🔧 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

# 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

pip install pillow cairosvg

Quick Start

# 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

Schematic Design

PCB Layout

Manufacturing Export

PCBWay Integration

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

# 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

# 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

# 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:

{
  "default_fab": "pcbway",
  "pcbway": {
    "email": "[email protected]",
    "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