TO-220 (Through-Hole) Staggered Pads significant?

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   The only time you need to spread the terminal leads is -
When the pin pitch is small and the pads violate the minimum pad to pad spacing
When the component manufacturer's package comes with pre-bent leads
Otherwise, it's best to have the pads line up. 

The 'D' and 'D1' dimensions would be the same value.

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Tom H Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 05 Jan 2012 Location: San Diego, CA Status: Offline Points: 5874	Post Options Post Reply Quote Tom H Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: TO-220 (Through-Hole) Staggered Pads significant? Posted: 08 Sep 2025 at 11:38am
	The only time you need to spread the terminal leads is - When the pin pitch is small and the pads violate the minimum pad to pad spacing When the component manufacturer's package comes with pre-bent leads Otherwise, it's best to have the pads line up. The 'D' and 'D1' dimensions would be the same value.
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Alex Quilty Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New User Joined: 20 May 2024 Status: Offline Points: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alex Quilty Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 08 Sep 2025 at 9:40am
	Does it matter that the TO-220 Pads are staggered or in a row (assuming that the pads allow for proper clearance w/ no slivers)? When should I use the staggered pads and when should I use the aligned row of pads if they are significant?