The PCB assembly process is critical to get right the first time. A single misstep here could result in malfunctions, lack of functionality, or even the threat of accidents. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most important PCB assembly process steps and what you should know.

It’s Not Board Manufacturing

First and foremost, understand that the PCB assembly process takes place during a specific time in the development of an electronic device. It’s not about manufacturing – that happens first. For instance, at Advanced Circuits, we’ll manufacture the board itself, including all the required layers, creating the traces, and all the other important steps, and then work on PCB assembly.

In short, PCB assembly is the process of bringing everything together into one place and creating something functional out of multiple components. It’s taking that newly manufactured board, adding components and resistors, and then making sure it does what it is intended to do.

Understand the PCB Assembly Technologies

Assembling a printed circuit board requires more than just the raw components and a well-designed board. It also requires the right technology. In this case, there are several options to choose from, and each brings something different to the table. For instance, there’s surface mount technology (SMT), as well as manual soldering, and the use of pick and place machines.

While some PCB assembly processes will require just one technology, others will require a combination of two or more technologies. For example, many boards require the combination of through-hole technology (THT) and surface mount technology. Understanding when, where, and how to integrate those technologies is a critical consideration when choosing a company to handle your project or production.

It’s also important to understand that the PCB assembly steps involved with the various technologies differ, as well. Below, we’ve outlined some basic steps involved, as well as how they differ from technology to technology.

The PCB Assembly Process: An Overview

• Solder Paste: If you’re following a traditional PCB assembly process, the first step is the application of solder paste. Note that this is not the case with THT, but SMT does require paste application and/or printing.

• Component Placement: In the traditional PCB assembly process, the next step is to place the components on the board. This can be done manually, or it can be done with the assistance of machinery (pick and place systems). In THT assembly, components are placed by hand, which requires incredible precision. In the SMT process, robotic systems place components on the board. Note that automated placement is far faster than manual placement and is just as precise.

• Reflow: In the traditional PCB assembly process, the next step is reflow, which is when the solder is first melted and then resolidified. The board and all its components move through an oven, which heats the solder, liquifying it and ensuring that connections are formed before the board moves into a cooler, where the solder is cooled.

Note that the THT process does not require reflowing solder. Instead, the second step here is to inspect the board and rectify component placement. This is due to the manual placement process – a visual inspection in conjunction with a design transport frame helps ensure placement accuracy.

In the SMT process, reflow soldering takes place at this time, as well. The board is sent through a furnace, which melts the solder paste, allowing it to flow as necessary, before the board passes through a series of coolers that gradually bring the temperature down, solidifying the solder on the board and cementing the components in place.

• Inspection: The next step in the traditional PCB assembly process is a visual inspection of the board, soldering, and components. Note that this step has already occurred in the THT and SMT processes.

• Through-Hole Part Insertion: The traditional process requires that through-hole insertion be done manually, after the reflow and inspection process. Soldering is also often done manually, but it may be done using wave soldering.

Wave soldering occurs during the THT process at this point, as well. The entire board moves over liquid solder and then moves through coolers to solidify the solder.

Note that there is no correlating step in the SMT process (it is actually already finished, and wrapped up after just three steps, although a visual inspection should still be conducted to ensure accuracy and to reduce the potential for errors).

• Final Inspection and Cleaning: The final step in the traditional PCB assembly process is a final inspection of the board, the solder points, and the components, and a cleaning to ensure that debris or excess solder is removed.

The Right PCB Assembly Process for You

While the SMT assembly process is faster and often more accurate than either the traditional PCB assembly process or the THT process, it is not always the best option. For instance, if you only need a single prototype board assembled, the THT method might be the better choice. Each situation varies and there is no single solution that will always work for every need.

At Advanced Circuits, we understand that needs, budgets, and goals vary. We pride ourselves on offering exactly the solutions each client needs. Whether you’re producing a single prototype for proof of concept needs or you’re ready to move into full production with thousands of units being produced, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or to learn more about our services and capabilities.

This is a type of technology called surface mount technology or SMT. Almost all of the equipment manufactured commercially today uses this innovative technology. Surface mount technology has huge advantages when manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs). Because the components on SMT boards are so small, it also lets people pack more electronics into a small space.

What Surface Mount Technology is All About

The 1970s and 80s were a time when automation started to take off for printed circuit boards used in all sorts of equipment. Traditional components using leads weren’t easy to use with PCB assembly. For capacitors and resistors, the leads had to be pre-formed to fit through holds and integrated circuits had to have leads set at a specific pitch to go through holes quickly and easily.

