What’s the minimum distance from TQFP to chip cap on PCB assembly?

I want to put decoupling caps (0603) as close as possible to TQFP-48-7x7. So PCB/assembly wise how close I can put them (pad to pad, component to component)? Does the 'court yard' need to be exactly square, or is it ok to place mentioned caps closer to TQFP in the corners where the TQFP pins leave kind of 'free space'?

Unless the datasheet of the TQFP part mentions a keep-out area, a safe minimum distance would be such that there is solder resistance at least as long as the track is thick, preferably twice that much, between the TQFP and the capacitors.

This would ensure that solder surface tension does not drag the cap right into the TQFP pin’s solder pool and cause misaligned or bad connections.

Read More: PCB Design and Layout

#PCB Design #PCB Assembly

Picture of Oliver Smith

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.
Picture of Oliver Smith

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

What Others Are Asking

Why should we bake bare PCB?

The assembly note states: Bake bare PCBs in a clean and well ventilated oven prior to assembly at 125*C for 24 hours. Why is this necessary?

Read Detailed Advice From Blog Articles

Scroll to Top