Also known as SMT, surface mount technology places electronic components and fixes directly onto the circuit boards. Advances in technology have meant that SMT now allows for smaller board level components and consequently, smaller end products. Think of the size difference in early mobile phones and today's tiny cell phones, for example. Surface mount components can be soldered using two basic techniques - using a soldering iron or using an oven. Though the process is fairly easy, it requires care and a stable hand specially when using a soldering iron. The process starts with applying a thin layer of solder paste, which is a sticky mixture of tiny solder particles and flux, to the SMT pads which are present on the PCB and are used to hold the SMT components. Then the component is placed on the pads and carefully aligned. Next, using a clean solder iron or the oven, the component needs to be tacked into place properly by soldering two opposite pins. Once in place, the alignment is rechecked and the soldering completed. The SMT method of mounting has a number of main advantages over older methods, allowing as it does for the placement of components in exact positions on both sides of a circuit board, reducing costs and reducing size at the same time. Though cost reductions have only come over time, the initially cost of creating the machines and designs needed to undertake surface mounting are higher than the old through-hole based mounting. Many people still suggest that the older methods of mounting components are easier to repair, but as SMT has developed enough, along with advances in the repair tools, the methods and costs of repairing surface mount boards has fallen. While it is still possible to undertake manual soldering repairs, there have been professional rework systems designed as well which have improved the method and cost of repairs. Surface mount components now range into three main categories, Passive SMDs (including resistors and capacitors), Transistors and Integrated Circuits. There are currently still some electronic components that require the old drilled through and lead wire methods, but the numbers are on a dramatic decline. Look for further advances in surface mount technology in the coming years. As the technology improves, the electronic components will get smaller and smaller. Learning how to use them now will keep you on top of the industry. Right from their inception, assembly services have gained momentum and are considered as one of the most renowned services. Many companies are always on the look out for best assembling technology and services and manufacturers give the best of their services. But before proceeding, let us first know about a PCB Assembly- When electronic components are attached to a PCB, it is referred to as Printed Circuit Assembly. It is done only after a Circuit Board Assembly has been created completely. Various kinds of techniques are available to attach electronic components to printed circuit boards. Surface mount and through-the-hole technology are mostly combined on a single Printed Circuit Assembly. This is because of the availability of very few electronic components in surface mount packages. Though, high volume production is executed by machine placement. Printed Circuit Assembly is used to connect and support electronic components mechanically. This is done by using conductive pathways or traces, engraved from the laminated copper sheers onto a non-conductive substrate. There are three ways to create PCB assembly. Those are: • Surface mount assembly - This technology emerged in 60s and evolved in 1980s. And now, it is widely used. In surface mount technology, components have metal tabs, and can be soldered easily to the board. Higher circuit densities can be achieved if components are attached on both the sides of the circuit. • Conventional PTH Assembly - Plated through-hole technology includes components with leads attached. Thee components are inserted with the provision of drilled holes in a circuit board. This is an expensive technique; however it leads to the most efficient boards. • Box-build, Electro-Mechanical Assembly - This technology involves the use of custom metalwork, wire harnesses and looms, cable assembly, and moulded plastics. All this is done to create Circuit Board Assembly. But, no matter how robust your PCB Assembly design is, it is still prone to wear and tear. And the damaged or outdated parts of the PCB Assembly are not available easily in the market. In this case, it becomes necessary to avail Circuit Board Assembly services. Hence, manufacturers should provide effective and efficient Printed Circuit Assembly service to their customer. This will not only keep the customers happy, but will also help the manufacturer to gain trust and goodwill in the market. SMD Bestückung