SolderMaskExpansion

Parent page: PCB Query Functions - Fields

Summary

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

• Pads and vias whose Solder Mask Expansion property complies with the Query.

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

Syntax

SolderMaskExpansion : 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(SolderMaskExpansion) : Number – to specify a solder mask expansion in mil.
• AsMM(SolderMaskExpansion) : Number – to specify a solder mask expansion in mm.

Example Usage

SolderMaskExpansion = 4
Returns all pad and via objects whose Solder Mask Expansion property (or Solder Mask Expansion - Top property if separate) is 4 current measurement units. Also returns arc, fill, region and track objects whose Solder Mask Expansion Mode is set to Manual or From Rule, and whose Solder Mask Expansion property is 4 current measurement units.

SolderMaskExpansion >= 0.0508
Returns all pad and via objects whose Solder Mask Expansion property (or Solder Mask Expansion - Top property if separate) is greater than or equal to 0.0508 current measurement units. Also returns arc, fill, region and track objects whose Solder Mask Expansion Mode is set to Manual or From Rule, and whose Solder Mask Expansion property is greater than or equal to 0.0508 current measurement units.

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

AsMM(SolderMaskExpansion) < 0.1524
Returns all pad and via objects whose Solder Mask Expansion property (or Solder Mask Expansion - Top property if separate) is less than 0.1524mm. Also returns arc, fill, region and track objects whose Solder Mask Expansion Mode is set to Manual or From Rule, and whose Solder Mask Expansion property is less than 0.1524mm.

Tips

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