Associated Copper

[gkdesigner]

Hi All,

The decals in my library all include a Paste Mask layer as well as a Solder Mask layer in the padstack. Some of the decals, for various reasons, require an associated piece of copper to the pad. This is all fine but when it comes to generating the cam files I have the pad and filled copper checkboxes selected under the Associated copper selections for both the Artwork Top, Paste Mask Top and Solder Mask Top. The associated copper appears fine in the Artwork top but all I see in the Paste and Solder Mask top are the pads that the copper is associated too. I have even tried adding an additional piece of copper on these layers and associating them to the pad as well, still with the same result. Can anybody please give me a suggestion on this one, it is too early on a Monday for this.

TIA,
Greg

[Tom]

Greg,

Uncheck those "Associated Copper" boxes in the Paste Mask and Solder Mask CAM files. Once you associate the copper to a pad, the copper takes over for the pad. Or, do not "Associate Copper" for the Paste Mask & Solder Mask. Just place it on the correct layers and check the "Copper" button.

I noticed that when I check and uncheck the "Vias" in the CAM file that it affects associated copper somehow. I do not know how they are linked because I haven't had the time to report it or investigate it.

[gkdesigner]

Hi Tom,

Thank you very much for your help I have got it to display properly now.

Greg

[Chris Halleran]

The via object controlling CAMing of pins with associated copper goes back to the Perform days... here's a tech note on it:

http://www.innoveda.com/support/kb/powerpcb/ApplicationNote/Applications_of_Associated_Copper.htm