kicad-pcb

# 🔧 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 <name>` | Create new KiCad project |
| `open <path>` | Open existing project |
| `info` | Show current project info |
| `list-projects` | List recent projects |

### Schematic Design

| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| `add-component <type> <ref>` | Add component to schematic |
| `connect <ref1.pin> <ref2.pin>` | Wire components together |
| `add-net <name> <refs...>` | Create named net |
| `preview-schematic` | Generate schematic image |
| `erc`...