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