Why are power supplies almost always made using through hole components?

Every computer PSU I've taken apart uses through hole components, though occasionally (not in all cases) surface mount components are found on the bottom. Don't these have to be hand assembled? If so, why are they still doing this? even though labour costs are low in China, it still must cost less for a machine to pick and place SMT stuff.

PCB Assembly
December 8, 2023

Because PSUs use many big lumpy parts that are not SMD able or need good mechanical fixing. Also, for minimum cost, they like to use single-layer PCBs. TH is a little more amenable to this as parts act as jumpers over tracks. TH parts can be machine-inserted

Read More: Read More: Industrial Electronics PCB

#PCB Assembly

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.

Oliver Smith

What Others Are Asking

Can I make a PCB without a ground plane?

Recently we are developing a portable device which should be very tiny and light. In terms of PCB design, I am thinking whether it is a good idea to exclude ground plane to minimize the product size.

Oliver Smith September 25, 2023

Does a simple wire antenna need a 50 ohm transmission line?

Designing wiring for automotive which will be equipped with antenna. Is it proper to use 50 ohm transmission line in this case?

Oliver Smith November 14, 2023

How do I determine the traces width when designing a PCB?

Our team are developing a portable medical device with a small size, so we need a small PCB. How do I determine the traces width when designing a PCB? Actually we want it as narrow as possible to fit the device, is it OK?

Oliver Smith September 25, 2023