Intro to SMD

SMD (or surface mount devices) is a new technology based on the already common PCB boards widely used in modern technology. However things such as iPhones are becoming slimmer, thanks to SMD. SMD has become popular in the past few years, and originally was only able to be accomplished by special robots or people. But now you can also build SMD! In this instructable, you will be learning the basics to SMD soldering. Good Luck, and have fun!

Step 1: Learning About the Parts

SMD chips and units can be as small as a pen tip, or as large as a screw. They vary in sizes and shapes. However sometimes it may be hard to understand what's what. Resistors tend to be small black rectangles with a number or Ohm printed on the top. Capacitors are typically orange or blue with the polarity labeled by a stripe on the positive side. And Processing chips ten to be black with an average of 3 pins. Pin 1 will be on the sde of the grey stripe, with the letters faced up, the pin 1 is normally in the lower left corner. Diodes are very easy to spot. They normally have a glass casing with a blue stripe on the positive end. Last but not least, LEDs, which are typically white, with a notch in one corner similar to 4pin LEDs.

Step 2: Gathering What's Needed

For you to be successful you will need some tools. Tools: Fine tip soldering pencil, solder, forceps, and helping hands, optional: pick or pen, and flux. Parts: SMD parts, SMD board, and wire/jumpers.

Step 3: Set Up

Yes we know, you want to get started, but wait! We need to set up! Plug in your soldering iron or station, while waiting for it to heat up, place the SMD PCB into the clips of the helping hands. (It it recommended to use a napkin between the clips and board). Next, pop the first piece out of its plastic housing, make sure the part is facing up right. Go ahead and add a SMALL dab of solder onto the PCB pad (where the part mounts), this will keep the part in place. Next, put a small amount of flux on the board to stick the part on. (Flux is not needed). Use the forceps and position the part on the board, use the soldering iron to mount the part on the board with the small amount of solder you placed earlier. Now you are set. Just continue to do this with the remaining parts.

Step 4: Soldering

The technique should get fairly easy soon. However to prevent the parts from over heating, you may use an alligator clip to work as a heat sink. (Displayed in the image)

Step 5: Conclusion/final Work

After you finish your circuit, go ahead and throw some test leads onto your device and see it it powers up! Congratulations! You just soldered a SMD board! Please leave your feedback in the comments. Enjoy your SMD!