Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) refers to the way components are mounted on a PCB: SMDs (Surface-Mounted Devices) have pins or contacts which lay on top of the PCB's pads, without the need for holes in the PCB.
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What tools, equipment, and techniques do you use to solder fine-pitch SMT parts?
Possibly many questions have been asked on soldering smd parts, but I haven't found specific answers, Like:
Do you use a watchmakers lens or some other type of magnifying glass while soldering these ...
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12answers
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Recommended PCB houses / Assemblers
Can anyone recommend a good place to go making PCB's? I'm particularly interested in places that also offer assembly, because this makes SMD parts an option.
GoldPhoenix is an option, but not the ...
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8answers
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DIY SMT Reflow: Toaster Oven, Skillet or?
I've read quite a few write ups on converting toaster ovens or skillets for reflowing SMT components. The important parts appeared to be:
Attempting to match a reflow profile (temperature pattern to ...
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8answers
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Sizing SMD components for Hobbyist Kits
More components are only available in SMD packages.
For hobbyist assembly the options are to buy breakout boards or
solder SMD.
Since components are usually packaged in a couple of SMD
package ...
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8answers
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Pre-programming surface mount ICs
I'm trying to set up a PCB with an atmega168 and no programming header. I intend to use a serial bootloader (there is a ft232 on the board) to reprogram but I am wondering about the best way to ...
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3answers
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How to use multiple terminal surface mount chips in amateur project?
As you can probably tell from the question I am a beginner in the embedded world. The extent of my experience is some playing around with C and assembly using the Arduino. I'd like to make the jump to ...
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3answers
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Small SOT-23 transistor markings
I've got a SOT-23 transistor (I think, but it could also be an IC) marked with 1E. Another one is marked with A7W. Then I can also see WR5. How are you supposed to decode these?
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3answers
985 views
Using oblong / rounded surface mounted pads for chip resistors, capacitors and inductors
I'm learning to layout PCBs and lately I came across practice that made me curious. The chip passives' pads are etched with oblong / rounded shape, instead of rectangular shape that is used in all ...
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2answers
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How to split Analog and Digital GND planes for a TQFN device
This question is in reference to Mixed signal PCB layout for PSoC.
If I am using a microcontroller which has separate analog and digital supply inputs and GNDs, what should do with the grounds?
...
5
votes
11answers
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What is the best Magnifier to use for general electronics duties
I am looking for a magnifier tool for an electronics workbench and was wondering what sort of product would be best.
The device must be an all-rounder capable of doing some SMT as well as through ...
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3answers
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Should I worry about the risk of tombstoning?
A colleague has (apparently unsuccessfully :-)) tried to convince me of the risk of tombstoning
in the following situation:
He claims pad 1 for R55 and R59 will lose heat faster during ...
10
votes
4answers
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SMT solder reflow temperature profile
I have read many website and forums about DIY reflow ovens for SMT soldering. I have also seen many solder profiles as specified by the solder manufacturers, component manufacturers, and other ...
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2answers
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The “right” 0805 footprint land pattern
My PCB design software comes with some libraries that include some common components, like chip resistors and capacitors. I have noticed, however, that the footprint land pattern for the 0805 ...
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2answers
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How can I use my SMD Arduino to program a separate DIP ATmega328?
I have an arduino with a surface mounted (SMD) microcontroller:
I know how to use a DIP arduino as a programmer for a DIP ATmega328. It's easy --you just pop your microcontroller in the holder.
...
8
votes
3answers
964 views
How are SMD microcontrollers preloaded with code?
Often when you buy an SMD microcontroller (say AVR) or a PCB with an SMD microcontroller it comes preloaded with whatever program that board uses to run. I was wondering how it is preloaded - I guess ...
10
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4answers
635 views
Why are power supplies almost always made using through hole components?
Why are power supplies almost always made using through hole components? Every computer PSU I've taken apart uses through hole components, though occasionally (not in all cases) surface mount ...
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1answer
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SMD ceramic capacitors producing ticking sound?
I've soldered a couple of SMD capacitors to pads which were not intended to host them. As a result there's a bit of space between the PCB and the capacitors. I have a signal on the capacitors as shown ...
