Create a custom footprint in KiCad 7 - 2a: create the footprint for an SMA coax connector with the editor - initial outline

RE: Create a custom footprint in KiCad 7 - 2a: create the footprint for an SMA coax connector with the editor - initial outline

scottiebabe — Sat, 21 Jan 2023 18:17:11 GMT

You can play with kicads pcb calculator for some ballpark striplline/cpw geometry. You could target a 2-layer 0.6mm PCB or a 4+ layer where the top dielectric thickness is 0.1mm or 0.2 mm.

RE: Create a custom footprint in KiCad 7 - 2a: create the footprint for an SMA coax connector with the editor - initial outline

Jan Cumps — Sat, 21 Jan 2023 17:11:45 GMT

Opinions?

The microstrip has a clearout zone in the footprint. If you put this in a pour (like the dark rectangle shown above, it takes care that at least the immediate front part of the microstrip is free of ground poor. There is no keepout on the other 3 edges.

On the PCB, the top solder mask is cleared so that the connector is flush on the path:

Todo:

drill holes,
remove the silkscreen that's under the connector
a proper shape for the center pin.

RE: Create a custom footprint in KiCad 7 - 2a: create the footprint for an SMA coax connector with the editor - initial outline

shabaz — Sat, 21 Jan 2023 17:10:54 GMT

Looking good!

For these sorts of part-curved shapes, I've been using the "bodge" of drawing a part radius that is "close enough" and then manually dragging the endpoints to where they need to be. It incurs a small error (like 0.1mm or so) which still bugs me mentally, because with EAGLE I can do it precisely, because EAGLE allows lines to be automatically chopped at intersections. Hoping KiCad 7 can make that easier although it's a "nice-to-have" rather than essential.

RE: Create a custom footprint in KiCad 7 - 2a: create the footprint for an SMA coax connector with the editor - initial outline

Jan Cumps — Sat, 21 Jan 2023 16:47:53 GMT

more intermediate progress

RE: Create a custom footprint in KiCad 7 - 2a: create the footprint for an SMA coax connector with the editor - initial outline

Jan Cumps — Sat, 21 Jan 2023 14:50:37 GMT

Solder mask keepout zone, and silk screen moved out of the copper pour

RE: Create a custom footprint in KiCad 7 - 2a: create the footprint for an SMA coax connector with the editor - initial outline

Jan Cumps — Sat, 21 Jan 2023 14:11:08 GMT

Intermediate progress: