Latest ultra-small component package: the 01005.

The 01005 measure just 0.1” x 0.05”, half the width and half the length of the previous smallest component, the 0201. As of this writing, 01005s are still extremely rare and difficult to find, but that hasn’t stopped most SMT equipment vendors from touting their ability to place them. The placement of 01005s presents challenges in nearly every aspect of the assembly process. Special solder pastes must be used, stencil aperture and thickness must be carefully controlled, placement machines must be able to pick and place the components reliably, and even the reflow profile may need to be adjusted to accommodate these tiny parts. But the never ending push of miniaturization dictates that the 01005 is here to stay and likely will become commonplace in the near future.