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How To Choose the Footprint for SMD Chip Resistor

Printed From: PCB Libraries Forum
Category: PCB Footprint Expert
Forum Name: Questions & Answers
Forum Description: issues and technical support
URL: https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3630
Printed Date: 23 Mar 2026 at 5:44am


Topic: How To Choose the Footprint for SMD Chip Resistor
Posted By: Ariel_Levy
Subject: How To Choose the Footprint for SMD Chip Resistor
Date Posted: 22 Mar 2026 at 5:07am

How do you choose the footprint for SMD Resistor case 0402?

Vishay have 3 recommendations for footprints.

Yageo one recommended but it’s different from Vishay.

Vishay recommendation:

L=0.50 A=0.40 B=0.60

BASED ON IPC-7351

L=0.40 A=0.55 B=0.60

BASED ON IEC 61188-6-2

L=0.55 A=0.35 B=0.55

Yageo

L=0.50 A=0.50 B=0.60

 

I am very confused by all the recommendations.

I would appreciate a suggestion or any guidance on how to choose a footprint.





Replies:
Posted By: Tom H
Date Posted: 22 Mar 2026 at 8:14am
IPC-7351 uses Min/Max Mode technology. the resulting footprint takes into consideration the package tolerances to calculate the pad stacks. The solder pattern should accommodate the package in the minimum, nominal and maximum material condition. 

The average 0402 tolerance range is +/-0.05 to +/-0.10. 

It seems like component manufacturers use their nominal package dimensions and add a Toe, Heel and Side. They use Nominal Mode technology and ignore the tolerances they provide in their datasheets. 

The average dimensions on an 0402 are L=1.00, W=0.50, T=0.25. 

Your pad stack pattern will depend on what dimensions and tolerances you use. 

However, if you run into a 0402 chip manufacturer that has tolerances greater than 0.10, I would highly question the accuracy of their machine process. 

Ideally, manufacturers try to produce packages that are Nominal Material Condition. That's the goal. Maybe in the future package tolerances will be 0.00 and then the Nominal Mode technology will take over and the IPC-7351 mathematical model will be history. 



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Posted By: feynman
Date Posted: 22 Mar 2026 at 10:14am
Ask a/your assembler. They probably assembled millions of parts and are probably the best source for a reliable footprint.



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