Steve, I checked the source we use for our footprints and on the TSSOP 28 pin devices with the bottom tab, they suggest a pad the same size as the tab and their common solder paste deposition of 0.006 - 0.008 inches. I haven't used these particular TSSOP parts but I have used their footprints for years without incident. As for the reasoning, remember that the paste is made of balled solder shapes typically, there is also a fair volume of flux and other organics. The reflowed profile would be significantly less then the original volume.
Sincerely, Brad Velander. Lead PCB Designer Norsat International Inc. Microwave Products Tel (604) 292-9089 (direct line) Fax (604) 292-9010 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.norsat.com See us at Booth 323 at Satellite 2002 in Washington, DC March 6-8. -----Original Message----- From: Steve Baldwin [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2002 1:26 PM To: Protel EDA Forum Subject: [PEDA] TSSOP Power Pad Does anyone have pointers to footprint guidelines for Power Pad parts, particularly TSSOP (28 pin in this case). If I put a pad down the same size as the powerpad and screen solder onto it, I would expect the part to sit up on the meniscus when the solder melts and I'd get poor/missed joints at the pins. I would have expected to have a pad the same size as the power pad but to only screen a tiny bit of solder on to it. This is all conjecture and I didn't find anything useful with Google or my usual PCB links. Anyone know more about these things ? Steve. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * To post a message: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * * To leave this list visit: * http://www.techservinc.com/protelusers/leave.html * * Contact the list manager: * mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * * Forum Guidelines Rules: * http://www.techservinc.com/protelusers/forumrules.html * * Browse or Search previous postings: * http://www.mail-archive.com/proteledaforum@techservinc.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *