📄️ Introduction
Overview of KiCad as a PCB Design Tool
📄️ Setting Up the KiCad Project
Creating a New Project
📄️ Schematic Design
The schematic design phase is the foundation of any PCB project. It involves creating a logical representation of the circuit, defining how components are connected, and ensuring that the design meets the project requirements. In this chapter, we will walk through the process of designing the schematic for the ESP32-based IoT device in KiCad 7.
📄️ PCB Layout
The PCB layout phase is where the schematic design is translated into a physical board. This involves placing components, routing traces, and ensuring that the design meets electrical and mechanical requirements. In this chapter, we will walk through the process of designing the PCB layout for the ESP32-based IoT device in KiCad 7.
📄️ Design Rule Check (DRC) and Final Checks
The Design Rule Check (DRC) is a critical step in the PCB design process. It ensures that your layout adheres to the specified design rules, such as trace width, clearance, and via size. After completing the PCB layout, performing a thorough DRC and final checks will help identify and resolve any issues before sending the design for manufacturing. This chapter covers the DRC process, final design optimizations, and preparing the board for production.
📄️ Generating Manufacturing Files
Once the PCB layout is complete and all design checks have been performed, the next step is to generate the files required for manufacturing. These files, often referred to as Gerber files and drill files, provide the manufacturer with all the necessary information to produce the PCB. This chapter walks you through the process of generating manufacturing files in KiCad 7, ensuring your design is ready for production.
📄️ 3D Visualization and Final Review
The final step before sending your PCB design for manufacturing is to perform a thorough review using 3D visualization and other tools. This chapter covers how to use KiCad’s 3D viewer to inspect your design, identify potential issues, and ensure the board is ready for production. We’ll also discuss final checks to verify the design’s accuracy and manufacturability.