Non-plated through holes (NPTH)

Non-plated through holes (NPTH) are holes created in circuit boards for mechanical purposes, such as mounting screws or other hardware. Unlike plated through holes (PTH), which are used for electrical connections for non-SMT (surface mount technology) resistors, capacitors, and DIP package IC, NPTHs do not have a conductive coating.

• Design Considerations: When designing a board with NPTHs, consider the mechanical requirements, thermal management, and other factors that may affect the performance and reliability of the board.
• Placement: Consider the location of components, connectors, and other features when placing NPTHs. Avoid placing NPTHs near traces or pads to prevent shorts or other issues.
• Mechanical Support: NPTHs can provide mechanical support for components or other hardware. They can also be used to secure the board to a chassis or enclosure.

Adding NPTHs to a PCB

When you add a NPTH to a 3D PCB, it is automatically added to the 2D PCB where it is locked to prevent the loss of reference to edges or sketch points. If you unlock the NPTH in the 2D PCB to move or edit it, check the impact on the 3D PCB.