Theme: Package, component in PCB
What is the component property "IS_SMD" good for?
TARGET normally detects on its own - that is, without the "IS_SMD" component property - whether a component is an SMD or not. The automatic detection checks whether a package has drill holes. If there are no drill holes for THPs (thru-hole pins), the component is recognized as an SMD.
A 0603 is therefore automatically recognized as an SMD, while a DIL16 is automatically recognized as a THP component - that is, non-SMD.
However, there are also SMD connectors that still have holes for some type of nipple or that are mounted on the side of the board. For these, you can specify "IS_SMD = TRUE". Or, of course, "IS_SMD = FALSE" in the opposite case.
The "IS_SMD" package property thus overrides automatic detection.
This property can be useful for assembly outputs (bill of materials or pick-and-place list) or for placing the package on the top or bottom side of the board during design.
