PCB Libraries Forum : Solder Mask Defined Variant https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:53:47 +0000 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 10:59:13 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.07 360 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=2303 <![CDATA[PCB Libraries Forum]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_images/PCBLForumLogo.gif https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ <![CDATA[Solder Mask Defined Variant : The preference file only has settings...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/solder-mask-defined-variant_topic2303_post9501.html#9501 Author: Tom H
Subject: 2303
Posted: 26 Feb 2018 at 10:59am

The preference file only has settings for "Terminal Lead" styles like Gull Wing, J-Lead, Flat Lead. 

Preferences are mainly used for the Calculator to auto-generate patterns. 

However, you have 100% full editing rights to adjust the Toe, Heel and Side goal for any Terminal Lead form. 

You also have a preference for Thermal Tab Paste Mask Reduction.

I think you need the ability to create custom pad stacks and FP Designer does that. 

]]> Mon, 26 Feb 2018 10:59:13 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/solder-mask-defined-variant_topic2303_post9501.html#9501 <![CDATA[Solder Mask Defined Variant : Can it be done just through a...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/solder-mask-defined-variant_topic2303_post9500.html#9500 Author: ransonjd
Subject: 2303
Posted: 26 Feb 2018 at 10:53am

Can it be done just through a preferences file? I often already have a part entered that I'm using in a new way, and I need a version with NSMD pads. It would be great if I could just pick a set of preferences and pop out a new footprint. If not, it's no big deal.]]> Mon, 26 Feb 2018 10:53:37 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/solder-mask-defined-variant_topic2303_post9500.html#9500 <![CDATA[Solder Mask Defined Variant : All of this can be done in FP...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/solder-mask-defined-variant_topic2303_post9499.html#9499 Author: Tom H
Subject: 2303
Posted: 26 Feb 2018 at 10:44am

All of this can be done in FP Designer. 

FP Designer is available in both V2018.02 Library Expert Pro and Enterprise. 

You have complete pad stack design and placement control. 

]]> Mon, 26 Feb 2018 10:44:13 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/solder-mask-defined-variant_topic2303_post9499.html#9499 <![CDATA[Solder Mask Defined Variant : This is mostly an issue with power...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/solder-mask-defined-variant_topic2303_post9498.html#9498 Author: ransonjd
Subject: 2303
Posted: 26 Feb 2018 at 10:16am

This is mostly an issue with power components, which require thick traces or pours to certain pads for electrical or thermal dissipation reasons.

An example would be a dual power transistor in a leadless package where the sources and drains have to be directly connected to pours for heat dissipation, but you want skinny traces to the gates to minimize capacitance. With NSMD pads, the pour-connected pads end up with extra exposed copper.  They are effectively starved for solder paste, since the paste only covers the nominal pad area. 

]]> Mon, 26 Feb 2018 10:16:55 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/solder-mask-defined-variant_topic2303_post9498.html#9498 <![CDATA[Solder Mask Defined Variant : By &#034;Variants&#034; are you...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/solder-mask-defined-variant_topic2303_post9497.html#9497 Author: Tom H
Subject: 2303
Posted: 26 Feb 2018 at 8:14am

By "Variants" are you referring to Library Expert Preferences? 

Can you provide some real application examples? 

]]> Mon, 26 Feb 2018 08:14:17 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/solder-mask-defined-variant_topic2303_post9497.html#9497 <![CDATA[Solder Mask Defined Variant : Hi,Is there a quick way to generate...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/solder-mask-defined-variant_topic2303_post9496.html#9496 Author: ransonjd
Subject: 2303
Posted: 26 Feb 2018 at 7:56am

Hi,

Is there a quick way to generate SMD footprint variants for parts?  

I'm looking at power parts where some pins have skinny traces connecting to them, and others have planes. 

I want SMD footprints to prevent uneven solder height due to spreading during reflow.

Thanks,
John
]]> Mon, 26 Feb 2018 07:56:03 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/solder-mask-defined-variant_topic2303_post9496.html#9496