PasteMaskExpansion

Parent page: PCB Query Functions - Fields

Summary

The paste mask expansion distance for arcs, fills, pads, regions and tracks can be determined either by relevant Paste Mask Expansion design rules, or manually, by defining an expansion value as part of the object's properties. This function returns the following:

• Pads whose Paste Mask Expansion property complies with the Query.
• Arcs, fills, regions, and tracks whose Paste Mask Expansion Mode is set to Manual or From Rule, AND whose Paste Mask Expansion property complies with the Query.

Syntax

PasteMaskExpansion : Number

Number will follow the measurement units currently employed for the document – either Imperial (mil; 1mil = 0.001inch) or Metric (mm; 1mm = 0.001meter).

A specific option for the measurement unit can be specified – overriding the default units specified at the document level – through use of an additional measurement unit-based keyword:

• AsMils(PasteMaskExpansion) : Number – to specify a paste mask expansion in mil.
• AsMM(PasteMaskExpansion) : Number – to specify a paste mask expansion in mm.

Example Usage

PasteMaskExpansion = 4
Returns all pad objects whose Paste Mask Expansion property is 4 current measurement units. Also returns arc, fill, region and track objects whose Paste Mask Expansion Mode is set to Manual or From Rule, and whose Paste Mask Expansion property is 4 current measurement units.

PasteMaskExpansion >= 0.0508
Returns all pad objects whose Paste Mask Expansion property is greater than or equal to 0.0508 current measurement units. Also returns arc, fill, region and track objects whose Paste Mask Expansion Mode is set to Manual or From Rule, and whose Paste Mask Expansion property is greater than or equal to 0.0508 current measurement units.

AsMils(PasteMaskExpansion) Between 3 And 5
Returns all pad objects whose Paste Mask Expansion property is greater than or equal to 3mil and less than or equal to 5mil. Also returns arc, fill, region and track objects whose Paste Mask Expansion Mode is set to Manual or From Rule, and whose Paste Mask Expansion property is greater than or equal to 3mil and less than or equal to 5mil.

AsMM(PasteMaskExpansion) < 0.1524
Returns all pad objects whose Paste Mask Expansion property is less than 0.1524mm. Also returns arc, fill, region and track objects whose Paste Mask Expansion Mode is set to Manual or From Rule, and whose Paste Mask Expansion property is less than 0.1524mm.

Tips

1. The paste mask expansion distance can be specified to be negative, zero, or positive in value.
2. The Paste Mask Expansion property is only defined for arc, fill, pad, region and track objects.