This led to difficulty since many of the leads would miss the holes because the holes were quite tight. Because of that, an operator would need to step in and resolve the problems to make the components fit. This meant a loss of time and money since the machines automating the process had to be stopped.

Printed circuit boards remove the need for leads to go through the board. Instead, components could be soldered right to the board. This led to the birth of SMT and the use of components for SMT has risen quickly because of its many advantages. Nowadays, surface mount technology is the primary option for assembling PCBs in electronics manufacturing. The products made can be small and used in many different ways.

Why Surface Mount Technology is Favored in Design

While the primary reason for moving to surface mount technology was related to cost, speed, and reliability, there are other benefits. This technology has had a huge impact on the way that people today design and develop new circuits and equipment. The good thing about this is that the change has largely created advantages rather than disadvantages. Some things to be aware of for developers using surface mount technology are listed below.

• Circuits Are Smaller and Denser Than Ever – The electronics industry has always had the drive to offer more function in smaller packages, but that was never an easy task before surface mount technology became widespread. SMT is designed to make this simple since everything is in a miniature format. Components can be extremely small and mounted closer together on the circuit board than would ever be possible with typical components with leads. This, combined with the better functionality available through integrated circuits, makes life easier for a development engineer.
• Lower Power Rating Requirements – One of the most important things to look for when designing and producing electronics is the power rating of the components. With surface mount technology, devices can have lower power ratings than ever before. As an example, a standard resistor with a lead can dissipate 0.25 watts or even more. However, surface mount resistors are smaller so the dissipation is also lower. People should be aware of this during a build but always make sure to check the manufacturer’s data for the exact numbers.
• Less Inductance and Spurious Capacitance – Since surface mount technology components are smaller, that also means that spurious inductance and capacitance are also going to be smaller. An SMT resistor, to keep with the previous example, will be closer to an ideal resistor than a resistor with leads. In the same way, a surface mount technology capacitor is going to create less parasitic inductance. When taking this all together, standard SMT components will have higher frequencies and faster speeds than leaded components are capable of.

Using Surface Mount Technology with Printed Circuit Board Assembly

Nowadays, SMT is used in almost all facets of PCB manufacturing and assembly. More electronics can be placed in a smaller space using the technology. All of the components are smaller and many of them offer better performance than traditional components. They also can be easily used with automated machines to eliminate the need for worker intervention during the assembly process.

With wired components, it was always a challenge to rely on automatic placement. All wires had to be pre-made to fit the correct hole spacing and, in some cases, there were still issues with placement. PCB assembly typically has all components placed automatically. Manual assistance might be occasionally needed but it is rare. High-quality circuit boards reduce the need for this to the point of even changing a design so components fit perfectly.

One issue that used to be common with surface board technology components was their lack of resistance to heat. Since the components are soldered in, this raises the temperature of the part and could cause issues in some situations. However, new components have been developed that have no problem tolerating the temperatures associated with the soldering process.

SMT Components and Devices

Surface mount components differ from leaded components since they are set into a board and soldered to it rather than wiring between two points. The leads don’t go through holes as might be expected of traditional components. There are three package styles used for SMT components: transistors and diodes, integrated circuits, and passive components. Many passive components consist of resistors and capacitors in standard sizes with typical package sizes. Transistors and diodes often come in a small plastic package, while there are many package options for integrated circuits.

Any business creating a project using printed circuit boards should consider the ease and convenience of surface mount technology. At Advanced Circuits, we offer printed circuit boards that are high-quality and ready for this kind of technology. We also provide assembly and manufacturing services to save people time and money. Regardless of the size of a business or how large their circuit board order is, we’d love to help. Get in touch and find out more about what options we offer.

Why Was SMT Technology Created?

Automation for printed circuit boards started to grow in the 1970s and 80s. This was meant to make it faster and easier to create the PCBs for the demanding market. However, it was quickly discovered that using the traditional leads and wires was difficult for PCB assembly. It was difficult to create the boards quickly, and sometimes the leads would miss holes. If everything was not set perfectly onto the board, it wouldn’t work properly — or at all.

This means that the automation process was slowed down and that the cost increased. Essentially, it eliminated the main reasons that automation was introduced in the first place. To eliminate these problems, SMT technology was created.

Today, surface mount technology has become the most common option for PCB assembly. Instead of needing leads or wires, which could break and become a problem, the components are simply soldered to the PCB. The leads don’t have to go through holes as would be the case with the older-style leads.

