SMDs? Don't panic!

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) is responsible for today’s ever smaller electronic equipment. Many new IC’s are now only available in SMD outline. These tiny components can pose a few problems for the electronics enthusiast, not the least being the cost of special SMT tools. If SMDs make you nervous, don’t panic, this introduction will give tips on SMD working methods and help you decide what you really need and what you can do without in the Lilliput land of the SMD.These days some electronic components are supplied only in SMD package outlines. This can often leave the electronic hobbyist in a bit of a dilemma: should you use SMD components only where there is no alternative and conventional wire-ended components elsewhere in your latest design or should you plump for SMD throughout?