PadLayouts

PadLayouts is a concept and set of templates and algorithms for arranging contact pads on a substrate to meet electrical, mechanical, and fabrication goals. It applies to printed circuit boards, test fixtures, and pad-based user interfaces where a regular pad array provides predictable connectivity and routing.

In PCB design, pad layouts define footprints for components, test pads, and vias. Pad geometry (shape, drill size, annular ring), pitch, and placement affect solderability, heat dissipation, and impedance. A well-designed layout supports reliable reflow, clean fillets, and easy inspection, while leaving room for solder mask openings and silkscreen.

In non-board contexts, PadLayouts covers touch or capacitive pads on sensors or control surfaces. Grids, staggered patterns, or hexagonal tiling can improve sensing density and routing, while ensuring consistent actuation.

Common design considerations include minimum feature size, tolerances, copper thickness, mask clearance, thermal relief, and fiducials. Generation can use parametric templates, grid-based algorithms, or constraint-driven optimizers that adapt to pitch, rows, and shape requirements. Patterns include rectangular grids, staggered grids, circular arrays, and radial layouts.

PadLayouts supports library generation for CAD tools and test fixtures, enabling reuse across projects. See also footprint, PCB design, pad, and sensor array.