Tapio,
I think 'bean counters' or accountants make a living answering this sort of
question. Statistics on component sales and the like are probably available
from the manufacturers in their stock holders reports... there may also be
info available from organizations that support manufacturing and
distribution and assembly. In fact you may find some info available from the
IPC...
The big problem I find with your question is its too general. There are many
factors that affect 'cost' which could be rolled into a study of 'which is
cheaper'. The retail purchase price of a component of either type is not the
only factor to consider. Machine handling, layout 'real estate' which
affects the cost of the board, stocking space, special requirements for
board surface finishes, brokers fees, international taxes and tariffs,
component development costs, materials costs... I'm sure there are probably
other aspects that don't come to mind at the moment.
Generally, surface mount components are more cost effective to use for most
applications. The larger volume demand for manufacturing and ready
availability through distribution of these parts makes their retail cost
lower. Also their wide use drives the sale of pick and place assembly
machines or contractors that have them and the capacity to do the assembly
of surface mount parts. Through hole components and the machines to automate
their assembly used to be the most common parts and methods back in the
1980's. Most electronics manufacturers have transitioned to smaller more
compact electronic assemblies with surface mount components. They are now
the most common parts available, hence the most cost effective to use.
That does not mean that through hole technology does not have a place in
electronic design. There are clearly conditions under which surface mount
components are not a good choice. Extreme vibration, extremes in hot or cold
environments, high reliability applications, all require through hole parts
to survive... The leaded brothers of our surface mount parts have a more
robust ability to withstand abuse. So you will find them in military
applications and in high-rel products or aerospace applications often. They
are much cheaper than having to replace a surface mount version over and
over due to failures, which could cause very expensive damage if they happen
at the wrong moment in time...
Cheaper is a relative term... you really have to take into account many
factors and decide, is it cheaper how and for whom?
At any rate, Good luck with the research project. I hope the thesis goes
well.
:)
Bill Brooks
PCB Design Engineer , C.I.D., C.I.I.
Tel: (760)597-1500 Ext 3772 Fax: (760)597-1510
-----Original Message-----
From: Tapio Karinsalo [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 12:52 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [DC] How much cheaped is SMT than THT? [mx]
Hi,
I am making my degree thesis and I am trying to find answer to
question: How much cheaper is to use SMT component than THT component to
do same electronic product? I know that there are many factors that
impact to costs but do you guys know is there any white papers or case
studies about that thing? Sorry my bad English but hope you understand
my question..
Best regards
Tapio Karinsalo
Tampere University of Technology
Finland
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