SMC Connectors. SMC (SubMiniature version C) are coaxial RF (Radio Frequency) connectors with a screw-type interface. They feature between 10 and 32 machine screw threads and, when mated, provide an air gap closure for protection against high-voltage breakdown and leakage in your PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards).
In the SMC assembly process, depositing the solder paste on the printed circuit board is one of the first and an important step. The process aims to accurately deposit the correct amount of solder paste onto each copper pad—if the amount is low, there can be dry solders during reflow.
Notably, the UK office of SMC is co-located with one of its two European Technical Centres, employing around 70 design engineers who provide specialised technical support to European customers. The Milton Keynes facility also plays a crucial role in delivering custom solutions, as many SMC products are finished or assembled by hand there.
For the manufacturer, packaging and shipping SMCs to the assembler is important, as the components must always remain protected from damage during transit. SMC manufacturers offer various means of packaging, such as tapes, reels, and trays, for transporting components. Manufacturers place very small SMCs on tapes and wind the tapes onto reels. The
In the SMC assembly process, depositing the solder paste on the printed circuit board is one of the first and an important step. The process aims to accurately deposit the correct amount of solder paste onto each copper pad—if the amount is low, there can be dry solders during reflow. On the other hand, excessive amounts of solder paste deposition
Assemblers use pick and place machines to pick the SMC from its tape or tray and place it on the solder paste deposit on the PCB. Use of these machines is the second step in the three-step assembly process of SMCs. As the name suggests, the basic operation of these machines constitute five steps: 1. Locate the SMC on the reel or tray 2. Pick up the
This is the final step in the SMC assembly process, before the assembled board goes for inspection and testing. After the pick and place machines have finished placing all components on the board, the operator places the board with its SMCs on the conveyor of a reflow soldering machine. A reflow soldering machine has several zones inside it, with a