How do you guys define pads that are part of a PCB edge connector?

[8086]

I'm designing a board in mini PCI express form factor - and it has rows of pads on the PCB itself, obviously.

I'm wondering what the best way is to link these to the schematic? To make library parts for the top/bottom pad sets and then align them on the PCB?

Is there a way to define them as pads on the PCB itself, rather than a component? etc

Thanks

[WarSim]

The preference of making one component containing top and bottom contacts is so the tedious task of placing each contact is done once.  By all means you could also place each contact each time if you wish but I have never seen a board designer do it. 
Yes the top and bottom "pad sets" are in one component including outline contours. 


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[8086]

Does that not cause collision issues? As if you were trying to route tracks across a component?

[WarSim]

Non sure what you are referring to as a collision. 
My first guess is your layout program is applying a restrict mask where you don't want one. 
Second guess is you are using a group of overlapping components to make the connector. 

Actually a better course would be just use the one supplied by your board layout program. 
PCI-E is a standard connector there should be a prefab by now. 

For a custom edge connector the process is dependant on your layout program. 



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[8086]

I will try and make the component part with the pads and see if it works.

Thanks 

EDIT: Seems to have worked, thanks again!

[marshallh]

You download a PCI-e edge template from the vaule, copy & paste the footprint into a new component and use it yourself

[free_electron]

You download a PCI-e edge template from the vaule, copy & paste the footprint into a new component and use it yourself

bingo.
 the vaults have templates for all pcie form factors. download and enjoy.