![]() ![]() This package outline will overlap the pads or through-holes on certain SMD components. Your PCB component footprint includes an outline of the component package. The pads or mounting holes on these components need to be accurately sized. For through-hole components, you’ll need to include the hole locations in your footprint. The mounting pads will be smaller than the land pads on the PCB, but it helps to indicate both in the PCB footprint. Watch for SMD Pad/Through-hole Locations and Sizesįor SMD components, your PCB footprints need to contain accurately placed and sized pads around the edge of the component. This is quite important for high voltage designs and high speed designs as these elements are included in some thermal and electrical simulations. Some components, such as power MOSFETs, may contain an integrated heat sink or die-attached paddle that needs to be included in the component footprint. ![]() A thorough datasheet will show a drawing of the component with all dimensions, pad locations, pad sizes, and any other important features that should be included in a PCB footprint. I remember creating my first PCB footprint from a datasheet. There are four important points to remember when creating PCB footprints: Keep Your Datasheets Handy However, it is best to use the CAD tools in your PCB design software to ensure file compatibility. Your CAD tools are invaluable here as you can create your 2D footprints in a variety of file formats. Things like placement, assembly, and silkscreen outlines, reference designators and part numbers are all invaluable and should be present in a component footprint. Your PCB component footprints should include several basic pieces of information. ![]() Creating component footprints, symbols, and models are valuable skills and it helps to know some PCB component footprint basics before you get started. Unless you’re using a 3rd-party component service to get verified models for your parts, you might be left to create PCB footprints, schematic symbols, and 3D models on your own. What is the intrepid young designer to do in this situation? Your new PCB won’t make it to the assembly line unless your CAD files include the correct footprints for your components. Thankfully, my naiveté didn’t derail the project and I was able to find the footprint and schematic symbol for the component from a distributor website. Lo and behold, on one of my first projects, one of the components a client demanded didn’t have an associated PCB footprint or schematic symbol. When I was a new designer, the issue of footprints was largely an afterthought and I assumed all the footprints I needed were included in my PCB design software. You can build beautiful models like this when you follow PCB component footprint basics ![]()
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