Printed circuit boards are parts of various electronic devices, home appliances, and vehicles. The function of these green chips depends on their material and assembly technology. Each step of PCB assembly<\/a> is important and needs careful processing considering essential features. Traditional PCB has through whole technology, involving both automatic and manual processes. THT is PCB packaging technology that involves pins or leads, besides, you have to insert the chips in the PCB through holes, soldering from below. The technique gives it the name through-hole. Engineers place PCB components with their hands, however, it needs precision depending on the design. Remember that small products demand more pricing from outside vendors as they prefer high-volume production for continuous machine work.<\/p>\n Surface mount assembly and SMT is other popular PCB assembly<\/a> technology. It is an advanced method involving automation. Besides, it is ideal for smart PCBs that today\u2019s smart devices need. SMT Involves Minimal Surface: The component area, volume, and size in an SMT are 70% less than the component area in through-hole technology. Even the component area can become 90% less than its volume in a traditional PCB having a through-hole technology. Likewise, the overall weight of the PCB reduces, as the components\u2019 weight reduces by 70 to 90%. In SMT, the solder paste is applied with a stencil printer that helps finish a raw board better and faster than a traditional method. In other words, you get fineness in an automated assembly. Surface-mount technology is not full of benefits, instead, it has some drawbacks, such as:<\/p>\n Printed circuit boards involve different assembly techniques, including a through-hole technology, and a surface-mount technology. The component area, volume, and size in an SMT are 70% less than the component area in through-hole technology.
\nTwo methods are popular in PCBA, including, MT and THT. Let\u2019s study them in detail.<\/p>\nThrough-Hole Technology (THT)<\/h3>\n
\nThrough-hole technology was more in practice till 1980 and every PCB device had this technology. Then SMT emerged where chips are installed on the surface. However, some PCBs still need through-hole chips, like capacitors and resistors.
\nTHT needs more drilling, however, the device with this technology has a durable bonding with the circuit board.
\nLet\u2019s look at the important steps of THT.<\/p>\nInstallation Of Components<\/h3>\n
\nPCB Inspection
\nPCB inspection is crucial because most devices need flawless PCBs to work well. Most of the through-hole process is manual, so you have to make sure that the assembly is without any mistakes.
\nPrinted Circuit Board Soldering<\/a><\/strong>
\n Soldering of components is also important as you have to fix the components manually. This is the last part of assembly, and the manual work makes it more reliable than SMT.<\/p>\nWhy Is THT Still In Use?<\/p>\n
\nThough THT is an old PCBA technology, you still need it for certain reasons, such as:<\/p>\n
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Benefits Of Through-Hole Technology <\/h3>\n
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Surface Mount Technology-Surface Mount Chip<\/h3>\n
\nAs the name shows, PCB components are directly installed on its top surface, whereas the device having a surface mount technology is called SMD. You can say that traditional through-hole technology is being replaced by surface mount assembly.
\nHowever, through-hole technology is still in practice for big transformers or power semiconductors as their components are not compatible with SMT. Likewise, many other heavy electronic devices with heat sinks need through-hole PCBs.
\nSurface mount technology has more positive aspects than negative pros, so let\u2019s discuss them in detail.<\/p>\nPositive Aspects Of Surface-Mount Technology<\/h3>\n
\nIt Enhances The Signal Speed: a PCB assembled with SMT has a fast signal transmission due to a short circuit. The assembly density in such technology can go up to 5.5~20 solder joints in one square centimeter, like when there is paste on both sides of the PCB. Similarly, a PCB with SMT has a high impact and vibration resistance that helps create high-speed electronic devices.
\n Excellent Frequency: In SMT, the board has either no lead or it is very small which reduces its parameters, decreasing the interference in terms of RF. It means that the PCB gets high-frequency signals, and the device having it works faster.
\nMinimum Packaging Cost: when it comes to an SMT packaging price, you will see it much lower than THT. Since surface-mount technology involves effective production tools, the usage of packaging material reduces thus cutting down its cost. However, the decrease in the cost does not affect the quality of an SMT circuit board.
\nYou don\u2019t have to bend or cut the component leads in the SMT boards which reduce the assembly time, making production faster than THT. So, the production cost also reduces by 50% as the manufacturing process of SMT is quite simple.<\/p>\nAdditional Info<\/h3>\n
\nThe installation of the components becomes easier, as solder paste makes everything clear due to printing. Each SMT process is well-inspected that helps have accuracy.
\nIn SMT, the process of reflow soldering also makes a circuit board highly durable. In reflow soldering, the technician places the circuit board under high temperature to melt and reshape the paste, making it permanent. You can use both reflow soldering and automation or can switch from one to another, depending on your needs.
\nThe important thing is to design and assemble a PC Board<\/a> considering all the dos and don\u2019ts and have a flawless end product.<\/p>\nSome Negative Aspects Of SMT Assembly<\/h3>\n
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Final Thoughts <\/h3>\n
\nWhen it comes to PCB design revision, a through-hole technology doesn\u2019t need to create an additional solder stencil. So, manufacturers can save a huge amount of money on a PCB design having 2 to 3 revisions before it is ready to use.
\nWould like to know more about Surface Mount PCBs or PCB Assembly Services<\/a>? Email us at sales@pnconline.com<\/a> <\/p>\n