Applies to Fabrication Manager.

Purpose

None of layers in EDWinXP is explicitly dedicated to contain artwork of solder paste mask alternatively glue mask. Therefore, pad stacks for SMD packages that are supplied in system libraries do not include graphical items for these categories of artworks.

This function automatically updates pad stacks for SMD pads with solder paste/glue mask elements on layer selected by the user.

Solder paste/glue mask elements are generated according to following rules. The program starts with establishing whether there are pairs of layers (one on the top side and one on the bottom side of board) without traces and copper pour areas. The pair is required because in case components are placed on both sides of the board, two mask layers are needed.

Program presents list of layer pairs that are currently unoccupied and one may be selected as Solder Paste / Glue Mask layers.

The next parameter that needs to be set is the shape of graphic item in the pad stack that will represent the mask. It may be rectangular, square, oval or round.

The base for size calculation of selected shape is the frame of pad stack items on (according to user selection) either component layer (COMP.LAYER) or top solder mask layer (COMP.MASK). Decrease or increase of basic frame may be upon user choice expressed in percent or as a fixed value.

For example, if pad on component layer is a rectangle 0.100” x 0.050 and user enters 110%, the program will generate rectangle 0.110”x 0.055” on layer selected as solder paste / glue mask layer. All items in the pad stack previously assigned to the layer that has been selected for solder paste/glue mask will be removed and replaced by newly generated shape.

When preparing artwork of solder paste / glue mask (Gerber output) it is necessary to ensure that plotting of PMD and via pads is suppressed for these layers.

Invoking Add Solder Paste/Glue Mask Items

Choose Add Solder Paste/Glue Mask Items to padstack from Tool menu.

All parameters may be set and the whole operation executed through dialog invoked from menu. After setting parameters in the dialog box Add Solder Paste/Glue Mask Items, click “Accept” button to execute.