What’s new in Allegro X PCB Editor: How to specify Drilled Hole Diameter in Padstack Editor?

Starting SPB 23.1 release, a new field, Drilled Hole, is added in the Drill tab of Padstack Editor.

Drilled Hole Diameter: This specifies the diameter of the hole after drilling. This is the size of hole before plating is done.

Finished Hole Diameter: This specifies the intended finished hole size, that is the diameter of the hole after plating is done. The value is based on the current units and accuracy defined for the padstack and must be defined greater than zero in Padstack Editor.

You can find this in Padstack Editor under the Drill tab. It is called Drilled Hole for Circle and Square Holes and Routed Slot for Rectangle and Oval Slot Holes. You can also define separate +/- Tolerance values for these fields.

This is also supported by the drill legend, which is placed in the layout (Manufacture > NC > Drill Legend).

You know that Press Fit connectors require a specific drill before plating to ensure that the compliant pin is pressed into the finished hole after plating. Wrong size can cause damage to the hole during assembly.

What other applications can you think of where this parameter plays a crucial role? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.