Compact DIY friendly dual TPS7A3301 power supply

[Khron]

One small question, though - since the regulators, transformer etc are through-hole, and there's plenty of board space, wouldn't it have been feasible to use all through-hole components?

I mean, since this is supposed to be "DIY friendly"...

 

[maxw]

One small question, though - since the regulators, transformer etc are through-hole, and there's plenty of board space, wouldn't it have been feasible to use all through-hole components?

I mean, since this is supposed to be "DIY friendly"...

Sure but I don't like through-hole components

 

[maxw]

I mean, since this is supposed to be "DIY friendly"...

Also, anything SMD down to 1206 package is easy to solder (as long as your eyes are good).

 

[Khron]

Well, that sort of does away with the DIY-friendliness of it all then, for many.

 

[maxw]

Well, that sort of does away with the DIY-friendliness of it all then, for many.

Why? For who?

I disagree. As long as you are physically able (eyes and hands) then I don't think there is anything extra challenging about any of my DIY SMD designs. Hand soldering SMD just takes a bit of practice, like anything else.

If you are a little older, your eyes maybe worse or perhaps your hands not as steady as they used to be, then sure, it would be more challenging.

I don't have any special tools, just a HAKKO FX-888D.

 

[Khron]

I'm not talking for myself, i don't mind stuff down to 0603 (even with a pretty chunky iron tip).

Just saying that many still aren't comfortable / "on board" with SMD, and that might limit the appeal of this particular board design, that's all

 

[maxw]

All good.

Also worth noting that I meant "DIY friendly" specifically compared to the other TPS7A33/TPS7A47 power supplies because they were using 5x5mm QFN package (with power pad), which is not DIY friendly: