PCBgogo

Electronic Project Engineer's Best Partner!
****
Is this possible to make a module with both castellations and LGA?
1181 1 Mar 19.2019, 09:33:04
Hello! I am trying to decide on a pinout methodology for a module that will be assembled board to board on a bigger PCB.

considering the pros and cons of LGA vs. castellations(cut half vias), i was thinking of combining the two - using a small amount of castellation pins and a bigger amount of LGA's, so the user could choose if to use only some features (with easier assembly line) with only the castellations or to use the full features by connecting both castellations / LGA's.

is this mechanically possible? does the assembly process of one negates the other in some way? (height, heat, etc..)

I would very much like some opinions/suggestions on this matter.

  • Comments(1)
Upload a photo:You can only upload 1 files in total. Each file cannot exceed 2MB.Supports JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP
Browse
Submit
header
L****cas

Mar 20.2019, 09:32:35

Mechanically, there is nothing that will stop you from using both assembly methods, as long as the receiving PCB, to which you assemble the module caters for this. What I mean here is that you can make a receiving PCB with either method, or even both, but you will have to remember that if you use castellated pads and not LGA, you will still have the LGA pads exposed under the module, and therefore you will risk shorts if you have any copper exposed on the receiving board, for example vias.


Electrically, you will have to keep in mind that you will be adding a stub to all the lines you bring out, which means that the integrity of hi-speed signals will be compromised.


There is nothing stopping you from mixing the two technologies.


One thing that is worth mentioning, is that to use LGA pads, you will have to have a controlled assembly process, which will use solder paste masks and some form of solder reflow. Castellated pads are easier to hand assemble, even by an untrained user, and is easier to inspect, however, it can cost a little bit more to manufacture.

Approval(0) Reply

Submit
Share the Project