Summary： In this article I want to share experiences about how to cover vias with Solder Mask in the eagle application
When designing a 2 layer PCB we can connect the wire that are on the top layer and the bottom layer. The wire that connects between the top layer and the bottom layer is called a via. This is especially necessary when creating a fairly complex PCB design.
So there is no need to worry about a component pad that cannot be connected.
via has 3 main sections, here are the parts of via:
In the default setting, the vias are not covered by the solder mask. This can lead to the potential for a short circuit if there are vias nearby. To solve this, we can cover the vias with masking. And in this article I will show you how to cover vias with solder mask in eagle application.
+ Open the eagle application
The first step is to open the Eagle application.
+ Open the PCB design file
The next step is open the PCB design file that has been made. To open a file, click "File -> Open -> Board". For example, here I use the PCB design of the portable bluetooth audio module that I have made.
From the picture above, which is a vias is in the green round shape which has the smallest size. One of them is the one I have marked with the blue box.
+ Click manufacturing to check vias with default settings
The vias are not covered by the solder mask by default. To check this, we can use the manufacturing menu. This menu can show the PCB results that we will make. To use this menu, click "manufacturing" on the right side of the worksheet.
In the image below, the vias are still orange. This means that the vias has not been covered by the solder mask.
+ How to cover vias with a solder makser
In this step I will show you how to cover vias using a solder mask. click "Tools -> DRC".
After that the DRC settings window will appear. In this window, select "Masks" then change the value in the "limit section from 0mil to 15mil". Than click "Apply".
+ Click manufacturing to check vias with custome settings
At this point the vias are covered with a solder mask. To see the results use the manufacturing menu again like the second step. After that, see the vias section. Now the vias are green, indicating that the vias are covered with a solder mask.
I think this article is easy to follow. But if you have something to ask, just write in the comments column.
To compare the results, here I show you a picture of the vias that haven't been covered with a solder mask and the vias that have been covered with a solder mask
+ Default Setting
+ Customre Setting
+ Real Picture result