Over the years, the size of the components has shrunk, which means that the boards have shrunk, too. This is why we’ve seen so many different types of devices get smaller year after year. The PCBs are better designed and can do far more than their past counterparts.

SMT Technology Components

SMT has three main categories of component types. These include:

• Passive Components
• Transistors and Diodes
• Integrated Circuits

Passive Components

Passive surface mounted devices can come in many different styles. The most common tend to be capacitors or resistors. However, they could also include coils or crystals depending on what’s needed for the board. You’ll also find a range of different sizes, which can make it possible to find solutions for nearly any type of board being created. The larger options, including the 1206 and the 1812, are not used as frequently today as they were in the past. These tend to be for devices and applications that may require a substantial amount of power.

Transistors and Diodes

These are small and will typically be contained in plastic. The leads emerge from the plastic casing and are bent so that they’ll touch the board. This makes them easy to solder into place. These will have three leads. This is helpful, as it makes it easy to determine how they should be applied.

Integrated Circuits

There are also options for integrated circuits. These chips will have a varying number of pins on them. Some, for example, might only have 14 pins. Others, such as processors, could have 200 or more pins. Naturally, there are many different types of chips that could be used depending on the nature of the device you’re designing. Some of the common types include Small Outline Integrated Circuits, Dual In-Line, Thin Small Package Outline, and Shrink Small Outline Package.

There are many other packages available, as well. The options that you choose when designing the PCB will vary based on your needs, naturally. Regardless of what’s being used, though, it becomes easy to see why SMT technology has become so popular. It helps to reduce the size of the PCBs while still giving them all the features and power that are needed.

Test Your Design

Using PCB Artist — free software from Advanced Circuits — you can create your initial design for the printed circuit board. You can check out more than half a million different components that can be used for the design. This will give you the chance to experiment and find the options that will work best for your needs. The design software helps to make it easier to create a quality PCB. Then, the design check and engineering review will ensure that it works before you go into production.

However, it tends to be a good idea to order a few prototypes first. Having some prototypes to test in real-world scenarios will help to ensure that the SMT design will work for your needs. Even though you might feel as though you’ve created a high-quality PCB, you won’t know until you’ve tested it in the field to determine how it behaves.

If the design doesn’t quite hold up under real-world testing, it’s time to go back to the design and consider ways that you might improve it. This could involve using different components, for example. Perhaps you found that you need to have more power than you realized and may need to have a larger integrated circuit on the board. Find the problem, fix it, and get another prototype.

Manufacturing the PCBs with SMT Technology

Once you’re sure that you have a PCB that will meet your needs, you can then go into full production. Advanced Circuits can manufacture your boards whether you need just a few or you need to have tens of thousands. We’re the third-largest PCB manufacturing company in the United States, and we manufacture everything within our facility.

Additionally, we have a fast turnaround time. Often, you’ll have your boards delivered to your door within days of placing your order. We have staff available around the clock if you have any questions about your boards.

SMT Technology is a Great Solution

SMT has helped electronics to advance quickly in the past several decades. The smaller size and the capabilities they offer can help electronics makers of all types, regardless of the size of your business. It’s important to ensure that boards are designed correctly and that the boards are manufactured to your specifications. You can get in touch with Advanced Circuits today to get a quote.

However, as the demand for electronic devices increased, there became a need to automate the process of manufacturing the boards. Unfortunately, it was soon found that using automation would be difficult. It was not easy to get the right components and leads matched up with the right holes. It ended up taking a long time and costing a lot of money. Therefore, surface mounted technology was created to make things easier from the design to the assembly.

Surface mount technology offers a host of advantages and benefits, and over the past several decades, it has become the standard for manufacturing PCBs. Let’s look at some of the biggest benefits that it can offer.

Smaller Size and Greater Design Flexibility

One of the most commonly cited benefits is that surface mount technology means it’s possible to create smaller PCB designs. This is because you can increase the component density on the board. More of the components can be placed in a smaller space but will still provide the capabilities and performance of a larger board.

This means that the devices that will eventually contain the printed circuit boards can be smaller, as well. Smaller electronic devices and smaller boards are always important. It often means that a device that is complex can fit in a person’s pocket, such as their smartphone. People tend to like going smaller with most types of technology.

This also means that the weight of the boards will be lower. The lower weight provides even more possibilities for designers. For example, having smaller and lighter boards placed in drones means they will weigh less and use less power to fly. Cutting the weight out of items could also reduce shipping costs in some cases. Lightweight tends to be better, and this is another area where SMT can excel.

