Article 7: How to Choose Between SMD Diodes and Through-Hole Diodes? A Comparison of Mass Production Costs and Processes

Many R&D engineers struggle with the choice between surface-mount diodes and through-hole diodes when selecting components for new projects. The main differences lie in size, cost, manufacturing processes, heat dissipation, and high-frequency performance.

Advantages of SMD Diodes: Compact size, suitable for high-density PCBs, automated SMT production, excellent high-frequency performance, high consistency, ideal for digital products, fast charging, and small industrial control equipment.

Advantages of Through-hole Diodes: Superior heat dissipation, higher voltage and current tolerance, easy manual soldering and maintenance, extremely low cost, suitable for high-power power supplies, industrial equipment, and traditional household appliances.  diode

Selection Recommendation:

Miniaturization, high volume, high-frequency circuits → Surface-mount diodes (SS, SR, SMBJ series)

High-power, low-frequency, industrial power supplies, frequent maintenance scenarios → Through-hole diodes (1N4007, 1N5408, SR series through-hole)

Proper encapsulation matching can balance product performance, production costs, and efficiency.   diode