Dear Tony & Wendy.

Just being a lowly Process Engineer so I do not have any involvement in the
costing side of PCB assembly I just build what I am given. But I do have the
following comments:-

1.SMT components have a much smaller outline. This means that more
components can be fitted per square inch of PCB real estate and more spacing
can be given to interference sensitive devices.

2.There are some devices that are only available in a SMT package.

3.SMT devices cost less because there is less packaging involved and it is
easier to manufacture a SMT passive device (Caps and Res) than its TH
equivalent.

4. More and more manufacturers are using SMT components in their design so I
belive that TH components will slowly become obsolete. It is already the
case that some SMT devices are becoming hard to find as circuits and
components starts to miniturize.

Just a few points which I hope will help.

**SMT is the future**

PS Have you heard of BGA's ??


===== Original Message from TechNet@PAT [log in to unmask] (TechNet E-Mail
Forum.) at 28/09/98 11:54
>Hi from NZ. I run a small Prototype Design office and have been designing
>THT boards for small firms for many years. Recently some customers are
>looking to update their designs. Is there any performance or monetary gains
>to be had by changing to mostly SMT? Is there any future in THT? Circuits
>are mostly digital and audio with some RF. Productions runs range from 100
>TO 500. Has anyone made or know of any comparative costs study that can be
>attached to an email please? This has got to be the most boring subject on
>TN but any advice or figures would be very welcome. Cheers. Tony.s
>
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Mark Austin (Process Engineer)
ACW Technology Ltd
Hylton Road
Petersfield
GU32 3XX

TEL - (01730) 300000
FAX - (01730) 266045

DDI - (01730) 304401
MA @ ACW.CO.UK

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