Is there any problems if I change 0805 too 0402 surface mount or smaller?

In order to reduce the size of a PCB, I will probably have to use smaller SM components. I currently use mostly 0805 passives, and am thinking about going to 0402 or smaller. Apart from power dissipation considerations, any pitfalls I should be aware of when making the transition?

0402 obviously is harder to hand assemble. If you need to get them assembled by machine, please notice the following tips.

  • The assembler’s pick & place machine can even handle 0402 at a good rate & yield.
  • Double-sided load. Some boards just need this assembly step, like BGA often puts decoupling caps on the bottom of the board.
  • Electrical properties. The obvious one is, of course, the power rating of resistors. Voltage rating is not only likely worse due to the physical smaller dimensions, but also consider the voltage bias degradation effect of ceramic class 2 capacitors. For smaller packages in same voltage/capacitance, this effect may be worse.

On the other hand, some properties, like lead inductance, is lower. In addition, sometimes you can put capacitors right at the chip pins for QFP style packages, while routing signals underneath the chip. In effect, the loop area for the decoupling capacitor is much much smaller than a larger size capacitor, which may be placed further away to comply with signal routing.

Read More: PCB Design and Layout Services

#PCB Design

Picture of Oliver Smith

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.
Picture of Oliver Smith

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

What Others Are Asking

What are good softwares for PCB designing?

I usually work for PCB designing and know some useful design software. I want to know what design software you are using. Is there any high recommendation?

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 of my suppliers to create a diode, it places the cathode (K) on the right. Does it depend on the manufacturer? How does the assembly house know which way is correct?

Why does my RF PCB have small holes in the ground polygon?

I ordered RF PCB design and prototype from my supplier . There are something like a hole, but it is not, on the ground surface. What is the purpose of making these holes? The PCB is inside of the E70 433NW14S LoRa module.

Read Detailed Advice From Blog Articles

Scroll to Top