kicad-pcb

# 🔧 KiCad PCB Automation **Design → Prototype → Manufacture** Automate PCB design workflows using KiCad. From natural language circuit descriptions to manufacturing-ready Gerber files. ## What This Skill Does 1. **Design** — Create schematics from circuit descriptions 2. **Layout** — Design PCB layouts with component placement 3. **Verify** — Run DRC checks, generate previews for review 4. **Export** — Generate manufacturing files (Gerbers, drill files, BOM) 5. **Order** — Prepare and place orders on PCBWay ## Requirements ### KiCad Installation ```bash # Ubuntu/Debian sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-8.0-releases sudo apt update sudo apt install kicad # Verify CLI kicad-cli --version ``` ### Python Dependencies ```bash pip install pillow cairosvg ``` ## Quick Start ```bash # 1. Create a new project python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py new "LED Blinker" --description "555 timer LED blinker circuit" # 2. Add components to schematic python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py add-component NE555 U1 python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py add-component LED D1 python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py add-component "R 1K" R1 R2 # 3. Generate schematic preview (for review) python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py preview-schematic # 4. Run design rule check python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py drc # 5. Export manufacturing files python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py export-gerbers # 6. Prepare PCBWay order python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py pcbway-quote --quantity 5 ``` ## Commands ### Project Management | Command | Description | |---------|-------------| | `new <name>` | Create new KiCad project | | `open <path>` | Open existing project | | `info` | Show current project info | | `list-projects` | List recent projects | ### Schematic Design | Command | Description | |---------|-------------| | `add-component <type> <ref>` | Add component to schematic | | `connect <ref1.pin> <ref2.pin>` | Wire components together | | `add-net <name> <refs...>` | Create named net | | `preview-schematic` | Generate schematic image | | `erc` | Run electrical rules check | ### PCB Layout | Command | Description | |---------|-------------| | `import-netlist` | Import schematic to PCB | | `auto-place` | Auto-place components | | `auto-route` | Auto-route traces | | `set-board-size <W>x<H>` | Set board dimensions (mm) | | `preview-pcb` | Generate PCB preview images | | `drc` | Run design rules check | ### Manufacturing Export | Command | Description | |---------|-------------| | `export-gerbers` | Export Gerber files | | `export-drill` | Export drill files | | `export-bom` | Export bill of materials | | `export-pos` | Export pick-and-place file | | `export-3d` | Export 3D model (STEP/GLB) | | `package-for-fab` | Create ZIP with all files | ### PCBWay Integration | Command | Description | |---------|-------------| | `pcbway-quote` | Get instant quote | | `pcbway-upload` | Upload Gerbers to PCBWay | | `pcbway-cart` | Add to cart (requires auth) | ## Workflow: Natural Language to PCB ### Step 1: Describe Your Circuit Tell me what you want to build: > "I need a simple 555 timer circuit that blinks an LED at about 1Hz. > Should run on 9V battery, through-hole components for easy soldering." ### Step 2: I'll Generate the Design ```bash # Create project kicad_pcb.py new "LED_Blinker_555" # Add components based on description kicad_pcb.py from-description "555 timer LED blinker, 1Hz, 9V battery" ``` ### Step 3: Review & Confirm I'll show you: - Schematic preview image - Component list (BOM) - Calculated values (resistors for timing, etc.) You confirm or request changes. ### Step 4: PCB Layout ```bash # Import to PCB kicad_pcb.py import-netlist # Auto-layout (or manual guidance) kicad_pcb.py auto-place --strategy compact kicad_pcb.py set-board-size 50x30 # Preview kicad_pcb.py preview-pcb --layers F.Cu,B.Cu,F.Silkscreen ``` ### Step 5: Manufacturing ```bash # Run final checks kicad_pcb.py drc --strict # Export everything kicad_pcb.py package-for-fab --output LED_Blinker_fab.zip # Get quote kicad_pcb.py pcbway-quote --quantity 10 --layers 2 --thickness 1.6 ``` ## Common Circuit Templates ### templates/555_astable.kicad_sch Classic 555 timer in astable mode. Parameters: - R1, R2: Timing resistors - C1: Timing capacitor - Freq ≈ 1.44 / ((R1 + 2*R2) * C1) ### templates/arduino_shield.kicad_pcb Arduino Uno shield template with: - Header footprints - Mounting holes - Power rails ### templates/usb_c_power.kicad_sch USB-C power delivery (5V): - USB-C connector - CC resistors - ESD protection ## Configuration Create `~/.kicad-pcb/config.json`: ```json { "default_fab": "pcbway", "pcbway": { "email": "your@email.com", "default_options": { "layers": 2, "thickness": 1.6, "color": "green", "surface_finish": "hasl" } }, "kicad_path": "/usr/bin/kicad-cli", "projects_dir": "~/kicad-projects", "auto_backup": true } ``` ## Design Review Protocol Before ordering, I'll always: 1. **Show schematic** — Visual confirmation of circuit 2. **Show PCB renders** — Top, bottom, 3D view 3. **List BOM** — All components with values 4. **Report DRC** — Any warnings or errors 5. **Show quote** — Cost breakdown before ordering **I will NOT auto-order without explicit confirmation.** ## PCBWay Order Flow (Current) 1. Export Gerbers + drill files 2. Create ZIP package 3. **Manual step**: You upload to pcbway.com 4. **Future**: Automated upload + cart placement ## Cost Reference PCBWay typical pricing (2-layer, 100x100mm, qty 5): - Standard (5-7 days): ~$5 - Express (3-4 days): ~$15 - Shipping: ~$15-30 DHL ## Safety Notes ⚠️ **High Voltage Warning**: This skill does not validate electrical safety. For mains-connected circuits, consult a qualified engineer. ⚠️ **No Auto-Order (Yet)**: Cart placement requires your explicit confirmation. ## Changelog ### v1.0.0 - Initial release - KiCad CLI integration - Schematic/PCB preview generation - Gerber export - PCBWay quote integration - Template system --- *Built by [PaxSwarm](https://moltbook.com/agent/PaxSwarm)*