Why do digital tubes of different types have different prices UNIKEYIC takes you through the differences between plug-in and surface-mount components!
Many users find that the prices of plug-in digital tubes and surface-mount digital tubes differ when they purchase them, as there are significant differences in their electrical properties and applications. In order to help users understand the factors determining the price of digital tubes and the differences caused by their types, I will share the differences between surface-mount digital tubes and plug-in digital tubes from the perspective of IC procurement website.
Different types have different materials and heat resistance capabilities.
When purchasing digital tubes, it is important to pay attention to the type, as different types may have varying materials and heat resistance capabilities. Plug-in digital tubes have a PPO material outer shell, therefore, they cannot withstand high temperatures during reflow soldering. In contrast, surface-mount digital tubes have an outer shell made of PPA material, making them suitable for high-temperature reflow soldering.
Different types require different installation accessories.
When discussing the differences in digital tubes, aside from the mentioned electrical properties, the installation accessories used during actual installation vary. Plug-in digital tubes are typically installed using regular epoxy resin adhesive, which, being a thin layer, often collapses due to high temperatures during reflow soldering. On the other hand, the installation accessories for surface-mount digital tubes consist of specialized high-temperature resistant epoxy resin adhesive, allowing them to withstand high temperatures even though they are applied as a thin layer.
Different types require different circuit boards with varying levels of stability.
When selecting digital tubes, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of the circuit board being used. Different types of digital tubes require circuit boards with distinct features and varying levels of stability. For instance, plug-in digital tubes are commonly used with ordinary gold-plated circuit boards which utilize a lot of tin spraying technology, with a metal plating thickness typically around 0.3 microns and no need for complex stepped holes during operation. On the other hand, surface-mount digital tubes are paired with immersion gold technology circuit boards that can achieve a thickness of up to 2 microns, providing a thick plating layer for product protection.
The information provided above discusses the differences between surface-mount and plug-in digital tubes onunikeyic. When making a purchase, it is recommended to compare prices on indutry websites, especially since surface-mount digital tubes have high requirements for manufacturer processes. Therefore, it is advisable to compare and understand the production processes of suppliers on industry websites before making a purchase based on your specific needs.