Definition

Teardrops are filleted transitions that gradually widen a trace where it connects to a pad or via. This tapered shape reduces stress concentration at the junction, improving resistance to thermal cycling and mechanical stress. Teardrops also provide manufacturing margin: if drill registration is slightly off or etching undercuts the trace, the extra copper maintains the connection. Most PCB CAD tools can add teardrops automatically. Specify teardrops for high-reliability designs (IPC Class 3), boards subject to vibration or thermal cycling, and any design where trace-to-pad junctions are near minimum width. The added copper has negligible impact on impedance for most designs.