PCB Design with Ki Cad
Duration – 5 days
Pre-requisites
- Basic knowledge of electronics (voltage, current, resistance)
- Familiarity with electronic components (resistors, capacitors, ICs)
- Basic computer skills (file handling, software installation)
Tools & Platforms
- KiCad EDA (latest version)
- Git & GitHub (for version control)
- Gerber Viewer (for checking outputs)
- PDF Reader (for BoM & outputs)
Take away
- Confidence in using KiCad for PCB design
- Working knowledge of schematic capture and PCB layout
- Ability to create and export PCB files for manufacturing
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Completed mini-projects:
- Breadboard Power Supply
- MCU Data Logger
- Understanding of real-world PCB design challenges and solutions
Day 2: Advanced Schematic Design and PCB Layout
1. Schematic Design: Detailed Steps
- Creating and managing libraries
- Using and creating templates for schematics
2. PCB Layout Fundamentals
- Introduction to PCB dimensions and layers
- Creating a rough outline of the PCB board
3. Component Placement and Arrangement
- Techniques for optimal component placement
- Ensuring functional designs fit within PCB outlines
Day 3: PCB Routing and Optimization Techniques
1. Routing Techniques
- Introduction to manual and automatic routing
- Wiring connections between pads and pins
2. Design Rule Checks
- Performing DRC checks to ensure design integrity
- Adjusting designs based on rule violations
3. Improving PCB Layout
- Techniques for improving signal integrity and performance
- Adding ground planes and copper fills
Day 4: Finalizing PCB Design and Advanced Features
1. Adding Silkscreen and Graphic Components
- Placing text and graphics on the PCB
- Designing for aesthetic and functional components
2. Exporting Designs for Manufacturing
- Creating Gerber files and Bill of Materials (BoM)
- Understanding the manufacturing process
3. Using Additional Tools and Features
- Introduction to external tools (e.g., using Git and GitHub)
- Exploring KiCad plugins and utilities
Day 5: Practical Projects and Real-World Applications
1. Hands-on Project: Breadboard Power Supply
- Designing a PCB for a breadboard power supply
- Iterative design and testing methods
2. Hands-on Project: MCU Data Logger
- Creating a PCB for data logging application
- Learning to work with multi-layer PCBs
3. Project Presentations and Wrap-up
- Presentation of completed projects
- Final discussion and Q&A session
