Definition of surface-mount device

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Photonics Dictionary

surface-mount device: A surface-mount device (SMD) is an electronic component that is mounted directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) rather than being inserted into holes drilled in the board (as with through-hole components). SMDs are widely used in modern electronic manufacturing due to their smaller size, higher component density, and suitability for automated assembly processes.

Surface-mount devices come in various shapes, sizes, and configurations, including integrated circuits (ICs), resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and other passive and active electronic components. They are typically packaged in small, flat packages with metal leads or terminals that are soldered directly to the conductive pads on the surface of the PCB.

The mounting process for SMDs involves soldering the component leads or terminals to the corresponding pads on the PCB using surface-mount technology (SMT) equipment. This process can be performed using various techniques, including reflow soldering, wave soldering, or selective soldering, depending on the specific requirements of the components and the assembly process.

Advantages of surface-mount devices include:

Miniaturization: SMDs are smaller and lighter than through-hole components, allowing for higher component density and more compact electronic designs.

Improved electrical performance: SMDs typically have shorter signal paths, lower parasitic capacitance and inductance, and better high-frequency characteristics compared to through-hole components, resulting in improved electrical performance.

Cost and efficiency: SMDs are compatible with automated assembly processes, leading to lower manufacturing costs, faster production times, and higher throughput compared to manual assembly methods used for through-hole components.

Thermal performance: SMDs dissipate heat more efficiently due to their closer proximity to the PCB, enabling better thermal management and higher power density in electronic devices.

Excelitas Technologies Corp. - X-Cite Vitae MR 11/24

Excelitas PCO GmbH - PCO.Edge 11-24 BIO MR