[sdiy] square pads

[ChristianH]

On Sat, 16 Oct 2010 12:09:59 -0700 Chris Muir <cbm at well.com> wrote:

> On Oct 13, 2010, at 9:54 AM, David G. Dixon wrote:
> > If there are more common uses for a square pad, or if any of these are
> > wrong, could someone please let me know?
> 
> I also use them for:
>  - pin one on a SIP resistor pack,
>  - the positive leg of a polarized cap
>  - the cathode of a LED
> 
> basically anywhere where polarization is important.


Ok, indicating a diode's cathode (i.e. negative) with a ring has been
common for decades - but wouldn't it then be more consistent to use the
square pad for the negative cap terminal as well? 
In particular, since on electrolytics it is not uncommon to indicate the
negative side with a ring or arrow (yep, tant's usually have a tiny +
printed on them, but they have always been different than the other kids
on the block...)

Christian