On Thu, Feb 25, 2010 at 5:29 PM, Alan B. Pearce wrote: >>and 0603 or 0805 passives. =A0(0603 seems to be "the norm" >>when small pcb size isn't a top priority). > > Well, I would say that 1208 is the norm if space isn't a priority. I > definitely wouldn't recommend 0603 until one is somewhat skilled, especia= lly > if you don't have the right tools and need to change components. What is 1208? ;-) I think you mean 1206. It has never been the norm, at least since this century. Other than for power/spacing reasons, we never use 1206. I was told 0805 and 1206 would become not recommended for new design back in year 2000. 0603 was the normal then. I think 0603/0402 are the norm for my previous employer (surprisingly they also use large amount of of big 0204 and 0207 metal film SMD resistors due to safety agency requirements). 0201 is there as well for the sensor design side and I hear 01005 might be used as well. I would not dare to use them though -- 0402 is my limit. I am just so-so at soldering. At the current job, 0603 is still most more often used but 0402 is also a norm now. 1206 and 0805 are not recommended to be used if not for power/spacing reasons. But for hobbyists, 1206 is fine, 0805 should be fine as well. -- = Xiaofan http://mcuee.blogspot.com -- = http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist