What Is The Gerber Format For Circuit Board Design

Although it?s fairly common in use today, the surface mounted technology (SMT) method of mounting components onto a printed circuit board (PCB) has plenty of advantages in its use and function. Using surface mounting, components are added to the board directly and mounted without using the through-hole method of the past. The SMT method allows a device called a surface mounted device (SMD) to be created with very minimal fuss and high amounts of automation in the process. The PCB is the copper conductor containing the points and leads for the electronics to be mounted. There are variations of mounting the resistors, switches, and leads onto a PCB. The preferred method is SMT for some of the following reasons.

SMT PCB Assembly: Advantages

Size

As computing gets smaller and smaller, as the need for electronics demands more compact versions of items, the need for smaller PCBs is increasing. As of now, sizes are measured in fractions of millimeters as a standard size. The SMT PCB assembly method allows for small leads, or even in some cases, no leads on the board. Because just the one size is used and there are no through-hole penetrations on the board, it can be mounted flat into the electronic for a small compact PCB.

Speed

For high volume productions, most companies choose a SMT PCB assembly as a way to produce more volume for less. The machines in assembly lines are now capable of attaching over 130,000 components per hour. This speed allows for the rapid production of a PCB with high levels of accuracy.

Space Usage

Instead of the through-hole technology found in many PCBs, the SMT allows for components to be added to both sides of the PCB. This maximizes the computing power and space of an electronic. It can essentially double the capacity of the PCBs in electronics these days.

Better Performance

Given that a PCB is asked to contain components and keep them functioning well under duress, the SMT method of assembly is the most secure way of ensuring there are no loose leads or trailing components that can be shaken or bumped off. The solder pads ensure every component is kept in alignment is secured to the board.

Cost

As a whole, the SMT method is preferred because of the reduction in costs across the board. The setup and production costs are lowered. The components costs are much cheaper than their through-hole counterparts. The better production value and improved performance reduce on wastage and damaged final products. The increased number of connections per components is increased so that fewer PCBs are required and smaller space is needed.

When comparing the two different mounting technologies, the surface mounted technology comes out on top. It simply produces a better product with faster speeds and smaller space required to do so. Components are readily available and because of their popularity, easily found to repair if required. The SMT PCB method will only rise in popularity as computing demands more of its components.