What is Lead Projection
Lead projection is the distance that a component lead extends through the side of the board opposite from the one on which the component is mounted. It specifically describes the amount by which the leads of a component protrude beyond the surface of the PCB.
The term is commonly used to assess the arrangement and positioning of leads on electronic components. It is particularly relevant when considering radial components, which have a 90-degree angle formation and a smaller footprint compared to axial leads. Radial components are characterized by their leads being oriented perpendicular to the PCB surface, resulting in their outward protrusion from the component body.
This parallel projection of leads onto the PCB surface allows for a more compact design and potential space-saving benefits. Additionally, the plugin nature of radial components facilitates their easy insertion into corresponding holes on the PCB during the assembly process, potentially enabling higher automation speeds.