🔧 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

Design — Create schematics from circuit descriptions
Layout — Design PCB layouts with component placement
Verify — Run DRC checks, generate previews for review
Export — Generate manufacturing files (Gerbers, drill files, BOM)
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": "your@email.com",
    "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:

Show schematic — Visual confirmation of circuit
Show PCB renders — Top, bottom, 3D view
List BOM — All components with values
Report DRC — Any warnings or errors
Show quote — Cost breakdown before ordering

I will NOT auto-order without explicit confirmation.

PCBWay Order Flow (Current)

Export Gerbers + drill files
Create ZIP package
Manual step: You upload to pcbway.com
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