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kicad-pcb

Automate PCB design with KiCad

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🔧 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

Command Description
new <name> Create new KiCad project
open <path> Open existing project
info Show current project info
list-projects List recent projects

Schematic Design

Command Description
add-component <type> <ref> Add component to schematic
connect <ref1.pin> <ref2.pin> Wire components together
add-net <name> <refs...> Create named net
preview-schematic Generate schematic image
erc Run electrical rules check

PCB Layout

Command Description
import-netlist Import schematic to PCB
auto-place Auto-place components
auto-route Auto-route traces
set-board-size <W>x<H> Set board dimensions (mm)
preview-pcb Generate PCB preview images
drc Run design rules check

Manufacturing Export

Command Description
export-gerbers Export Gerber files
export-drill Export drill files
export-bom Export bill of materials
export-pos Export pick-and-place file
export-3d Export 3D model (STEP/GLB)
package-for-fab Create ZIP with all files

PCBWay Integration

Command Description
pcbway-quote Get instant quote
pcbway-upload Upload Gerbers to PCBWay
pcbway-cart Add to cart (requires auth)

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