subject: One On One With Smt Assembly! [print this page] What is SMT? What is SMT?
SMT stands for surface mount technology. It is a revolutionary technology that has achieved ground-breaking success in electronic component manufacturing. There are two techniques that are used to manufacture electronic circuit boards:
1.Through the hole assembly is the first one. It is also known as thru-hole technique as it makes use of leads that are inserted into the holes drilled on the circuit board.
2. SMT assembly is the second technique that uses direct mounting of the components on the circuit board surface, hence the name surface-mount technology.
History of SMT
It was not until recently that SMT became such a popular technique for electronic component manufacturing. IBM is acknowledged as the pioneer who brought forward this revolutionary technology in the 1960's. The design that was brought forward by IBM was later involved in the instrument unit in digital computers that were used in the launch of Saturn IB and Saturn V vehicles. SMT technology gained popularity in the late 1980's.
Now that we know about the basics of SMT, we must know the reasons behind the popularity of this technology.
Pros of SMT:
1. This technology has made it possible to construct small circuit boards. The smallest component developed by using this technology is of size 0.2 0.1mm.
2. SMT PCB assembly is much more cost effective as compared to the thru-hole assembly. Because of this, it has become the first choice for commercial electronics manufacturers.
3. If we look at the performance of surface mounted boards, they are far more efficient as compared to their counterparts. Under difficult physical conditions like shaking and jerking motions, these prove much more reliable than the thru-hole boards.
4. These can be assembled very quickly as automated machines are available that can develop SMT PCB's.
Cons of SMT:
1. Due to their smaller size, it is really difficult to repair the components that utilize these circuit boards.
2. Thermal cycles of the electronic circuits may damage the soldered joints that have been used to assemble the components on the circuit boards.
3. These cannot be used for the latest plug in breadboards for a number of reasons
All the above listed facts give you a thorough knowledge about the basics of SMT technology.
Precision Assembly Technologies is a well-known name in the field of PCB assembly Services New York . Log on to www.pat-inc.com to get in touch with them.
