KiCad Like a Pro 3e – eBook – Tech Explorations

This course is under development. It is an update of KiCad Like a Pro 2e to cover KiCad 6.0.

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eBook status 1 Lecture Sample Section

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00 – Front matter 5 Lectures

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How to read this book

What will you need

The book web page

An introduction: Why KiCad?

01 – Getting started with PCB design 6 Lectures

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The PCB design process

Get KiCad for your operating system

Example projects

An offer from NextPCB

02 – Getting started with KiCad 12 Lectures

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KiCad Project Manager (main window)

Overview of the individual KiCad apps

Paths and Libraries

(Legacy) KiCad Project Manager (main window)

(Legacy) Overview of the individual KiCad apps

(Legacy) Paths and Libraries

Create a new project from scratch

Create a new project from a template

KiCad on Mac OS, Linux, Windows

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03 – Project: A hands-on tour of KiCad – Schematic Design 11 Lectures Sample Section

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Introduction to schematic design

Quick intro to the design workflows

The finished KiCad project and directory

Start Kicad and create a new project

1 – Start Eeschema, setup Sheet

2 – Add symbols

3 – Arrange, annotate, associate

6 – The Electrical Rules Check

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04 – Project: A hands-on tour of KiCad – Layout 10 Lectures

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Introduction to layout design and objective of this section

1 – Start Pcbnew, import footprints

2 – Outline and constraints (edge cut)

3 – Move footprints in place

4 – Route (add tracks)

5 – Refine the outline

6 – Silkscreen (text and graphics)

7 – Design rules check

8 – Export Gerbers and order

The manufactured PCB

05 – Design principles and PCB terms 16 Lectures

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Schematic symbols

Drill bit and drill hit

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06 – PCB design workflows 17 Lectures

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The KiCad Schematic Design Workflow

Schematic Design Step 1: Setup

Schematic Design Step 2: Symbols

Schematic Design Step 3: AAA (Arrange, Annotate, Associate)

Schematic Design Step 4: Wire

Schematic Design Step 5: Nets

Schematic Design Step 6: Electrical Rules Check

Schematic Design Step 7: Comments and Graphics

The KiCad Layout Design Workflow

Layout Design Step 1: Setup

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07 – Fundamental Kicad how-to: Symbols and Eeschema 17 Lectures

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About this section

Left toolbar overview

Top toolbar overview

Right toolbar overview

Schematic editor preferences

How to find a symbol with the Chooser

How to find schematic symbols on the Internet

How to install symbol libraries in bulk

How to create a custom symbol

How to associate a symbol with a footprint

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08 – Fundamental Kicad how-to: Footprints and Pcbnew 31 Lectures

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Board Setup – Board Stackup

Board Setup – Text & Graphics

Board Setup – Design Rules and net classes

Board Setup – Design Rules – Custom Rules and violation severity

How to find and use a footprint

Footprint sources on the Internet

How to install footprint libraries

Interactive router

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