KiCad

Notes on Running KiCad

Some misc. stuff

Custom BOM Python Script (KiCad 6)

• Create a BOM that requires minimal manual editing to use on MediaWiki webpage
• Adds Datasheet path to Description
• Creates BOM .csv file in the folder where the schematic is located

Source Code

• LandBoardsBOM.py - our BOM script that runs from "Generate Bill of Materials..." in KiCad Schematic Editor
  • Based on com_csv_grouped_by_value.py that comes in KiCad 6
  • Also requires files from the KiCad installation (get latest from the KiCad installation folder)
    • kicad_netlist_reader.py
    • kicad_utils.py
• Put the 3 scripts into folder in KiCad projects pyScripts folder

Running

• Add links to schematic parts

• Run BOM tool inside schematic

• Add link to script in KiCad

• Click Generate

Post-Processing

• Edit in spreadsheet program
• Use pyCSVtoMWTable to create MediaWiki format output

Panelizing

• How to panelize KiCAD designs for free
  • GerberPanelizer
  • GerberTools

SPICE Simulation

• Tutorial: ngspice simulation in KiCad/Eeschema

Create Footprints Using FreeCAD

• Our very simple example

"Standard" Footprints

• KiCad footprints can be a pain so this documents the footprints we commonly use

1/8 W resistor footprint

• Part on PCB

• KiCad v6 footprint

Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0204_L3.6mm_D1.6mm_P7.62mm_Horizontal

• Also fits 1/4W resistors with leads bent straight down

1/4 W resistor footprint

• Part on PCB

• KiCad v6 footprint

Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0207_L6.3mm_D2.5mm_P10.16mm_Horizontal

Cap, 0.2" pitch

• Part on PCB

• KiCad v6 footprint

Capacitor_THT:C_Rect_L7.0mm_W3.5mm_P5.00mm