Design file of P-NUCLEO-WB55, why pads instead of vias?

[ztliu]

Hi, guys.

Just downloaded the altium designer design file of P-NUCLEO-WB55.

https://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/products/evaluation-tools/product-evaluation-tools/stm32-nucleo-expansion-boards/p-nucleo-wb55.html?icmp=tt10667_gl_lnkon_feb2019

While I was enjoying the layout, I found that there are many pads, instead of vias, connecting tracks or layers.

I know that they are physically the same, just curious why use pads instead of vias?

I suppose pads are used to connect PCB and footprint, no?

below is an example, captured from the design file.

does anyone know why?

thanks for reading!

Zt.

[PANDR]

​Dears,

There is no specific reason for this mix between Pads and Vias. As you said, physically, with the same spécifications, that's excatly the same result on Gerber files....

Best regards