C_0402 vs R_0402 pad size

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1

Hi,

First there was a unique footprint for 0402 components (SMD). This library was split in Capacitors_SMD and Resistors_SMD.
But the C_0402 has very big pads comparing to R_0402. Is there any reason for having so big pads ?

Thanks

2

Capacitors usually have larger tolerances.

3

You normally need more solder paste and area to successfully solder a 0402 capacitor. This is due to the capacitor normally been larger in height in comparison to a 0402 resistor.

-Ron

1 Like
4

As someone who recently had to place a 0805 capacitor in a 0603 footprint (don’t ask), I no longer complain about the larger pads. :smile:

5

For a more authoritative answer, IPC7351 defines the footprints as being larger for a capacitor of the same nominal size. Opticalworm has the right idea - the capacitor is taller, so a larger pad area is needed to keep the aspect ratio of the solder joint reasonable.