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Soldermask and Pastemask Layers

KobiC

Hi All,

I've just about to finish my first PCB layout, and I want to understand some 2 issues better:

1. Soldermask layer: when exactly do we want to define for some SMT pad (say at Pad Designer tool), to have soldermask top and when we want to define solermask bottom? 

if it's a TH pad, I guess we always want to define both layers soldermask (top, bottom), because the pads are crossing all the layers. However, if it's a SMT pad, which SM we want?

2. Pastemask layer: is this layer necessary for the gerber files generation, when we have SMT components in our circuit?

And again, when we define for a TH/SMT pads pastemask top, and when Pastemask bottom?

Thanks!

  • Dale Peterson

    Hey, When you build a SMD part using SM pads for your library. Always build the part from the top side view. For the solder mask and paste layers. Always use TOP MASK and paste. So, the way the tool works. Once the part is on your board. By mirroring the part either to the top or the bottom of your board. The mask and paste on the SMD pads will automatically switch to the opposite side. Bottom mask or top mask. 

    Your Gerber setup needs to have either top or the bottom mask layers turned on to output correctly based upon what side of the board is needed in Gerber. So, Example-- SMD on the bottom, Turn on bottom solder mask for pins. Bottom paste for pins likewise to output the bottom paste Gerber

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