PCB Libraries Forum : Include Via in Thermal Pad Footprint https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:04:23 +0000 Fri, 01 Oct 2021 09:54:06 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.07 360 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=2990 <![CDATA[PCB Libraries Forum]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_images/PCBLForumLogo.gif https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ <![CDATA[Include Via in Thermal Pad Footprint : Most CAD tools cannot handle vias...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/include-via-in-thermal-pad-footprint_topic2990_post11927.html#11927 Author: Tom H
Subject: 2990
Posted: 01 Oct 2021 at 9:54am

Most CAD tools cannot handle vias in Thermal Pad without a pin name. 

Most CAD tools cannot move or delete vias built into a PCB library part once it's in the PCB design. 

We created an entire library where every Thermal Pad had vias and put it out to our customers. Lots of complaints came in, so we removed them. 

You can add vias to the Thermal Pad in FP Designer if you like.

]]> Fri, 01 Oct 2021 09:54:06 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/include-via-in-thermal-pad-footprint_topic2990_post11927.html#11927 <![CDATA[Include Via in Thermal Pad Footprint : Hi,In a QFN footprint with a thermal...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/include-via-in-thermal-pad-footprint_topic2990_post11926.html#11926 Author: gvellet
Subject: 2990
Posted: 01 Oct 2021 at 9:13am

Hi,

In a QFN footprint with a thermal pad in the center. Is there a reason why we should not include the n vias in the thermal pad already in the footprint? 

If I am not mistaken, the standard practice is that the PCB designer shall instantiate the footprint on his PCB. 

Then while doing the layout he adds manually the vias in the thermal pad of each QFN package. 

It seems to me like error prone and a waste of time.

Thank you,

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