Easier Assembly

Because there are not any through-holes to worry about with these boards, it tends to make them easier to assemble. Easier assembly for the manufacturer will generally mean faster assembly, as well. This means you get your boards more quickly. Typically, it also reduces the potential for mistakes during the assembly process.

Lower Cost

Because the assembly is easier and because the boards are smaller, it often means that the cost will be lower, too. Of course, the company you choose to do the manufacturing will also be a factor in how much it costs for the boards.

Does Surface Mount Technology Have Any Disadvantages?

With all of the benefits that SMT can offer, you might be wondering if there are any disadvantages. While most will agree that the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks, it’s important to note that there may be some disadvantages. For example, because there is only a small amount of lead space, it could make repairs more difficult. Additionally, if a component has a high electrical load or if it generates a lot of heat, it can’t be mounted using SMT. This is because the solder could melt under intense heat, which would end up rendering the PCB useless.

What’s Right for Your Needs?

What option will you be using to create your boards? Surface mount technology can work well for many different types of PCBs. However, there could be times when through-hole solutions, or some hybrid of the two, will be a better option.

Using software like PCB Artist is a good way to design a PCB and see whether it will work virtually. The software is easy to use and offers more than half a million components for design work. After designing your PCB using the software, the design can be reviewed to determine whether it will work or not. This way, you have a second set of eyes looking at the work to ensure it’s ready to go.

Get a Prototype

However, even with an engineering file review, it’s important to get hands-on time with the PCB using surface mount technology before going into full production. After you’re happy with your initial design, you will want to order a prototype. Getting just a few boards is easy when you go through Advanced Circuits, as we don’t have a minimum order.

When you get the prototype, you need to put it through its paces in real-world scenarios. What types of conditions will the board face when it’s used in your device? Monitor how it works and take note of any areas that may be having problems. Putting it through a rigorous testing process will help to make it easier to find any potential problems.

It’s always better to know about problems sooner rather than later. Just assuming that the design is good and ordering 5,000 PCBs that end up overheating would be a huge problem for your company. There is also the potential that it could reduce the trust your customers have in your products. Finding and correcting the design before it is mass-produced, even if it takes a couple of prototype and revision rounds, is a better solution. It will save money and keep your customers happier in the end.

Manufacturing

Once you are pleased with your design and you’ve seen how it will work in real-world situations, you can then move to the manufacturing stage. Advanced Circuits can do more than just provide software and guidance. We’re a full manufacturing facility that makes all of the PCBs ourselves. We also have a fantastic turnaround time, getting PCBs to our customers within a matter of days.

We have a substantial amount of experience with the assembly of surface mount technology boards and can provide you with exactly what you need. Get in touch for a quote and to learn more about the services and options that are available.

If you’ve been around our site at all or have been following our blog, you’re likely already familiar with some of the basic concepts of PCB manufacturing, including surface-mount technology and how it works. Here, we’re going to dig into the benefits of using this type of manufacturing and what it can do for your brand, as well as the value of working with a reputable, industry-leading brand like Advanced Circuits for all of your PCB prototyping and production needs.

A Quick Refresher

This technology was first developed back in the 1960s, and by the 1990s, almost all high-end PCB components used the surface-mount method of attaching components because it allowed for easier connections and more components on a single board than previous manufacturing and mounting methods. Surface mounting means there is no drilling required, as the components include caps or tabs that can be directly attached to the board.

As you can already see, there are several potential benefits to be found here. Not only is it a more efficient and better use of space, but it offers plenty of other perks.

Flexibility

The mounting of these boards is much more flexible than other types of technology. Since all the components are surface-mounted, there is no need for the through-hole drilling or pesky dual-sided components that could get in the way of how the boards are used or installed. Components can even be placed along both sides of the board at a denser rate, allowing for more connections in a single board for flexible manufacturing needs and designs. Boards can also be mounted in several different ways when this technology is used, allowing for better construction and builds.

Quality Control

Repetition is the key to quality control, and that’s why PCBs with surface mount technology continue to lead the way in terms of quality. The process is done the same, every single time, when SMT technology is used. This means that the results will be better and the quality will be higher. Before, it was an individual process that was much harder to control and quality was always uncertain, at best. Today, however, PCBs are some of the most reliable items in terms of quality when they employ the use of surface mount technology.

Replication

Again, being able to replicate a successful product is going to save a lot of time and hassle. This not only benefits quality control, but it helps streamline everything. Once a board has been created and mounted, it can be replicated time and time again, with the same methods, ensuring that there is more efficiency in production, less waste, and fewer errors along the way. It saves time, money, and manpower.

