Presentation slides:

Robots101 - Week 7.pdf

This page provides a general overview of converting your schematics into Printed Circuit Boards using KiCAD.

General Knowledge

• PCB (Printed Circuit Board): A platform used in electronics to mechanically support and connect electronic components using conductive pathways, or traces. These are etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate.
• Importance of PCBs:
  • Provides a stable and compact platform for mounting electronic components.
  • Facilitates automated, efficient assembly and soldering processes.
  • Enhances electrical performance by minimising noise and interference.
• Footprints in PCB Design:
  • Layout patterns on the PCB correspond to where components are mounted.
  • Include pads for soldering component leads, holes for through-hole components, and possibly thermal pads for heat management.
  • The pin configuration and specifications of the components must be precisely matched to ensure functionality and reliability.
  • Design software is often used to access libraries of standard footprints or create custom footprints for unique components.

Converting Schematic to PCB

Method 1 (faster) (not complete yet):

1. Complete Schematic

   1. Ensure your schematic is ready to go. You can edit your schematic to change your PCB in real time but it’s good to have a solid foundation to begin with.

2. Assign Footprints 1.

   

Method 2 (traditional):

Below is a step-by-step guide to turning your schematic into a basic PCB

1. Complete Schematic

   1. Ensure your schematic is ready to go. You can edit your schematic to change your PCB in real time but it’s good to have a solid foundation to begin with.

2. Assign Footprints

   1. By clicking on a component, you can view its footprint section. Here, you can assign a physical component to be added to your PCB. It's important that each component has a footprint; otherwise, it will not appear on your PCB. You can also use the footprint tool in the handlebar to help you.

   

3. Annotate the schematic

   1. Annotating the schematic ensures that all components have a unique identifier. The automatic tool for this can be found in the toolbar right next to the footprint editor.

   

4. Export the netlist

   1. Once those two are done go to file, export, netlist and export your schematic.