Re: gEDA-user: PCB format wishlist

[Peter Clifton <pcjc2@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Mon, 2010-09-06 at 10:05 -0700, Andrew Poelstra wrote:

> > >  via
> > 
> > Definitely not primitive. A hole in one or more layers with conductive material in it.
> >
> 
> Again, while geometrically a via is not primitive, I think that in PCB
> terms, a via is primitive. It can exist on several layers, which the
> other shapes do not, so it doesn't make sense to build it out of other
> shapes.

I think the "concept" of a via (in spanning layers of a 2.5d geometry)
is fairly primitive in the PCB world, but I partly agree with John
regarding the definition of the geometry.

I don't think the copper shape / masking / clearance of the via is
necessarily primitive. Granted, in 99.9% of cases it can be described by
circular copper geometry on each connected layer, but support for
arbitrary pad-stacks for components might as well extend to arbitrary
via geometry.

I'm pretty sure most holes in PCBs are round, but then some connectors
have rectangular cut-outs (probably routed), but possibly stamped /
reamed out.

/me wonders how long it is before some crafty PCB manufacturers start
producing off-axis, slant-drilled vias ;)

-- 
Peter Clifton

Electrical Engineering Division,
Engineering Department,
University of Cambridge,
9, JJ Thomson Avenue,
Cambridge
CB3 0FA

Tel: +44 (0)7729 980173 - (No signal in the lab!)
Tel: +44 (0)1223 748328 - (Shared lab phone, ask for me)



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