Smaller Designs

Because more components can be placed near each other on the boards, surface mounting allows for smaller PCB design in the first place. This means that boards, and their corresponding electronics, can be much more compact and portable than ever before. It’s the difference between a desktop computer and carrying a smartphone — being able to mount components is what makes microscopic chip and circuit design possible.

Reduced Expenses and Waste

As mentioned, when employing SMT technology, the amount of waste is reduced significantly. Being able to repeat a process effectively and create high-quality components is going to save on bad boards, errors, and more. Plus, you can test and get a prototype of a single PCB to ensure that everything is working and functioning in the best ways possible before you order thousands of boards for production. This reduces testing and production costs, reduces waste, and helps everyone become more efficient with their PCBs.

Quicker, Easier, and More Efficient

Even the process of SMT is much quicker to set up, saving on initial costs. There is no drilling required, which saves a huge step and expense in the production process. Plus, the boards can be made quickly because they are repeated time and again, with a single process that is streamlined for optimal efficiency. The components are also able to be selectively soldered, with customization for each component available as needed. It’s all about making technology better and making the production process more efficient is the first step.

Stability and Performance

Surface mount technology is also much more stable than drilled and otherwise attached components. SMT allows better mechanical performance and durability, even under high vibrations or shaking conditions. These printed boards are more compact but still feature high-end components, meaning they can also be packed in tighter for more security in any environment. These boards even have lower resistance and induction to reduce the RF signal effects and provide more reliable performance.

The List Goes On

There are so many different benefits to using surface mounting in today’s printed circuit boards. From the improved production process to better performance in application, there are plenty of perks that will keep companies capitalizing on this technology for as long as they can. That is, at least until something better comes along. Any company that is working with PCBs needs to consider the benefits of surface mounted technology if they’re not already using it. It’s leading the way in PCB manufacturing and it’s waiting to help anyone who needs it.

To learn more about the various advantages of SMT technology and what it can do for your circuit board printing needs, contact the team at Advanced Circuits. We’ve been working with PCBs and utilizing the latest technologies and solutions for years, giving you peace of mind that you’ll get the best results when you work with us. From prototyping to full production, we can do it all, so call us today.

Is Surface Mount Technology Better?

Surface mount technology has been around for decades, so some people are confused as to why there are still questions as to how well it works. Primarily, SMT was reserved for larger applications and high-end tech until the late 20^th century, so even though it’s been around for a long time, it still has a large audience that doesn’t even understand how surface mounting works or why it’s the better choice.

As manufacturing becomes more accessible and affordable, thanks to solutions like ours where we can even prototype a single board for validation and testing before you order hundreds, there are plenty of advantages to be had with this technology. As more people continue to embrace it, the benefits become quite obvious. First of all, it’s easier to fit components on a board and you can fit more of them, or fit more on a smaller board. For small electronics and microprocessors, this is a great advantage.

Surface mounting also allows for easier repetition and better quality control. The process is efficient and easy to streamline, and once it is in place the quality rates are almost impossibly close to perfect. Unlike drilling, which could create more variation and flaws, surface mounting is a simpler, more effective process that is easy to replicate and get great results from.

This makes it more effective, as well as more of a cost-effective solution for companies that are trying to save money. When you have fewer errors, there is less waste. That means that you’re saving in a lot of different ways.

When Should Surface Mount Technology Be Used?

Surface mount technology is used in many products manufactured today. If you are looking to create a smaller or more compact design, or even just fit more components in, this might be the way to go. Here are some good uses for the technology:

• A product that has requirements for producing little to no noise can benefit from SMT boards
• Large quantity production with automated technology is ideal and gets better quality control
• When requirements demand high frequencies or high-speed functioning
• The final product may be dense, but also needs to present as light or sleek
• You need to accommodate a denser PCB in a small board or product

Basically, it’s about packing more into a smaller space and doing it with better quality in mind at all times. There are several different packages, PCBs, and component options available to choose from that can be found in all kinds of electronics today, and they can provide a variety of different uses. Whether you are looking to create the ideal PCB package or you just want to test out a new single board that you have been working on, Advanced Circuits can help.

Who Shouldn’t Use SMT?

There are still some cases where SMT might not be the best choice. The rare instances when surface mount technology should be avoided are few and far between. One of the biggest drawbacks is that these parts aren’t ideal for easy installation or plug-and-play use. The end-user or installer would need to be someone highly skilled and capable of assembling or installing the PCBs at the component level. This may also affect production costs for those who don’t have access to such skilled professionals as in-house staff. It’s all about figuring out what you can get from the process and whether it benefits you.

