nRF9160 Reserved pins in footprint

[gwagner_emf]

Since the nRF9160 reserved pins are never used, Is there any issue leaving them out of the footprint?

I would place copper keepouts under the reserved pin areas to ensure that nothing end up under them.

Our manufacturer is having issues with paste transfer through the small apertures.  At the moment we've told them that it's ok if there isn't sufficient paste on the reserved pads since they aren't connected to anything.  I'd rather remove the reserved pads and paste mask to completely eliminate the problem.

I don't see an issue with this, just thought I'd double check.

BR,

-- Glenn

[Asbjørn]

Hello,

Yes, you can do this as long as you make sure nothing shorts or connects the pads. This is the same statement that is valid if you did intend to make the holes in the stencil and solder. There's no mechanical reason for connecting the pads.

That said, we would recommend you to try on a small scale build first to ensure it works as you intends, but there's no concern from us regarding this.

Best regards

Asbjørn