Categories in Signal Layer Checks

Several signal checks analysis tests can be run. For each test performed, results might be reported to the result categories available for that test. In the result category descriptions in this document, the test name is indicated in parentheses after the category name.

Spacing measurements are reported when they are within the search radius (the value of ERF parameter pp_spacing).

Table 1. Result Categories for Signal Layer Checks

Category

Description

Via to Via (Spacing)Reports via pad to via pad measurements less than pp_spacing.
Pad to Pad (Spacing)Reports electrically unconnected pads (in the same layer) closer than pp_spacing.
Pad to Circuit (Spacing)Reports unconnected pads and circuit elements closer than pp_spacing in the same layer.
Circuit to Circuit (Spacing)Reports unconnected circuit elements closer than pp_spacing in the same layer.
Text to Text (Spacing)Reports text features closer than pp_spacing.
Text Touches Copper (Spacing)Reports text features touching copper features.
Spacing Length (Spacing)Reports parallel lines closer than pp_spacing belonging to different layer nets.
Same Net Spacing (Spacing)Reports non-touching, non-text features closer than pp_spacing belonging to the same layer net.
CAD Self Spacing (Spacing)Reports non-touching features closer than pp_spacing belonging to the same CAD net.
NPTH to Pad (Drill)Reports other net NPTHs and pads closer than pp_d2c in accordance with group_drill_to_copper.
NPTH to Circuit (Drill)Reports other net NPTHs and circuits closer than pp_d2c in accordance with group_drill_to_copper.
PTH to Copper (Drill)Reports plated holes of different nets in the same layer closer than pp_d2c to any copper (circuit, pad or text) in accordance with group_drill_to_copper.
PTH to Copper Same Net (Drill)Reports plated holes of the same net in the same layer closer than pp_d2c to any copper (circuit, pad or text) in accordance with group_drill_to_copper.
PTH Registration (Drill)Reports the smallest center-to-center distance between drills and touching pads, if larger than reg_allowance and smaller than max_reg.
NPTH Registration (Drill)Reports the smallest center-to-center distance between drills and touching pads, if larger than reg_allowance and smaller than max_reg.
NPTH Annular Ring (Drill)Reports the shortest distance between drill and laminate for NPTHs embedded in copper if closer than pp_d2c.
PTH Annular Ring (Drill)Reports the shortest distance between drill and laminate for PTHs (or vias) embedded in copper if closer than pp_d2c.
PTH (Comp) Annular Ring (Drill)Reports the shortest distance between drill and laminate for PTHs embedded in copper if closer than pp_d2c.
Blind Via Annular Ring (Drill)Reports the shortest distance between drill and laminate for blind vias embedded in copper if closer than pp_d2c.
Buried Via Annular Ring (Drill)Reports the shortest distance between drill and laminate for buried vias embedded in copper if closer than pp_d2c.
Via to Copper (Drill)Reports other net, via holes closer than pp_d2c to any copper (circuit, pad or text) in accordance with group_drill_to_copper.
Tooling Hole to Exposed Copper (Drill)Reports all tooling holes closer than pp_d2c to exposed copper on an outer layer.
Pads (Size)Provides a summary of all pads in a signal layer. Measurements are pad shapes. (circle, square or contour).
Lines (Size)Reports width of lines representing conductor traces in signal layers.
Shaved Line (Size)Reports lines touched by negative shaves, NPTHs, or non-plated rout features.
Text (Size)Reports all lines tagged by the Copper Text system attribute.
Line Neckdown (Size)Reports lines that are joined so that the width at the narrowest point is less than nominal line width.
Arc (Size)Reports arc features thinner than max_line_width with neither Copper Text nor Copper Balancing attributes.
Shaved Arc (Size)Reports arc features shaved by negative features, NPTHs or non-plated rout features.
Conductor Width (Size)Reports lines with neckdowns.
Sliver (Sliver) (Signal Layer)Reports slivers, either between two copper areas (positive layer) or two clearance areas (negative layers), that have width less than pp_sliver, and non-zero.
Short Sliver (Sliver) (Signal Layer)Reports slivers, either between two copper areas (positive layer) or two clearance areas (negative layers), that have width less than pp_sliver, and non-zero.
Stubs (Stubs)Reports line endpoints that do not touch any other feature.
SMD Pads (SMD)Reports pads tagged with feature attribute SMD Pad.
Exposed Via to Exposed Via (Exposure)Reports distances less than pp_e_spacing between the edges of the exposed copper of two uncapped vias, while ignoring pads of the same net that are fully embedded in copper. Classified by the process.
Exposed Via to Exposed Copper (Exposure)Reports the distance between the edge of the exposed copper of an uncapped via and the exposed copper on the outer signal layers only, when closer than pp_e_spacing. Does not report spacing between pads of the same net that are fully embedded in copper. Classified by process. The reported exposed via and exposed copper surface do not touch.