maker(SMT)

Surface Mount Technology

What is Surface Mount Technology?

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) is a method of mounting electronic components directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards (PCBs) without using through-holes. Components designed for SMT have small metal tabs or pads that are soldered to corresponding pads on the PCB surface. This technology allows for smaller, lighter, and more densely packed electronic devices compared to traditional through-hole mounting, and enables automated assembly processes for mass production.

Related Terms

Surface Mount Device

SMD

A Surface Mount Device (SMD) is an electronic component designed to be mounted directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) without using through-holes. SMDs have flat metallic contacts or short leads that are soldered to pads on the PCB surface, allowing for much smaller component sizes and higher component density compared to traditional through-hole components. This mounting technique enables the creation of compact, lightweight electronic devices and allows for automated assembly using pick-and-place machines.