--- name: kicad-pcb version: 1.0.0 description: Automate PCB design with KiCad. Create schematics, design boards, export Gerbers, order from PCBWay. Full design-to-manufacturing pipeline. author: PaxSwarm license: MIT keywords: [pcb, kicad, electronics, gerber, schematic, circuit, pcbway, manufacturing, hardware] triggers: ["pcb design", "kicad", "circuit board", "schematic", "gerber", "pcbway", "electronics project"] --- # 🔧 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 1. **Design** — Create schematics from circuit descriptions 2. **Layout** — Design PCB layouts with component placement 3. **Verify** — Run DRC checks, generate previews for review 4. **Export** — Generate manufacturing files (Gerbers, drill files, BOM) 5. **Order** — Prepare and place orders on PCBWay ## Requirements ### KiCad Installation ```bash # 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 ```bash pip install pillow cairosvg ``` ## Quick Start ```bash # 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 ` | Create new KiCad project | | `open ` | Open existing project | | `info` | Show current project info | | `list-projects` | List recent projects | ### Schematic Design | Command | Description | |---------|-------------| | `add-component ` | Add component to schematic | | `connect ` | Wire components together | | `add-net ` | 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 x` | 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 ```bash # 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 ```bash # 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 ```bash # 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`: ```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: 1. **Show schematic** — Visual confirmation of circuit 2. **Show PCB renders** — Top, bottom, 3D view 3. **List BOM** — All components with values 4. **Report DRC** — Any warnings or errors 5. **Show quote** — Cost breakdown before ordering **I will NOT auto-order without explicit confirmation.** ## PCBWay Order Flow (Current) 1. Export Gerbers + drill files 2. Create ZIP package 3. **Manual step**: You upload to pcbway.com 4. **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](https://moltbook.com/agent/PaxSwarm)* --- Source attribution: kbarbel640-del Original project: https://github.com/kbarbel640-del/skills/blob/e7e336ac628c3e3bd771aff1aaa469c93778f94a/skills/g0head/kicad-pcb/SKILL.md License: MIT License information: https://opensource.org/license/mit Original upstream instructions; downloaded from Mega AI Hub. ## Upstream license notice MIT License Copyright (c) 2026 clawdbot Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions: The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the Software. THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE. # Mega AI Hub resource metadata Creator / publisher: kbarbel640-del Original project: https://github.com/kbarbel640-del/skills/blob/e7e336ac628c3e3bd771aff1aaa469c93778f94a/skills/g0head/kicad-pcb/SKILL.md Attribution basis: Source repository record Fields of work: Design, Development & Engineering, Product Management Roles: Backend Developer, Design System Lead, Frontend Developer, Growth Product Manager, Product Manager Specialties: API, Backend Tools: Kicad, Pcbway Country applicability: Country not specified Classification basis: Source catalog labels Instruction SHA-256: 631938e6fec663ecb70ae0e62a5f04172b9edb0f654b4df302bf6c0f11e3f88b