Electronic – SMD size 0805 vs 1206

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Using SMD to make the PCB smaller is an easy choice but I'm wondering if using mainly 0805 size is really worth it compared to 1206.

I don't want to store a mix of both.

These are some pro and cons, can you help adding some more to help deciding.

  • Soldering is a bit easier with 1206. (with my bad eye's all bits count)

  • Higher maximum power. 1/4W vs 1/8W –> lower temp. change for the same power.

  • PCB will be a bit bigger with 1206 (~10%??) but I'm not sure, since you can easily run a signal under a 1206 saving 2 vias. The board is probably more determined by the big components anyway (I assume)
    If µCurrent would use 1206 instead of 0805 wouldn't the PCB have the same size?

  • Price/Availability is the same now for 1% resistors, 0.1% seems to be better for 0805, will this stay this way or are they planning to fade out 1206 in the next years?

I would go for 1206 for all SMDs mainly for easier handling but I'm not sure if I'm missing something important?

Best Answer

  1. I think that you are not gaining a lot oft space using 0805. Of course it's depend on the size of your circuit. if it'really big board then may be.
  2. For the power 1206(1/4W), 0805(1/8W). if accuracy in design is well done just check for Rpower =(3/2)*PowerCalculate. Must of time it's really enough to be 150%. some people choose 200% of the power dissipation.
  3. If you are doing Hand Soldering, i suggest your board is not as big as many as i saw in my live. this say that 1206 can be good if you haven't good experience in SMD soldering. For information companies must of time are using 0603 (other 0805) . There are the must use for standard board. For PCB with BGA they go for 0402 because of board size constraint and routing complexity.
  4. About prices. I think there are no price fixed for any component. There are many companies that make component, and sometime can be different by companies.
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