8
\$\begingroup\$

I want to define a custom component (TO92 temperature sensor) in Altium Designer with through-hole pads (0.7mm hole diameter, 1.27mm pitch). What is the right way to do this? I I created the schematics (all fine) and PCB library entries. I ran into the problem that I have no clue how to generate a pad with a hole in the PCB library, this is what I tried:

Approach 1 (using via):

Problem: Vias are not recognized as pads and therefore cannot be associated with a name/denominator resulting in vias not having a net in the final PCB document. I guess I cannot tell Altium "treat this via like a pad and give it a net"? Since it is not a pad, manually assigning is also no option via Design->Netlist->Edit nets

Approach 2 (using vias on top of pad) Problems:

  1. too big diameter of pad solder mask: It seems small pads are not possible when choosing Place->Pad since the pad is always huge, even when choosing a diameter of e.g. 0.1mm: (note the tiny hole of 0.1mm in the center whereas the outer ring is still huge with over 1mm diameter).

  2. unsure how to get hole: I put a via on top of a pad, this seems a pretty inelegant solution, what is the standard way to do this?

Thanks for any help/suggestions for directions! Sebastian

\$\endgroup\$

2 Answers 2

10
\$\begingroup\$

When you design your schematic component, assign Designators to the pins, e.g. A + B or 1 + 2, .... In your PCB Library item (the one that is linked to your schematic symbol) use the Place -> Pad, select "Multi-Layer" as Layer, enter a hole size (.7mm) and a pad size (e.g 1.5x1.5mm) and you're done, name the two pads A + B (same name as in the schematic).

Place - Pad Dialog

Resulting Through-Hole Pad

Now when you transfer your schematic design to your PCB, Altium will assign the appropriate nets to your pads.

\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ thanks for that, exactly what I was looking for. Didnt know this is even the default option! And in that dialog I can also change the overall size (Problem 1 in my Approach 2). \$\endgroup\$
    – SCBuergel
    Jul 12, 2015 at 9:04
  • \$\begingroup\$ Having a circular object's dimension dictated by "X/Y" fields is terribly unclear. \$\endgroup\$
    – Ralph
    Apr 29, 2022 at 7:18
1
\$\begingroup\$

You can paste the Vias on you Pad in circular pattern. Picture is show below.

enter image description here

\$\endgroup\$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.