Hello,

        Just wondering if anyone(or everyone but us), makes direct
connection to the ground plane through vias.  We use thermals on all vias
that connect to GND.  Our layout is typically a SMT pad connected to an
.006" or .008" trace about .020" long connected to a via.  This via is then
connected to GND with a thermal.  Would we run into any problems on our SMT
joint if we made the GND connection direct?  Could this reduce our heat at
the pad significantly?  If anyone has any experience with this, I would
appreciate some input.  Thanks.


        Steve Quinn
        Heurikon Corp
        Madison, Wi