.31 Time Remaining: 8d 11h 26m Buy It Now for only: $6.31 Buy It Now |
 ClassicSeriestm Satin Stainless Steel Surface Mounted Soap Dispenser with a Ho $35.00 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 26m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 Buy It Now |
 Leviton Surface Mounted Single Pole Switch 800 5231 NEW $8.47 Time Remaining: 26d 11h 15m Buy It Now for only: $8.47 Buy It Now |
 Matrx Station quick disconnect outlet Surface mounted with plate triple N2O O2 V $100.00 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 36m |
 Surface Mounted Cedar Chest Lock KEY KEY KEY 2A $6.99 Time Remaining: 29d 14h 16m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 Buy It Now |
 Magnetic Switch Surface Mounted for Glazed Door Window $3.27 Time Remaining: 11h 6m |
 Bobrick B 21121 Classic Series Surface Mounted Soap Dispenser $19.99 Time Remaining: 16d 16h 18m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 Vintage 1950s De Armond Prototype Guitar Pickup surface mounted FHC $139.98 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 2m Buy It Now for only: $155.99 Buy It Now |
 Large Surface mounted Butterfly Twist Latch Fastener crates ATA boxes $2.25 Time Remaining: 6d 14h 18m Buy It Now for only: $2.25 Buy It Now |
 Magnetic Switch Surface Mounted for Glazed Door Window $3.65 Time Remaining: 13h 24m |
 NEW INTERNATIONAL DOOR CLOSERS 753 SURFACE MOUNTED $89.00 Time Remaining: 24d 12h 50m Buy It Now for only: $89.00 Buy It Now |
 Westinghouse Loadcenter 200 AMP Outdoor Surface Mounted Main Breaker B2048RP $69.95 Time Remaining: 7d 15h 24m Buy It Now for only: $112.99 Buy It Now |
 LM78L05ACM SOP 8 Surface mounted IC Regulator x2pcs $1.58 Time Remaining: 16d 7h 53m Buy It Now for only: $1.58 Buy It Now |
 10 Pcs Metal Shank Taper Wood Stone Iron Surface Grinding Bit Mounted Points $7.43 Time Remaining: 20h 14m |
 Surface Mounted Spring Door Closer - White Sale Price: $14.39  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionC.R. LAURENCE KC11US CRL White Spring Door Closer. The CRL Safety Door Closer is both powerful and versital. This closer is designed for use on both left or right handed inswinging doors. Made with a die cast body, and having twin torsion springs, this closer will work on doors weighing up to 150 pounds (68 kg)...  |
 Surface Mounted Keyhole Bed Rail Brackets - 90 Degree Bracket Set Sale Price: $12.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis surface-mounted bed rail bracket is a snap to install. 90 degree red rail bracket includes a safety lock feature. Screws to be used should be 32 #8 flat-head screws and 4 #10 round head screws to the length necessary for your application... |
 MCP1368 Surface Mounted Wall Niches See Reviews For This Product DescriptionMCP 1378 Wall Niches are made out of Polyurethane material, It is a lightweight decorative wood replacement that will not crack, rot or split and can easily be installed by using standard woodworking tools... |
 Iron-A-Way Handi-Press Surface/Wall Mount Ironing Board Center List Price: Sale Price: $96.61 You save: $53.53 (36%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis model for surface mounting only. Slim profile, extends into room approximately 3". Convenient, durable, fold out ironing board in compact built in cabinet. Requires no opening in wall. Fold away 42" wood ironing board with silicone treated cover and |
 Bobrick ClassicSeries™ 2621 Surface-Mounted Paper Towel Dispenser (B2621) Category: C-Fold and Multi-Fold Paper Towel Dispensers List Price: Sale Price: $44.87 You save: $16.37 (27%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionItem #: B2621. Satin-finish stainless steel.Dispenses 200 C-fold or 275 multifold towels measuring 3-1/8" to 3-13/16" (79-97mm) deep without adjustment or adapters.Door has knob latch and piano-hinge.Internal Towel Tray Adapter Kit for dispensing narrower paper towels 2-1/2" to 3-1/8" (64-79mm) deep: Order part no... |
 Pioneer TS-X200 Surface Mount 3-Way Bass-Reflex Speakers List Price: Sale Price: $80.99 You save: $64.01 (44%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionPioneer Tsx200 Surface Mount 3-Way Bass-Reflex Speakers |
 Intex Krystal Clear Wall-Mounted Pool Surface Skimmer Sale Price: $11.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis automatic surface skimmer works in conjunction with your pool's filter pump. Helps catch leaves and other surface debris before it sink to the pool's floor. Strainer basket pulls out for easy cleaning with a garden hose... |
 White Surface Mounted Hook Style Sliding Glass Door Handle 6-5/8 in Screw Holes Sale Price: $30.90 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionC.R. LAURENCE C1221 CRL White Surface Mounted Hook Style Handle 6-5/8" Screw Holes. This CRL Surface Mounted Hook Style Handle Set has white extruded aluminum inside and outside pulls. It has twin latching hooks with a profile of 9/16 inch (14... |
 Alarmed Surface Mounted Cabinet List Price: Sale Price: $169.95 You save: $66.05 (28%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAlarmed Surface Mounted Cabinet |
|
|
Eden Surface-mount China Sink $102.99 Add an elegant touch to your bathroom decor with this surface-mount china sink. |
|
|
Eden Round Surface-mount China Sink $116.99 Add an elegant touch to your bathroom decor with this surface-mount china sink. |
|
|
Courtyard Surface-mount China Sink $140.99 Improve the look of your bathroom with this vitreous china surface mount sink. The self-rimming design ensures a solid installation and easy clean-up. |
|
|
Courtyard Surface-mount China Sink $180.72 Improve the look of your bathroom with this vitreous china surface mount sink. The self-rimming design ensures a solid installation and easy clean-up. |
|
|
Londonville Surface-mount China Sink Bowl $146.99 Add an elegant touch to your bathroom with this Londonville vitreous china sink bowl. This is a surface-mount sink. |
|
|
Londonville Surface-mount China Basin Sink $192.9 Add an elegant touch to your bathroom with this Londonville vitreous china basin sink. This is a surface-mount sink. |
|
|
Steren Fast Home 19 Inch Surface Mount Enclosure $50.99 Steren Fast Home 19 Inch Surface Mount Enclosure |
|
|
Surface Mount 4-inch Center Bathroom Sink $133.99 Update your bathroom decor with a this surface mount bathroom sink. This sink features a white, vitreous china construction and an overflow hole. |
|
|
Fontaine Oval Copper Surface Mount Sink $340.68 Beautifully crafted copper sink is handmade by skilled artisans in the heart of MexicoSurface mount sink makes home improvement easyBathroom sink features hand welding and hammering for unparalleled beauty and durability |
|
|
Popular Stainless Steel Bar Surface-mount Sink $50.99 The one-piece basin construction of this 304-grade stainless steel bar sink includes a sound-deadening pad and is finished in luster satin. This classically designed surface-mount bar sink is self-rimming and long-lasting. |
