Ever wonder if a pad should be SMD, NSMD, or Gang Mask? It’s a small choice that dictates whether your board survives reflow, thermal cycling, and years in the field.
While NSMD is the IPC-7351B gold standard for solder joints, SMD offers critical mechanical anchoring for large BGAs, and Gang Masking is a must for ultra-fine pitches. Our latest article breaks down the trade-offs in fabrication, assembly, and rework to help you build a more robust footprint library.
Read the full guide here: https://ecadbridge.com/article/smd-nsmd-or-gang-mask/