Tips for surface mount device (SMD) soldering

Introduction Surface mount soldering is an acquired skill necessary for any detailed repair work on most modern electronics, including the A600, A1200, CD32 and A4000(T) computers. Like learning to ride a bicycle, you can't simply learn SMD soldering by reading a book. These guides are intended to help the beginner, people who want to have a go, or even if you just want to see exactly what's involved. It really isn't as difficult as most people make it out to be and with a bit of practise you'll soon become quite comfortable working with surface mount technology. Before attempting SMD soldering, it is essential to have moderately good hand soldering (conventional soldering) skills to begin with. It is also necessary to develop SMD soldering skills using old/broken PCBs, as when learning, it's all too easy to overheat PCBs (causing scorching, blistering and delamination) and pull off solder pads. The main problem with SMD soldering is that you require some specialist tools, mainly a hot air or infra-red soldering (rework) station. These are professional tools and cannot be bought from your typical hardware store. If you are seriously looking into a lot of SMD soldering, the tools can be bought from most professional electronics suppliers, such as Farnell and Radio Spares. Otherwise you may be able to access one through a friend, or shop around on one of the many auction websites. Personally I'd recommend something like the Hakko 850. It also helps to have good eyesight, or a good magnifying lens, such as those used by jewlers. Fortunately the surface mount technology used on the classic Amigas is the old 1206 size, which is enormous by today's SMD 0603 and 0402 standards. Parts are fairly easily obtainable and their large size makes them very easy to work on.

This section is split up into three seperate guides as they contain a large quantity of images. The bandwidth from my webserver is not huge, so download speed will be limited. Most images in the guides can be expanded by clicking on them. Select a section to view: (arranged in order of easiest to more difficult)

Replacing a SOIC How to remove and replace a Small Outline Integrated Circuit.

Replacing a SMD capacitor How to remove and replace a SMD electrolytic capacitor.

Fitting a PLCC socket How to fit a Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier socket to hold an exsisting device.

I have not included any guides for simple replacement of 1206 chip resistors and capacitors. Techniques similar to those in the SOIC soldering guide are used, so refer to this if necessary. In general, most two pin devices like SMD resistors can usually be replaced using a conventional hand soldering iron, though the job is usually quicker and tider using a SMD rework tool and solder paste.

Some of the tools required for the job

In the above picture, the tools shown from left to right (going downward) are: Methylated spirits or isopropyl alchohol An old toothbrush for cleaning Solder resist "rework" pen, or you could use clear nail polish Enamel coated "wire wrap" wire Fine electronics grade solder (approx 0.5mm or smaller) Pair of fine tipped tweesers Solder paste syringe Hot air rework tool Small pair of side cutters Digital multimeter Fine tipped electronics grade soldering iron around 60W Small needlenose pliers

Aside from the above items, you'll also need standard equipment such as: A cleaning rag/cloth or paper towels for cleaning Fibreglass brush/pen (Radio Spares part number 514-868) #2 Philips head screwdriver Small flat head screwdriver 3/16" hex nut driver (for removing D-range connector nuts)

Plus it's wise to always use anti-static precautions when working with sensitive electronic devices. Therefore I'd recommend working at a staic safe workstation and wearing an anti-static grounding strap.

Hakko 850 Hot Air Rework System

Adjustable air volume and temperature allows reworking of QFPs and SOPs Durable nozzles can be used for soldering and desoldering, over and over. Automatic cooling mode protects the heating element and handle when the power is turned off. ESD safe by design

Part No.

850M-V12

Station
Power Consumption Pump Capacity Outer Dimensions Weight 20W
(2W when power switch is "OFF")

Diaphragm pump 23 l/min. (MAX.) 187(W) x 135(H) x 245(D) mm (7.36(W) x 5.31(H) x 9.64(D) in.) Approx. 4 kg (8.81 lbs.)

Handpiece
Power Consumption Hot Air Temperature Length Weight 260W 100C - 420C (212F- 788F) with A1126 nozzle 196 mm (7.71 in.) 120 g (0.26 lb.)

Available from all good professional electronics stockists.