Free for NE SciTech members and volunteers. Introduction to KI CAD software for electronic circuit design. Meets certain Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm. After the class feel free to stay on for the STARS amateur radio club meeting. Email us to schedule a session.
NOTE: This web page explains the details of this workshop. To register, please click on the actual course start-date in the EVENTS CALENDAR and look for the REGISTER tab to the upper right.
Students will need:
-- Computer with KiCad 5 installed (PC, Mac, or Linux)
-- Physical mouse, if using a laptop
-- Basic electronics knowledge is useful
Agenda:
1. Schematic Entry
-- Schematic Editor Options
-- Placing Component Symbols
-- Wiring between components
-- Net labeling
-- Local vs Global Labels
-- Sheets and hierarchical labels
-- General good schematic entry practices
2. Schematic Symbol Creation
-- Creating single component symbol
-- Creating component symbol with multiple bodies
-- Duplicating symbols
3. PCB Layout
-- Layout options and preferences (colors, grid sizing, trace widths)
-- Importing net list from schematic editor
-- Component placement and ratsnest
-- Grids and Board Outlines
-- Routing tracks, placing vias
-- Adding keepout areas and flooded planes
-- Design rule checking
4. PCB Footprint Creation
-- Setting grid size
-- Pad placement and creation
-- Silkscreen placement and creation
-- Four quadrants
5. Gerber and XYRS File Creation
-- Adding mechanical dimensions and origins
-- Exporting 3D models
-- Layers and settings for Gerber export
-- Generating drill files
Install Instructions:
-- In your favorite browser, navigate to: kicad-pcb.org
-- Click on the download button at the top of the page
-- Select your operating system
-- Choose the latest stable release version (5.0.1 as of this writing)
-- Save the file
-- Run the executable (if prompted, choose the default installation)
Documentation:
-- Documentation for KiCad can be found at: http://kicad-pcb.org/help/documentation/