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KiCad

From Smithnet Wiki

Notes

Tutorial here

Workflow:

  • Draw Schematic
    • Create symbols if needed
  • Assign Footprints to symbols
    • Create new footprints if needed
  • File → Schematic Setup…​ → Electrical Rules → Violation Severity
  • Tools → Update PCB from Schematic…​
  • Design PCB
  • Inspect → Design Rules Checker
  • 3D View to check

Schematic Capture

Common footprints to use:

  • ?
  • ?
  • ?
  • ?
  • ?
  • ?

PCB Layout

Shortcut keys:

  • M : Move
  • R : Rotate

Layers:

  • Edge.Cuts : Outline of board
  • F.Cu / B.Cu : Copper traces
  • F.Silkscreen / B.Silkscreen
  • F.Mask / B.Mask

When adding text to a silkscreen, variable subsitution is available, eg:

  • ${TITLE}
  • ${REVISION}

Add fill zones for groundplanes, etc, bases on net labels.

Export

  • Export Gerber files
  • Export drill file
  • Zip up the exported files and send to fabrication house.