Tony,

I can sympathize with you as I just recently went through this process! As
for generic info on this in detail, I was never able to find any. I had to
resort to obtaining info on our specific product and parts.

Generally speaking though, the two main reasons for going to SM from TH are,
1) reduced PWB or real estate (less board required due to smaller parts)
and, 2) more power or capabilities (SM parts tend to be more robust in the
area of capabilities).

There are other reasons that can be factors also. Component pricing is one
that would probably be significant in your case, that is reduced.

Our product is a bit different in that SM components for some of our
requirements are not readily available at this point, or if they are for the
power ratings we need, their bodies are such that we would end up using more
(not less) PWB space for the design. So to offer an opinion about if TH will
last, I would say, yes, but not forever! Progress is being made, so by and
large, TH will be around for some time.

For the products you mentioned though, I would expect the change to be very
acceptable. The more your  product is in the mainstream of consumer
electronics, I would expect the more you would find that the move to SM
would be a plus.

Good luck in your search and evaluation!

Richard Hamilton
Clemar Mfg. / Rain Bird
[log in to unmask]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tony & Wendy Smythe [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Monday, September 28, 1998 3:55 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: [TN] Justification for change from tht to smt
>
> 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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