Number One Systems Forum

All Forums

Help For Easy-PC Users

PCB Layout

PCB Pad Shapes

Author

Topic

nurquhar

United Kingdom
7 Posts

Posted - 04 Jan 2007 : 10:27:25

I recently tired to create a PCB symbol for the following component using the recommend landing pattern from the manf data sheet. LM1086IS-5.0 (Farnell 9490655). The shape for the main tab is recommended as a 'T' shape.

Since there is no way I can see within EasyPC to create custom pad shapes I thought I would just stick two overlapping rectangles together. However this is not ideal as you end up with spare pads when you come to make the component. Also when you auto route you can end up with 'looping' tracks as the router tries to connect the pads together.

The ideal solution to my mind would be a means of creating custom pad shapes with custom solder resist masks to suit. Can we have this in the next release ? Even if they have to be imported from AutoCad or something.

Peter Johnson

United Kingdom
498 Posts

Posted - 05 Jan 2007 : 07:54:28

You can already do this in version 10. When you create a symbol you can now add custom filled shapes on any copper layer. If you check the shape properties, you can also link it to a numbered pad. That means when the pad is connected to a net, so is the shape. Of course, that doesn't sort out the resist. For this you need to use a dedicated resist layer, and include an oversize filled shape on it to create a void.

To find out how to create a resist layer, look at the website home page, and follow the tab link for 'Technical', 'FAQ'. Look at the FAQ 'Creating a solder mask for BGA items' in the 'Library and Library Items' section, which describes the process in detail.

Peter Johnson
Technical Support
Number One Systems

Topic