Bulk attribute change of pad properties in PCB library

[Pack34]

I downloaded a connector footprint and model from Samtec. It's a 100-pin connector and each pad has a solder mask expansion value of 0.05mm.

Because this is a fine-pitch part the overall gap between the solder mask areas is just under 4mils. This is throwing flags when I run the DRC.

I feel that the simple solution would be to update the footprint so that there isn't a soldermask gap between the pads by editing the pads so that the expansion value comes from the design rules.

Is there a way I can update all of the pads at the same time, or do I really need to go into the properties of all 100-pins individually and update this value?

[Mikekoz13]

Select one of the pads. Then with the pad still selected right click your mouse and a pop-up will come up. At the top of the pop-up select "Find Similar Objects". The Similar Objects window will then pop up.

Make sure you change the right column settings for the X and Y pad sizes to "Same" (if the part has more than one pad size and you don't want to change the others).

At the bottom of the window select "Apply". All pads will then get selected and the PCBLib Inspector window will pop up.In that window click the button next to "Solder Mask Override". Once you click that button active you can go down to Solder Mask Expansion and change it to whatever you like. Hit return and all the solder mask expansions will be changed to the value that you entered.

[Pack34]

That did the trick. Thank you!

[T3sl4co1l]

Hmm, is this a surface mount pin array connector?  I footprinted a one of those once...

Tim

[Pack34]

I've always been quite fond of the Samtec connectors.

This is the one I've started working with.
https://www.samtec.com/products/lshm-150-04.0-l-dv-a-n-tr

[T3sl4co1l]

Ah, basically a gull-wing part; use TSSOP dimensions.

I've been known to shave pad width and soldermask web width to get those to pass.

I also prefer rounded rectangle shape pads, which probably strengthens the soldermask a little bit. Or something.

Mind that, having done so, some board fabs may remove soldermask webs that are strictly under their limit.  Which may be a gross limit like 4 or 6 or 10 mils.  Needless to say, you can't afford to do that with fine pitch components.

I've seen excellent results from quality domestic and qualified overseas fabs.

Tim

[Mikekoz13]

AND.... in case you don't know.... Samtec provides great 3D step models for just about every connector they make.