Footprint with component on other side

ekholm · September 1, 2023, 10:12am

all footprints that I have found for MX switches (hot swappable) has the pads on the backside. For instance this one.

ai03-2725/MX_Alps_Hybrid/blob/master/MX_Only.pretty/MXOnly-1.25U-Hotswap.kicad_mod

(module MXOnly-1.25U-Hotswap (layer F.Cu) (tedit 60F27234)
  (attr smd)
  (fp_text reference REF** (at 0 3.048) (layer B.Fab)
    (effects (font (size 1 1) (thickness 0.15)) (justify mirror))
  )
  (fp_text value 1.25U (at 0 -7.9375) (layer Dwgs.User)
    (effects (font (size 1 1) (thickness 0.15)))
  )
  (fp_line (start -0.4 -2.6) (end 5.3 -2.6) (layer B.CrtYd) (width 0.127))
  (fp_line (start -6.5 -0.6) (end -2.4 -0.6) (layer B.CrtYd) (width 0.127))
  (fp_line (start -6.5 -4.5) (end -6.5 -0.6) (layer B.CrtYd) (width 0.127))
  (fp_line (start 5.3 -7) (end -4 -7) (layer B.CrtYd) (width 0.127))
  (fp_line (start 5.3 -7) (end 5.3 -2.6) (layer B.CrtYd) (width 0.127))
  (fp_arc (start -0.4 -0.6) (end -2.4 -0.6) (angle 90) (layer B.CrtYd) (width 0.127))
  (fp_arc (start -4 -4.5) (end -6.5 -4.5) (angle 90) (layer B.CrtYd) (width 0.127))
  (fp_line (start 4.572 -3.81) (end 4.572 -6.35) (layer B.CrtYd) (width 0.15))
  (fp_line (start 7.112 -3.81) (end 4.572 -3.81) (layer B.CrtYd) (width 0.15))
  (fp_line (start 7.112 -6.35) (end 7.112 -3.81) (layer B.CrtYd) (width 0.15))
  (fp_line (start 4.572 -6.35) (end 7.112 -6.35) (layer B.CrtYd) (width 0.15))
  (fp_line (start -8.382 -1.27) (end -8.382 -3.81) (layer B.CrtYd) (width 0.15))

This file has been truncated. show original

The problem is the when generating the position file, the component is placed on top layer and not at bulttom layer.

Is there a way to specify on which side the component shall be placed? Placing the footprint on back layer does not work as it is asymetrical (flipping it).

br

RaptorUK · September 1, 2023, 10:37am

Is this a through hole device ? if it is then the pads are on all layers . . .

ekholm · September 1, 2023, 11:04am

Sorry, I was unclear in the question.
It’s an SMD device

paulvdh · September 1, 2023, 11:13am

Just load the footprint in the Footprint Editor and modify whatever you like. Both the schematic and the footprint editors are quite good in KiCad.

Alanzer · September 1, 2023, 11:44am

The issue with this part is that the desired switch is on the top layer but fits into a (SMT) socket on the bottom layer.

To get the PCB manufactured correctly, the footprint needs updated per the last response to put the (SMT) socket on the top layer(s) in the footprint and then flipped in the layout.

In the footprint editor, select everything and hit F (Flip) sorted it for me. If you want the 3D view to be correct, you will need to change the 3D model position manually.

RaptorUK · September 1, 2023, 11:52am

OK, so it’s SMD, so you can place the footprint then go into the properties of each pad and change the layer it’s on . . . although flipping is usually the correct way to do it for an SMD part otherwise, for a non symmetrical part, the orientation will be wrong.

ekholm · September 1, 2023, 12:00pm

Thanks,
I tried that and it works, though I was hoping to do that.
The down side is the “mental” challenge to draw foot prints in the editor.

Maybe a feature request for future KiCad version, to be able to specify which side the component should be placed

ekholm · September 1, 2023, 12:04pm

Hi, thanks for the reply

Yes, but the steps that works as expect is to flip the component in the editor, then flip it again when placing in pcb editor

br

system · November 30, 2023, 12:04pm

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