Electronics

Electronics: Silkscreen Circuits

These days, many printed circuit boards use surface mounted technology. The reason is simple: its much less cumbersome than soldering through the board and surface mounted circuits are smaller, allowing for more compact PCBs. PCB manufacturers generally fabricate both types of boards.

If you are an old-school solderer, becoming acquainted with surface mounted technology may take some time. As it saves money and space, you should definitely think about making the leap. It is vital to keep up with new technological developments if your PCBs are ever going to improve.

New Designs
In some way, designing an SMT board can be like starting over. Because circuits are smaller, there can be more space between circuits leading to grounding and connection problems. The board will not work in the same way as you are accustomed. It may be necessary to make twice the number of traces at times.

Either way, it is important to get a PCB professionally fabricated. A PCB which needs drill holes has a great capacity for misalignment if done at home. An SMT board may have more sophisticated etching. You will still be soldering with SMT and it is important to have a professionally-made framework for the circuits to be well connected.