Of course, most of the issues with SMT are found in the production and installation process, which is exactly what you can rely on the team at Advanced Circuits for. Working with skilled professionals that understand the field of PCBs and how surface-mount technology can benefit various industries and applications gives you the chance to get the best people on your side and the best components for your projects, as a result.

It’s About Efficiency and Improvement

Technology is leading the way forward. Any brand that wants to improve its circuit board production and operation can rely on the advantages of surface mounting for a variety of applications and uses. Understanding the process and how it works, as well as the benefits that it offers, gives people the chance to optimize their own efforts with PCB design and assembly and take their business to the next level.

Increased production efficiency means that there will be fewer operating expenses and reduced overhead costs. This, in turn, helps improve the bottom line. When you add to that the fact that products will be more valuable and reputable since they are produced via better means, it’s easy to see just why so many people are getting on board with this technology, whether they need 100 PCBs or a million of them.

Whether you’re just starting to learn about PCBs and surface mount technology or you’ve got a prototype that’s ready to be built, the team at Advanced Circuits can help with everything that you need. Take the time to explore all of our services and contact us to learn more about how we can help. From concept to completion and beyond, our team of experts will help you harness the power of surface mount technology so that you can reap the rewards. Call us today to take your PCBs to the next level with the latest technology solutions.

Surface mount technology is used today because it can offer a range of advantages to the manufacture and design of printed circuit boards. Because of the small size, it means that electronics can be smaller, and they are capable of doing more. They are an amazing advancement. The surface mount technology can also allow for automated PCB assembly and soldering. It tends to make the products more reliable, and it helps to reduce their cost, not just their size.

The History of Surface Mount Technology

Automation started to become more prominent in the 70s and 80s in regard to assembling printed circuit boards. However, the components that were typically used with the boards made automation difficult. It would require that capacitors and resistors had their leads pre-formed to ensure they would properly fit through the holes. Everything needed to be exact, and this proved to be an issue. It would often mean that the components wouldn’t fit right, and machines would have to sometimes be stopped during the automation process.

This caused a massive slowdown in the assembly of the boards. As you can imagine, this also brought with it some additional costs. To help alleviate this problem, surface mount technology was created. It helped to streamline the process and allowed for components to be soldered to the board.

This helped to save some time and money. It was only natural that more and more companies started turning to this technology. It became so popular that it is currently the standard used for assembling PCBs in the manufacturing field. There are many different types of surface mount technology that are in use today.

Steps of Surface Mount Technology Devices

The SMT devices have many benefits over the leaded options. Rather than having wires connect the component, they are set into the board and soldered. This means they are more durable in many cases and have the potential to last longer.

There are several categories for these devices, including transistors and diodes, integrated circuits, and passive components.

The surface mount technology transistors and diodes are usually embedded in a plastic container. They have three leads, which emerge from the plastic and have been bent to touch the board. As with other types of SMTs, they are then soldered to the board.

Integrated circuits come in several varieties. The type of package that is used for the circuits can vary based on just how interconnected they need to be. There might be some chips that have between 14 and 16 pins, such as the simple logic chips. Others may be much larger and require hundreds of pins, such as VLSI processors. There are a substantial number of options with integrated circuits.

Passive SMTs will typically be resistors or capacitors, but it will depend on the board and what’s needed. They could also be crystals or coils, for example. These have become smaller and smaller over the years, although there are some instances where larger SMDs are still utilized. This is typically only going to occur when there is a lot of power needed.

These are just some of the main options that are available and that are commonly used today. There are other package options, and the ones that you will be using for your printed circuit boards will depend on what you are creating and what you need the board to do.

The Benefits for Your Boards

Surface mount technology is a massive technological improvement to how things were done in the past. They are a good solution to help improve not only the cost and the reliability of the boards but also the speed. It’s helped to make electronics that we’ve used for years smaller, more efficient, and more durable. However, it has also helped to boost innovation to help spur on new circuits and equipment.

Spurious inductance and capacitance can often be a problem in electronics. However, the levels are far smaller with surface mount technology. The resistors in these boards work better and more efficiently than leaded options. Ultimately, this provides higher frequencies and faster speeds. The boards can do more than they could if they were to use leaded components.

Another nice benefit is that the power rating will be lower. They are smaller, which means that the dissipation is lower in most cases. The small size also means that it’s possible to pack the PCB with more components. By putting more components on a single board, it allows many different types of technology to become smaller. Smaller tech is lighter, as well, which reduces the overall weight of the device.

