In a message dated 02/02/2000 8:07:35 PM Central Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Hello everyone,
>
>  We are trying to install a diode from a connector pin in one side of the
>  board to
>  a trace in the same side.  We are not sure how to do this.  Either
>  soldering one lead of
>  the diode directly to the trace or drilling a hole in the trace
>  and make the contact there.
>
>  How would you go about solving this problem?  The board has only two
>  layers and the trace is approx. 5mm wide.
>
>  Thanks
>
>  Alberto

Hi Alberto!

Well, I think the first question is what the end-use of the product is,
consumer electronics? or nuclear weapon detonators? (I exaggerate of
course)...is this for production, or is this proto-type or pre-production? Do
you need to scrape soldermask from the trace to allow a surface to solder one
end of the diode to? Is the diode SMT or PTH?

If it's PTH, I would solder one lead to a connector pin, bond the diode to
the PCB with an epoxy, and maybe run a jumper wire to a via that is connected
to that trace that will provide you the circuit that is needed, and tack the
jumper down if the length is more than an inch (I'm assuming that the traces
are solder masked, and that there are via's someplace along the trace that
you can make the connection to) this will avoid trying to scape the solder
mask (if there is any) providing a surface to solder to...it's easy to get
into the trace and reduce the cross section of the trace and cause bigger
problems. Guess we need to know a few more details of your dilemma.

-Steve Gregory-

##############################################################
TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c
##############################################################
To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in
the body:
To subscribe:   SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name>
To unsubscribe:   SIGNOFF TECHNET
##############################################################
Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional
information.
If you need assistance - contact Gayatri Sardeshpande at [log in to unmask] or
847-509-9700 ext.5365
##############################################################