Thanks so much for that valuable information. I realize while I was reading, that a lot has changed since I went through electronics school 30 years ago. Electronics now is just a part time hobby.
Thanks again
Joe
----- Original Message -----
From: DJ Delorie
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 12:06 AM
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] TIP120 Darlington
"Joe" <n0pme@...> writes:
> Where can I find a cross reference for standard componants to SMT?
> My other question is. Is there a TIP120 Darlington transisiter in
> Surface mount.
No simple answer from me. I use digikey's search engine to find parts
with similar characteristics, and hope for the best. In the case of a
TIP120, I searched for "NPN Darlington", then selected everything 65W
or higher, then selected the one remaining SMT package - a D2PAK (it
looks like a laid-down TO-220). I found this - it's 80W:
http://www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=FJB102TMCT-ND
To properly solder that, though, you'd need to reflow it - it uses the
copper on the PCB as a heatsink so you want a full solder joint
between the pad and the pcb, and most irons can't pump that much heat
in there. I use a cheap hotplate.
For SMT transistors, you're mostly going to be looking for SOT-∗
(sot-23, sot-323, etc) for smaller ones, or DPAK/D2PAK for larger
ones. For resistors, capacitors, ferrites, and LEDs, choose a size
you're comfortable with (I use 0603) and stick with it, unless you
need more power (or capacitance) than the package allows. ICs will be
SO or ∗SOP (sop, tsop, tssop, etc; avoid SOJ as the leads are ∗under∗
the chip) for dip-style, or ∗QFP (tqfp, pqfp, lqpf) for square style.
Avoid QFN (No-lead) unless you're really tight on space and know how
to reflow solder.
Most datasheets have land pattern recommendations you can use, if
they're not standard packages.
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