A keepout is a defined area, on one layer or all of them, where the CAD tool refuses certain objects: routing, copper pour, vias or components. Keepouts protect mounting holes and screw heads, antenna zones, board edges, connector mating areas and high-voltage isolation gaps. They come from the mechanical outline and enclosure model, and breaking one usually shows up as a short to chassis or a part that will not fit.
Add a 3 mm copper keepout around every mounting hole, the standoffs are metal and bonded to chassis.
Also heard as
- keep-out
- keepout area
- keepout zone
Related terms
Clearance
Minimum spacing between copper features of different nets, or between copper and the board edge or holes.
DRC
Design rule check: automated scan of a layout for spacing, width, drill and connectivity violations.
Footprint
Pattern of copper pads, outline and markings on a board that matches one component package.