How to Solder an SMD LED

Check the documentation for the soldering iron and make sure the temperature capability applies to the type of solder you will be using. For example, the melting point of Sn99 lead-free solder is 440 degrees Fahrenheit, but the SMD component and the PCB pad also have to be heated to that temperature. Due to heat transfer and dissipation, the iron will need to deliver much more than 440 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the proper size tip into the iron, according to the size of the PCB workspace and the pads. A narrow, flat tip is ideal for SMD soldering, but a smaller tip also means that less heat will be delivered to the solder joint. Conversely, a larger tip can transfer more heat, but it can be cumbersome and can damage the LED, the surrounding components and the PCB.

Obtain the correct solder. Match the type of solder to the solder on the PCB (if it is pretreated with solder). Lead-free solder often contains Silver (Ag) or Tin (Sn) and has a higher melting temperature than 40 percent lead (Pb) solder. Also, a thinner diameter, flux-core solder is ideal for SMD components.

Identify the cathode of the LED by referring to the LED data sheet. There should be a line or other marking printed on one end of the LED, designating the cathode. Just like standard diodes, LEDs need to be oriented in a specific direction to work properly. You may need a magnifying glass to help you see the markings.

Verify that you will be soldering the cathode end of the LED on the correct pad on the PCB. Review your schematic or PCB layout for cathode information. Some PCBs may even have markings for components and you will see the cathode line.

Clean the pads of the PCB where the LED will be soldered. After putting on safety goggles, you can touch the heated soldering iron to them, melting the solder, or you can gently scrape them with a hobby knife. If the PCB has bare copper pads, you may have to apply a small amount of solder to them.

Pick up the LED with tweezers and place the cathode end on the correct pad on the PCB. Center each end of the LED on each pad. A small portion of each pad should still be showing.

Clean the iron tip and carefully apply a small amount of solder. While holding the LED with the tweezers, simultaneously place the iron tip on the end of the LED and on the pad. The solder should melt and flow between the LED and the pad. Slowly remove the iron tip from the joint. Keep holding the LED with the tweezers for a few more seconds. Remove the tweezers; the LED should stay on the PCB.

Place the iron tip on the other end of the LED, making sure it touches the LED and the pad at the same time. Slide a length of solder wire under the tip of the iron, at the junction of the LED and the pad. You should see the solder flow and form the joint. Slowly remove the iron and solder wire.

Reapply solder to the other side of the LED. The initial solder joint was just to hold the component in place and may not be totally solid.

Inspect your soldering. Ensure that each side of the LED is firmly connected to each pad, with no gaps. An ideal solder joint will look like a 45-degree slope from the pad to the top edge of the LED, with an inward curve.