PCB design softwares

Introduction

• LibrePCB
• kiCAD

Kicad Tutorial

1

Workflow (a project-based workflow)

1. drawing a schematic: Schematic Editor. Which components are in the design and how they are connected.
   • custom symbols may need to be created if appropriate symbols aren't available.
   • footprints are also selected for each component
2. laying out a circuit board: PCB Editor
   • footprints are the copper pads that match the pins on a physical component
3. editing symbols: Symbol Editor
4. editing footprints: Footprint Editor

1. Schematics. Connect through

1. lines. (Gets complicated.)
2. network labels.
3. hierarchical labels. (Multiple worksheets.)
4. global labels.

Arduino Uno custom shield

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  The connectors are already available at the Templates.

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  The values can be edited by E key.

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  Copy the labels and the text and rectangle

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  Cut the wires from the unused connectors.

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  Some of the sensors are already in the kiCAD library. SO it is easy to include into the system.

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  Cut the extra wires, save, and check the PCB Editor. Update PCB from schematics (Tools menu). Some components are missing

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  Assign footprints. This is for a resistor.

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  The footprints are assigned and all components are visible.

File → New Project From Template → Arduino Uno