Introduction
KiCAD 7.0 is a free and open-source software suite for electronic design automation (EDA). It allows you to create schematics and printed circuit boards (PCBs). This powerful tool can be used by hobbyists and professionals alike. This tutorial will guide you through the basic steps to start designing your own PCB using KiCAD 7.0.
Installation
1. Download KiCAD: Visit KiCAD’s official download page and select the appropriate version for your operating system.
2. Install KiCAD: Follow the installation instructions for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
User Interface
When you open KiCAD, you’ll see the main window that includes several tools. Here are the primary ones:
• Project Manager (KiCad): The hub where all project files are managed.
• Eeschema: Schematic capture tool.
• Pcbnew: PCB layout tool.
• GerbView: Gerber file viewer.
• PlEditor: Symbol library editor.
• LibEdit: PCB footprint editor.
Creating a New Project
1. Open the Project Manager: Start KiCAD and open the project manager.
2. Create New Project: Click File > New Project and choose a location to save your project. KiCAD will create a folder with several files inside.
Schematic Capture (Eeschema)
1. Open Eeschema: From the project manager, open the Eeschema tool.
2. Add Components:
• Click the Add Component icon or press A.
• Search for and select the components you need.
• Place the components on the schematic sheet.
3. Connect Components:
• Use the Add Wire tool or press W.
• Connect the pins of the components by drawing wires between them.
4. Labels and Net Names:
• Use Add Net Label to name critical connections (press L).
• Label your important signals to make the schematic easier to read.
Assigning Footprints
1. Open the Footprint Assignment Tool:
• Click the Assign Footprints to Schematic Symbols icon.
2. Assign Footprints:
• Select each component and assign the appropriate footprint (e.g., a resistor might have the footprint R_0805).
PCB Layout (Pcbnew)
1. Open Pcbnew: From the project manager, open the Pcbnew tool.
2. Import Schematic: Click Tools > Update PCB from Schematic.
3. Place Components:
• Drag and drop the components onto the layout area.
• Arrange the components according to your design.
4. Draw Tracks:
• Use the Route Tracks tool or press X.
• Connect the pads according to the schematic.
5. Create PCB Outline:
• Use the Add Board Outline tool to define the boundaries of your board.
Design Rules
1. Set Design Rules:
• Go to Setup > Design Rules.
• Define the rules such as minimum track width, spacing, etc.
2. Check Design Rules:
• Click Tools > Design Rule Check to ensure there are no errors in your design.
Generate Gerber Files
1. Open the Gerber Export Tool:
• In Pcbnew, click File > Plot.
2. Configure and Export:
• Select the layers you want to export (copper, silkscreen, solder mask, etc.).
• Click Plot to generate the Gerber files.
• Don’t forget to generate the drill file.
Viewing Gerber Files (GerbView)
1. Open GerbView:
• From the project manager, open the GerbView tool.
2. Load and View Files:
• Load the generated Gerber files and verify that everything is correct.
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