Surface Mount Technology (SMT) definition refers to a manufacturing technique where electronic components are directly applied to the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB). This method enables automated production to conduct a more extensive assembly, resulting in the creation of a fully functional circuit board.Any electronic element installed in this manner is identified as a surface-mounted component (SMD). In opposition to conventional manufacturing techniques, SMT removes the necessity for elements to be placed through apertures; rather, elements are attached to the board via the process of reflow soldering.
Initially termed Planar Mounting, IBM pioneered the development and application of SMT in the 1960s for constructing small-scale computers. It subsequently replaced the prior Through-Hole Technology. However, it gained substantial traction only in 1986 when surface-mounted components achieved a 10% market share. By the year 1990, the predominant technology utilized in advanced printed circuit assemblies (PCAs) comprised surface-mount devices, commonly known as SMDs.
SMT components feature petite tabs where solder is applied to affix SMDs to the PCB’s surface.
During the period of Through-Hole Technology, components were introduced by threading through lead holes that were drilled into PCBs. These holes were dimensioned to precisely fit each component before the soldering process. SMT streamlines the assembly process by circumventing the hole-drilling step; SMDs are swiftly sorted and attached to the PCB’s surface with minimal or no lead holes, thereby significantly expediting device assembly.
The process of assembling SMT can be demanding and time-intensive when performed manually, considering the precision needed to attain top-notch surface mount assembly (SMA).Consequently, for improved efficiency, automated assembly machines are predominantly employed in SMT manufacturing, particularly in large-scale production.
surface mount technology components are notably more compact than through-hole components, contributing to the fabrication of sleek and aesthetically pleasing electronic devices suitable for contemporary times. Consequently, SMT finds application in nearly every electronic device today, spanning toys, kitchen appliances, laptops, and smartphones.