What are PCB pads?

PCB pads are the areas on a printed circuit board (PCB) that are used to connect components (such as resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, etc.) to the board. These pads serve as the interface between the component leads or pins and the copper traces that carry electrical signals and power across the board.

There are two main types of PCB pads:

1. Solder Pads (Through-Hole Pads): These are used for components with leads or pins that are inserted through holes in the PCB. The pad surrounds the hole and is used to attach the component lead to the board by soldering.
2. Surface-Mount Pads (SMD Pads): These are used for components that are placed directly onto the surface of the PCB (without leads going through holes). These pads typically have a specific shape, such as rectangular or circular, depending on the component type.

PCB pads are critical for ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical connections between the board and the components, and their design (size, shape, placement) must be carefully planned to ensure that components fit properly and that the connections are strong and free from defects. Proper pad design is also essential for effective soldering during the PCB assembly process.