Thermal Relief Connections for Custom Pads

How to create Thermal Relief Connections between Polygons and Custom pads.

Starting in Version: 18.0
Up to Version: Current

Solution Details

How to create thermal connections between polygons and custom pads

Custom pads are often created for components that have larger, unusually shaped pads. If these pads need to connect to a surrounding polygon, you should consider the polygon thermal connection spokes during the design of the custom pad. The software uses the small pads included in the custom pad shape as the polygon connection points. To ensure the small pads are connected by spokes, position them close to the edge of the custom shape so that the distance from the small pad edge to the edge of the custom shape is less than half the polygon connection spoke width. Place a small pad for each polygon connection point required.

Ensure that your Clearance Rules set for Polygons matches the Conductor Width of the Polygon Connect Style Rule. In this example the Polygon Clearance is 20mils therefore the Polygon Connect Style Rule Conductor Width value is set to 20mils. Also it may be required to have the Air Gap Width value slightly larger to ensure connection.

Properties of Polygons poured over custom pads that are having custom Thermal Relief connection points need to be set to Pour Over Same Net Polygons Only

See Also:

https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/working-with-custom-pad-shapes-ad#!thermal-connections-for-custom-pads