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Soldermask/Shapes

DAAS

Hi everyone. I just got back my 2nd pcb using 16.6....so far so good. But I'm pretty sure I didnt use the best method for the soldermask so let me ask here. I did read through as much of the Orcad online help and manuals as I could but the pcb had to go out before I could seek out the best method.

I was requested that on some of the etch layer copper shapes....that parts of the soldermask needed to be removed. Not all of it....but some sections. So you'd have the shape most covered with mask but a few sections with exposed copper.

I did it by creating the shape needed by using the SHAPE ADD tool....and putting them on the BOARD GEO > SOLDERMASK LAYER. Then I included that subclass in the soldermask artwork.

After the pcb went out I read in the Orcad manual that was a no no....that filled shapes should only be on etch layers.

So what would have been the right way?

TIA!

  • steve
    I'd be interested to know which manual said it was a No No. Using Filled shapes is fine for soldermask but he shape must be STATIC . Your method is good for this type of application. If you have a DXF of the soldermask cut-out there's a method to use the DXF file to create the shapes for you. Check out:- http://www.parallel-systems.co.uk/images/PDF/soldermask_shapes.pdf
  • DAAS

    Of course I cant find it now in my 100's of printouts I've made. I thought it was in "Working with Shapes" but I cant find it. Wherever I saw it though it said only to be used on etch layers.

    Okay I did do it wrong then...I used dynamic shape though I thought static be okay to use too. I understand the basics of the two but need to read more about the differences.

    Also I did get a "yellow" DRC....saying "Solder Mask to Shape spacing" was bad. Now is that just warning me that I removed mask over a copper etch that the program thinks should be there? To get the board out I had to ignore that DRC but like to understand what its looking for me to change.

    Thanks Steve!

  • steve
    You can't add a dynamic shape on the soldermask layer. By default it changes to a Static solid. For the DRC there is a soldermask to objects DRC system. Look at Setup - Constraints - Modes - Design Options (soldermask) and Design Modes (soldermask) you can set DRC's for soldermask to soldermask (for manufacturing min we thickness) but also soldermask to shape or pad/cline for the clearance to those objects.
  • DAAS

    I just saw that a few minutes ago when I routed a cline through the shape....the dynamic shaped changed but the solder mask one I added on did not. I then clicked on it and it says its a static shape. Interesting!

    I am struggling to understand some of the DRC errors. I get errors/warnings on all of these boardgeo/soldermask shapes I added over the etch shapes. Says the soldermask to shape has a value of 0 and the required value is 0. What is it measuring to and from? Not sure what its looking for.

    If its just  showing me I exposed the copper etch with my new masks then that's fine and a nice feature.

    Thanks

  • steve
    As mentioned above look at Setup - Constraints - Modes - Design Options (soldermask) and Design Modes (soldermask) and see what you have set.....
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