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I was wondering different packages are usually handled. Specifically, the SMD packages.

Are there any benefits to having all components in a single package?

For example, I have all of my resistors and capacitors in 0402 package but one of the capacitors is nearly 10x in cost for this package size vs say 0805.
Does it make sense to use the cheaper one or would such a choice in turn make assembly more expensive?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ There is no cost difference if they are different BOM lines. Consolidating parts saves money, not consolidating package size. Sometimes for very large packages either two slots in reel machine or a special placer adapter needs to be used which may add cost, but this is not an issue for standard smt resistors \$\endgroup\$
    – crasic
    Feb 14, 2020 at 17:12
  • \$\begingroup\$ If the 0402 part is really 10x the cost I would suspect it's of a capacitance/voltage that's very difficult to manufacture and/or there is a supply issue. A part that you can't get for love or money is very expensive indeed. The voltage coefficient might be horrible too, compared to an 0805. \$\endgroup\$
    – Spehro Pefhany
    Feb 14, 2020 at 18:53

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From a perspective of pure mechanics of an assembly house there is no difference whatsoever to using different package IF it is same SMD type.

SMDs are assembled by pick-and-place machines which don’t really care about package size as long as it is size the machine can handle (going some super small packages may significantly reduce number of houses that can do assembly for you because the machine they have may not be capable of handling those sizes). In other words if the bulk of your components is in 0402, then you will be pretty safe going bigger packages for some of the components.

Things changes if you want to mix SMD and THT components as (again) some houses may not have machines capable of reliably placing THT ones and thus requiring manual work to place those. Or they may not even have wave soldering machine, which again would lead to manual soldering.

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You'd have to check with your manufacturer to be sure. Very small packages, (0402 is pretty standard now though), "blind" packages (BGA etc), and having lots of different parts (there will be a limit on the number of reels on the pick and place machine) will raise the cost. Tiny and/or blind packages will also reduce your yield.

BOM consolidation allows you to buy more of the same component, taking advantage of bulk cost reduction and also reducing opportunities for incorrect orders. Another factor to consider is that there is always wastage in the pick and place - let's say you lose 10 of each components per run. If you only have 10 BOM lines your overhead is 100 wasted components. If you have 100 BOM lines, your overhead becomes 1000 wasted components.

So, if you get a 10X reduction in cost by reusing a BOM line then do it. If the cost of adding a BOM line is less than reuse, then just add it.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks! I'm mainly concerned about choosing a package for a BOM line that has to be there anyway. Most of my components are space constrained, but a couple capacitors have some room around them. Do you have any resources on yield and optimizing for it? Also what do you mean by blind packages? \$\endgroup\$
    – mewa
    Feb 14, 2020 at 17:28
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    \$\begingroup\$ @mewa - Blind packages have solder connections underneath the component to the extent that they are no longer visible, such as the mentioned BGA that can have hundreds of connections on the underside of the chip. \$\endgroup\$
    – Hitek
    Feb 15, 2020 at 0:52
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    \$\begingroup\$ @mewa - nothing specific, but my best advice is to involve your manufacturer as early as possible in the process. Get a good list of design rules from them, and make sure you follow it. Don't push the tolerances, e.g. if they say minimum separation is 0.15 mm, don't use that as the default separation, only when required. They may also have suggestions about pad design for small components etc. Search for "pcb manufacture yield" for lots of articles. (Hitek answered your query about blind connections). \$\endgroup\$
    – awjlogan
    Feb 15, 2020 at 11:45
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    \$\begingroup\$ @mewa if you have space around the components, and it will be cheaper, go for it! The manufacturer will not mind putting a larger component in. Also, the manufacturer may give you standard components for free, as the cost to them of changing reels may be higher than just leaving the standard parts on. So, get in touch with your manufacturer :) \$\endgroup\$
    – awjlogan
    Feb 15, 2020 at 14:51

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