Being able to put so many components onto a single board also allows for them to be more complex, which means increased functionality. Simply put, the surface mount technology allows the boards and the electronics to do far more than they could in the past.

From the performance to the durability, you can see why most companies today are utilizing SMT as much as possible. When you are looking for a manufacturer for your own printed circuit boards, you want to find those that offer SMT, and that have all the other features and services you will need. At Advanced Circuits, we have a host of products and services available including design and assembly help. We have a fast turnaround time and can provide you with high-quality PCBs that utilize surface mount technology. Get in touch today to see what we can do for you.

• Far more functionality in the device – Surface-mount technology reduces the total weight of almost all PCBs. And yet, producing them is less demanding where labor is concerned, because it eliminates drilling and soldering to a great degree. This means lighter, smaller PCBs with less risk of malfunction.
• Compact and functional – SMT means smaller devices that work better and cost less.
• Automation – Using surface-mount technology allows any producer to leverage the benefits of mass-produced PCBs, resulting in higher-quality, better-performing PCBs.
• Lower costs and shorter production times – By eliminating several standard production steps, it makes surface-mount technology faster and less costly.

Can all PCB makers offer surface-mount technologies? Sadly, no, and that makes it important for any device makers or designers to spend time seeking out options for integrating SMT into their designing, manufacturing, and assembly processes.

At Advanced Circuits, all clients can access the long list of benefits that come from surface-mount technologies. While that alone is a good enough reason to explore our options, we also have a long list of complimentary tools and resources that allow buyers to make the very most of the technology.

Make the Most of SMT and Advanced Circuits’ Resources

As a leading name in PCB and prototyping, Advanced Circuits is also noted for its many free tools that empower SMT to the greatest degree possible. For instance, for the DIY, one-off, or by-hand SMT designers, there are SMT Solder Paste Stencils available. While not free, they are a unique option few others make available.

For those eager to use SMT tools and resources in their PCB designs, we have advanced design tools that enable easy integration of surface-mount technologies. It all starts with Gerber files. This is the most familiar and common file type used in the PCB production process, and whether or not a Gerber file is used often impacts whether the designs are left untested when sent in for production.

In fact, the process known as no-touch production is just that – the maker takes the files and produces them without any sort of engineering review. Buyers who work with brokered or outsourced systems encounter this issue regularly and face the financial risks of flawed designs.

An optimal producer should make an engineering review mandatory prior to beginning fabrication as it will identify any potential issues that might lead to delays or wasted resources. Advanced Circuits offers free tools for surface-mount technology designs that overcome these typical hurdles.

Free Tools for SMT Design

PCB Artist – Producers get 100% free access to a fully unrestricted version of this PCB design software. Its capabilities include management of up to 28 layers, a library of more than 500,000 parts, an auto-router function, multi-page schematics, and SMT support. This means it will meet even the most advanced demands. This software is consistently recognized as an industry-best PCB design tool.

FreeDFM– In addition to nearly fail-proof design software, clients can also use this free rapid design assessment software. Amazingly intuitive and easy to use, it ensures that all essential data is available; it can also provide corrections to common design issues. It generates a full report of its findings and can manage complex surface-mount technology designs as well as standard designs with soldering and drilling. Once it completes reviewing the design, it promises an error-free product, and this is why those who use it get a discount if the design is submitted through the software. It can do a full conversion to Gerber format in only a few minutes, provide a quote, and extend the discount code.

Standard Services – Those who use Advanced Circuits to produce PCBs also have free use of the traditional client services. This means that every SMT order receives a full CAM engineer review, ensuring your design of any level of complexity receives a full and expert evaluation and any adjustments needed.

Partnering for Success

In addition to all of this complimentary expertise, further benefits of a partnership with Advanced Circuits include:

• No tooling charges – When an order features Standard Specifications, we are glad to waive tooling charges and always cancel such fees on reorders of Standard Spec and Custom Spec items.
• 24-hour support – Customer service around-the-clock features live tech support that allows design teams to speak directly with a CAM engineer at any hour of the day or night.
• Best shipping record – Advanced Circuits has the BEST ON-TIME SHIPPING RECORD in the industry. We’re now shipping 50% of orders early! In fact, we say we “put our money where our mouth is . . . and we ship Standard Spec orders on time or they’re FREE!”
• Not a broker – We never sub out our work but instead count on our top-of-the-line, 62,000-square-foot facility to guarantee the kind of quality and speed many want but don’t always receive.
• No minimum orders – There are no minimum lot requirements. Clients are not forced to invest in huge orders with more PCBs than might be needed. Prototyping is an option, even with SMT features.
• Custom and private client pages – Look through past orders, see the specs and details, look at quotes from other jobs, and even review hold notices, test certifications, and a long list of other helpful reports.
• Stability – With more than two decades of work in this industry, a healthy bottom line, and many dedicated clients, we are among the most stable of providers, guaranteed to be around for years after your projects are completed.

