Definition

Via tenting covers via holes with solder mask on one or both sides. Tenting protects vias from solder bridging during assembly, prevents contamination, and provides electrical insulation. Use tenting for small vias (≤0.4mm) away from test points when cost is a priority. However, tented vias may not be fully sealed (solder mask may dimple into the hole), so they shouldn't be used where hermetic sealing is needed. For via-in-pad under fine-pitch components, use plugging instead - tenting alone won't prevent solder wicking. Tented vias cannot be probed for testing.