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VMake via export in Gerbers with Solder mask over them

lainscough_dfc

I have generated a design which uses via.

 

When I do the Gerber export I get a anti mask on the silk mask layer, so the via will show metal when built.

 

With BGA I have had far too many shorts if I do not put silk mask over them. I often leave the hole of the via as metal, as some fabs don't like that.

 

How do I make the mask on via's not appear on the silk mask layer outputs?

 

This to me means CS is not usable for BGA devices?

 

In Altium Designer you can set the tenting on the via as a rule.

 

Is this possible in CS, Sorry just started using it so not really sure where to start to have a go at fixing this.

See this pic with the D59 code appearing on the vias of the solder mask layer.

 

image

Thanks, much appreciated

Lee

  • Hopefully, someone with more experience using CS rules can help.  I know you can select the vias you want to tent and do them individually or as a group with PCB Inspector.  There is also a rules wizard that helps define rules but it doesn't allow you to add all the rules conditions that AD does.  Therefore, you cannot add the IsVia keyword or InNet or others I sort of remember from my AD days.

     

    However, if you know the rule keywords, or if you look them up in the AD documentation, you can export the rules from CS and edit them in a text editor and then import them back into CS and they should work.  Yes, this is a workaround and worthy perhaps of a verbal curse.

     

    By the way, your screen shot shows vias in pads and some vias much too close to pads.  You could fill and plate the vias or you should move them away further from the pads.  I'm used to hearing this covering referred to as solder mask (not silk mask).

  • in reply to tarribred61

    In Designer, you do a SolderMaskExpansion Rule

    Select the via and set the expansion to 0 from Hole edge. Or thats the way I do it. Not quite sure what tenting is, still investigating that in Altium Designer at work.

    i.e

    image

     

    Not sure how you do the same in CS. There's a lot to learn on CS in terms of the way you do stuff, but getting quite impressed with the tool, so far. Docs are just a bit limited to find answer, but this forum works well.

     

    Can you elaborate on the PCB Inspector option a bit please, maybe pictures. Thanks

     

    I'm fine with a work around, so I will play with the import and export feature soon. Thanks

     

    I'm guilty of placing via's near to pad as close as I can as I like to keep the impedance down to the planes and use quite large tracks to help. Not heard it being a bad idea before, so open to know why. I try not to put via's in the pads, just to the side.

     

    Yes solder mask, not silk mask.

  • in reply to lainscough_dfc

    If you have access to AD then you should be able to export your rule from it into a text file and then import into CS.  I have not tried this recently but did it about a year ago from one of my old rules.

    To me, these vias are basically in the pads.  The via hole can steal solder off the pad and the joint may suffer.  But if it has worked for you then good luck.  My preference would be to use a short wide track covered with solder mask, much like a BGA pad to via dog-bone, or just extend the pad with a track that is the same width and covered with solder mask so solder won't pull off the pad and into the via.

    image

  • in reply to lainscough_dfc

    I tried the Rule method but it would not except Via as an option Assuming you meant from the Rules edit and RHC export, import rule. No Luck.

     

    I then tried the Object Inspector method and yes it worked. Thanks

     

    The method for others to learn:-

     

    So Select only via with Home->Via.

    Drag around the entire board to select all via's.

     

    View->Object Inspector and select the tenting options. Says Only Via's at the top.

    image

    Close window.

    Generate the Gerbers.

     

    And in Gerbview (Kicad gerber viewer) has no Vias on the anti-solder mask layer.

    image

     

    Thanks, much appreciated.

    Lee