Replace Through-Hole with SMD Resistor

Question

Problem: Replace Through-Hole with SMD Resistor. Solve this hands-on electronics task on EWskills.

Accepted Answer

1. Reading the Resistor Color Code

The highlighted resistor on the board shows the following color bands:

Band	Color	Value
Band 1	Brown	1
Band 2	Black	0
Band 3 (Multiplier)	Orange	×1,000
Band 4 (Tolerance)	Gold	±5%

Calculation: 10 × 1,000 = 10,000Ω = 10kΩ, ±5%

This is a standard ¼W through-hole resistor. For the SMD retrofit, we need a resistor that matches these specs:

10kΩ · ±5% or better · ≥0.25W · 1206 package · Thick Film · SMD · −55°C to +125°C · RoHS compliant

2. How to Find It on DigiKey

Go to DigiKey.com → Resistors → Chip Resistor - Surface Mount

Apply these filters in the left panel:

Resistance → 10 kOhms
Tolerance → ±5% (±1% is also acceptable — tighter is always fine)
Power (Watts) → 0.25W (same as 1/4W)
Composition → Thick Film
Package / Case → 1206 (3216 Metric)
Operating Temperature → −55°C to +125°C
Part Status → Active

3. Key Specifications & What They Mean

Specification	Required	Why
Resistance	10kΩ	Must match original value exactly.
Tolerance	±5% or better	Gold band = ±5%. Tighter is acceptable.
Power Rating	≥0.25W	Matches original ¼W rating.
Type	Thick Film	Standard, cost-effective for general use.
Package	1206	Handles 0.25W; easy to rework.
Mounting	Surface Mount	SMD retrofit requirement.
Temp Range	−55°C to +125°C	Standard industrial operating range.
RoHS	Yes	Compliance required.

4. Selecting a Safe, Production-Ready Part

The filtered list will show many matching parts. Before you pick one, check: Is the part Active (not obsolete)? Is stock available? Is the manufacturer reputable? Is a datasheet available?

Full checklist: 📄 How to Select a Safe, Production-Ready Component — EWskills Guide

5. Filtered DigiKey Link

👉 View Matching Parts on DigiKey — 10kΩ, 1206, ±5%, Thick Film, 0.25W

4. Replace Through-Hole with SMD Resistor