Homebrew PCBs

On Mon, 31 Oct 2005 03:17:32 +0100, Alan King <alan@...> wrote:

>
>>
>> Additionally I have found that double sided smt is easier to design
>> that double sided through hole as you are not forever dodging pads.
>>
>> Mike


What i like to do is single sided mixed population.
I put connectors and some ICs on top, and passives, transistors, and some  
small ICs on the bottom.
This can result in a very tight design, with no vias. I don't think SMD  
only single sided can be made that small.

Also, i want to have connectors and stuff with leads, so they are well  
secured to the board.

It gives you the opportunity to put labeling on the top side, not so much  
for components, but for pinouts and stuff like that. With all the passive  
"underbrush" on the bottom there's usually enough space.

SMD definitely must not be ignored for homebrew PCBs, it has too many  
advantages. But for me SMD only would in many cases not be very practical.

ST