Kicad PCB

KiCAD PCB

Quick Steps

• Create Project, probably best in a subdirectory of the project this PCB will belong to
• Create circuit diagram with eeschema
  • Add all needed parts from libraries, including all connectors and pads
  • Assign footprints to parts
  • Use global symbols (e.g SDA, NReset, ...) to connect parts to reduce connection lines
  • Draw connections, prefer current flow from top (Vcc) to bottom (Gnd) and signals flow left to right
  • Tools/Annotate (numbering)
  • Tools/Netlist (needed for import in pcb editor
  • Perform electrical rules check
• Create PCB with pcbnew
  • Board settings (Layers, strength, design rules, signal types, ...), best to check against manufacturer limits
  • Create outline (Layer Edge.Cuts) if dimension already known
  • import netlist
  • Move around all parts as needed
    • Capacitors near chips
    • Fast signals need short lines
    • Ground on the back, others on top
  • Create routes, start with shorts, use ground plane for ground connects, try to reduce slicing of ground plane
  • Design rules check, fix errors...
  • Add text (levels F.SilkS if possible, B.SilkS sometimes not done)
• Create Gerber Files for Manufacturer
  • Plot PCB
    • Format Gerber
    • Use separate directory (usually needs to be zipped as a whole)
    • Check settings with manufacturer, check needed layers are included
    • Start Plot, check output for warnings and errors
    • Generate drill file, again check options with manufacturer
• Triple check all connections from circuit diagram to pcb and back
• Place order with pcbway or jlcpcb
  • have used both, all fine for my needs
  • PCBWay at https://www.pcbway.com/QuickOrderOnline.aspx
    • Zip plot folder created above and upload it -> detects layer and size
    • Try to keep default values or it gets expensive fast
    • Check different delivery options (price differences can be high)
  • JLCPCB at https://jlcpcb.com/
    • select 2-Layers/Quote now (or as appropriate)
    • Checkout, add shipping method.
  • Compare both. Last time cheapest JLCPCB was cheaper and faster than a medium pcbway selection)
    • JLCPCB: 7.90 €, delivery 10 days
    • PCBway: 14 €, delivery 20 days