[sdiy] SMD experiences

[Matthew Smith]

Quoth Tom Wiltshire at 09/09/11 17:38...
> What's a "thermal relief pad" and why would I only need one for through-hole?

Consider this: SMDs could be using the ground plane as a heatsink. 
Through-hole devices will be generating (as everything does) and also 
RECEIVING heat, via the ground plane.

Extra pads on surface layers can help dissipate that heat.

OK, I'm not totally au fais with all this, I'm working off the "thermal 
considerations" bits of datasheets, but that's how I'd understand this.

> I'm enjoying this thread. I'm still yet to go over to the tiny side of the force, but it's power is strong.

I had many reasons for not going SMD - every single one of which has so 
far turned out to be false.  Really shaky hands are probably a 
contraindication but, with decent tweezers, and appropriate magnifiers 
(I use both a bench lamp/magnifier and a dental loupe for inspection,) 
it's not half as hard as one might think.

-- 
Matthew Smith

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