One More Plus

The production plant also has to be seen as a benefit because it allows 100% in-house design, production, and assembly. Not only is this efficient, but it promises the level of familiarity and attention to detail that few SMT producers provide.

Incorporating surface-mount technology into your PCB design is a practical and innovative way to get the most out of any design. It used to be a premium element and demanded a bit of risk. Advanced Circuits gives you the tools and resources you need to create high-quality PCBs every time.

Surface mount technology (SMT) is a design and fabrication process that replaces the through-hole mounting of PCB components with direct placement on the printed circuit board surface.

Fortunately, SMT components and packages are largely standardized in size such that uniformity in components can be realized. These standards are specified by the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) to simplify the development processes for PCB designers, component manufacturers, and companies that manufacture and utilize SMT fabrication equipment.

SMT Assembly Benefits

SMT is now utilized in the vast majority of printed circuit boards being designed and manufactured for modern electronics, including computer boards, smartphones, televisions, and even home appliances such as refrigerators and laundry machines.

Creating mass-produced PCBs built with SMT construction requires highly-technical design tools such as CAD software and specialized PCB development programs. Design engineers now have software products at their disposal that interact with fabrication tools, such that consideration for manufacturing capabilities is integrated into the initial design. This closely-coupled process from design to fabrication is often referred to as design for manufacturing (DFM).

Once the design is completed for a PCB, an initial prototype is created to prove the intended functionality of the end product. SMT is sometimes not considered for this phase of development, due to the flexibility provided by less automated fabrication techniques to more readily rework the PCB. This accommodates any changes required in the board design prior to full-scale manufacturing.

Approved designs are most often released for manufacturing incorporating SMT assembly processes. SMT provides many advantages for manufacturing, as well as for the company designing the board for a product:

Reduced cost – through surface mounting of components, manufacturers eliminate (or significantly reduce) operations for hole drilling to affix components and devices to board materials.

Weight/Size – lighter boards are produced through the attributes of smaller devices. Capability of installing SMT components on both sides of the board results in fewer or smaller boards to take less space in the end product. This is a very important factor in today’s shrinking electronic devices.

Automated fabrication processes – Manufacturers can leverage efficient fabrication equipment to provide high-quality PCBs that utilize surface-mount components consistently and reliably.

SMT Assembly Techniques

SMT assembly can be done very efficiently with high-speed specialized equipment that place SMT components on boards quickly and accurately.

Solder pads on the board surface have a solder paste or similar substance applied to the points where SMDs are to be placed. This is typically done through utilizing a stencil process similar to silk-screening, in order to control application of the solder mixture.

Mechanized equipment then places the designated components onto the corresponding solder pads at high speed, eliminating manual processes of placing component leads through holes that have been drilled in the board material.

Soldering ovens then warm the board to the proper temperature to melt the solder paste, forming a permanent bond to the solder pads on the board surface. Several techniques are in practice for performing this operation, partly due to environmental concerns raised by lead content, generating more strict controls over lead-based soldering. Additional methods for accomplishing the solder connections include infrared reflow, convection reflow, and vapor phase reflow. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, and application for use.

When a PCB includes dual-sided application of SMDs, this process will be repeated for the subsequent side. If there are heat-sensitive components included, they may be installed manually after these heat-generating processes are complete.

Residue is typically removed from the PCB surface through a washing and drying process.

Quality inspection is performed to examine boards for missing components or those that may be misaligned during the manufacturing process. This is followed by functional testing to ensure the PCB circuit works properly.

Rework is one of the biggest issues for SMT boards. SMDs that are defective, incorrectly positioned, or missing must be installed manually using very precise operations for installation of the faulty component. This can be tedious work that requires both considerable time and significant skill.

SMT Fabrication Considerations

SMT design and manufacturing has taken over the market for PCB providers, due to the call for miniaturization, speed of manufacturing, and cost reductions. Advanced in the development of equipment that can place components consistently at high speed has further escalated the popularity and use of SMT for printed circuit board manufacturing.