Is there a way to have tracks end square instead of round on particular connections? If not, can there be such a method? I have a number of small (SMT) components fed with large cross section tracks in order to get impedance down and current rating up. Running a track into the component results in a large semicircle under the component. In extreme cases the tracks join. The work around using large track until it is near and then short pieces from the pad is messy and timeconsuming.
I asked for a new feature - necking into SMD pads - i had the same problem - thick track to get to a pad, where you had to create different sections to reduce thickness into the pad. Has been assigned to be programmed as a new feature.
I agree that copper pour etc will achieve a solution. But is very time consuming when you have several hundred parts to do. One alternative I have tried is special pad sizes etc. This means choosing a different pad depending whether the track leaves left/right or straight X the number of pads on a part. This also affects the silk screen.
Square ends to tracks basically isn't going to happen because of a fundamental problem. In order to create Gerber files the tracks have to be drawn. The ONLY shape which is the same width regardless of the direction of measurement is a circle, so that's what has to be used to draw tracks.
If rectangular or square pads have to be drawn at an angle, the Gerber output has to use macros because apertures can't be rotated to random angles. That's why square apertures can't be used for tracks. It would get horrendously messy!
We're happy to listen to suggestions, but as far as I know it's a problem which is general.
That's a pity. I don't use Gerber files. I plot 1 to 1 onto overhead transparency (two copies to get good contrast) then etch in house. I will create some dummy track only parts with square ends which I can then add to the circuit as appropriate.
Square Track Ends
Posted - 18 Jan 2011 : 17:25:18
