Oliver Smith

Is paste mask layer, both top and bottom layer, necessary for THT components?

I know the paste mask layer is also called the stencil layer. It's only used for assembly. I want to…

12 months ago

How can I handle missing solder mask opening on PCB footprint?

I have three through-hole PCBs that are missing front and back solder mask openings for two of the components. The…

12 months ago

Can I design SMD elements on the back of THT?

I'm designing a PCB right now and found out I can save a lot of space using the back of…

12 months ago

What is the use of thermal reliefs on vias for a copper pour?

My EDA software (PCAD, but I guess others do this too) adds thermal reliefs on vias in a copper pour.…

12 months ago

How do I remove kapton tape from soldered parts in bulk?

I have a batch of PCBs with SMT nuts which has been assembled onto a PCB - the nut has…

1 year ago

What are primary and secondary sides of PCB?

I am designing a 2 layer PCB with components on both side of it. SMT components are one one side…

1 year ago

What is the proper zero orientation for a SMT LED?

According to IPC-7351, the cathode should be on the left for a molded diode. However, when I use component wizard…

1 year ago

Are SMT components bad for high voltage applications?

Many assembly factories are asking for SMT jobs, while I think through hole would be a better option for a…

1 year ago

How do you usually organize SMT parts during PCB assembly?

Suppose one is hand-assembling a board with many SMT components. Unlike THT, SMT components are often not labeled. How might…

1 year ago

How do you hold SMD part in place while soldering?

I go through this every time I have PCBs I need to populate with SMD parts, and this has become…

1 year ago