KiCad Workshop

Learn how to design your own circuit boards!

KiCad is the leading free and open source digital PCB design suite. KiCad supports up to 16 copper layers and there are no restrictions on board size.

This is an introductory class. Previous experience with PCB design is helpful, but not required. Some knowledge of how to read schematics, what printed circuits boards are and the associated terminology is required. If you have no preparation, read up on the definitions of these terms: trace, via, ground plane, through hole, surface mount, pad, solder mask.

We will cover as many of these topics as there is time for:

• Basic schematic capture

• Designing schematic symbols

• Board design

• Ground planes/zones

• Autorouting

• Generating Gerbers and manufacturing PCBs

• Custom footprints

• PCB design considerations

You MUST bring a laptop that runs Windows, Linux or Mac OS X and that is capable of running KiCad. No refunds will be given if you forget a laptop.