Compare And contrast the process of through hole insertion and surface mounting technology employed in electronic fabrication.

Surface mount technology (SMT) is the most commonly used package technology today in modern PCB manufacturing process.

These types of circuit board parts and components have very small or no leads as their primary purpose is to be soldereddirectly on the surface of a PCB during the design process.

 Through-Hole Technology Pros and Cons

                        Surface Mount Pros and Cons

 When comparing the two PCB design technologies, it's easy to see why surface mount is the reigning champ.

Surface mount devices (SMDs) are smaller, faster, and cheaper. This is especially important with Information Technology.

Technology leaders are driving towards a connected society and size does matter when it comes to PCB design.

In the drive for ubiquitous computing, Information Technology or the “ambient intelligence” we all crave,the drive to make smaller and smaller components includes the very heart of the electronic devices, the circuit board.

Smaller components enable smaller boards, allowing us to fit printed circuit boards in almost any form factor.

Smaller sizes mean less to manufacture leading to cost reductions in the production process.

Less expensive components will lead to cost savings to the end customer, which is always a plus.

High-speed designs are increasingly common and in demand, so SMDs are something we can’t substitute.

Through-hole plating tech is great for prototyping and testing as you’re able to more easily swap out components on a PCB.

In addition to prototyping and testing, through-hole components have very strong physical bonds to the board as they are soldered from both the top and bottom of the board. Because of this, they are very durable, which is partly why they are used in military and aerospace.

They also have a high environmental and power tolerance.

 We can find through-hole technology in all sorts of places. One example would be on LED lights in billboards or stadiums.

Through-hole LEDs are extremely bright and durable, allowing them to handle the outside elements.

Also, if we look at industrial machines and equipment you can find many through-hole circuit boards.

Again, this is due to the harsh conditions, which could be environmental or something like having to deal with high power situations.

Through-hole technology may be old and seem outdated, but it has a purpose and can be used for its physical endurance and strength in today’s connected world.