Adding Vias in footprints

Layout Footprints
1

I am creating a footprint to be “double-sided”, in order to add the diode/hardware/whatever in both sides (not at the same time, but to choose one side whatever I want).

Because of the form of some parts, the pads are in different possitions and I was thinking in adding a “Via” in the footprint. I’m looking and the only thing that I see is the “Through-hole”, but I must add some diameter.

In this link https://imgur.com/a/Mqrm4at the footprint and the 3D that I have created (not sure if it’s ok):

I have added this config in the through-hole config:

  • Copper Layer: All copper layers
  • Technichal layers:
    • F. paste
    • B. Paste
    • F. Mask
    • B.Mask
  • Hole Shape: circular
  • Diameter: 0.5mm

If I solder in the background side but the track is in the front side, will all be connected and will work?

There’s an option to don’t have the hole and be like a “via” as in the PCB Editor?

Thanks!

2

As long as the hole is NOT specified as ‘NPTH’ (Not Plated, Through Hole), the hole will get plating, and will connect top to bottom (and internal) copper layers.

3

Something like this is useful if SMD cooling is needed. Then you need a lot VIAs to conduct heat to the other layer.

4

Thermal vias . . . . is the name for them.

1 Like
5

Sorry, but I don’t see those “thermal vias” in the Footprint editor. Does Kicad has this option?

I see the “SMD” pad type, but I assume that those are not connected “internally” through layers, so I think that this is not what I need.

I’m ok with the “through hole” option, rather I prefer not to have the phisical hole, but I assume that it doesn’t matter.

If anyone has any idea, I’ll appreciate it! Thanks!.

6

Check existing footprints.
For example QFN-16 has thermal vias defined as plated through holes (pad dia 0.6mm, hole dia 0.3mm)

1 Like
7

Yup, ti footprint created to the ti specs . .

image

vias are through hole pads . . .

image
image1044×572 24.5 KB

8

When creating your own footprints (in footprint editor) there is no such thing as vias.
So just add through hole pads. Pads that have the same name will be connected and can be referenced from a single symbol pin.
There is no problem in mixing SMD and through hole pads in one footprint. USB-connectors often use this feature for generating oval plated holes for the metal housing tabs.

KiCad can do pretty cool things:
grafik

9

Thanks for all your answers! I’m learning a lot!

I have done some Arduino little projects, but it’s the first time doing a PCB.

In order to save historical info for future visitors, my footprints will be in the next repository GitHub - yuki/myck: My Custom Keyboard . Right now the project is in v0.1, without the footprints, it was just a proof of concept. I will add them in the v0.2 in the next days.

Thanks again!