PCB Design Using Kicad9 | Free Kicad EDA | PCB Design Course

Before beginning schematic design, it's important to configure the workspace for an efficient workflow. In this lecture, you will learn how to set up KiCad for smooth schematic entry.

Topics covered include:

• Adjusting zoom and pan settings for better navigation

• Setting up the schematic drawing sheet, including title block and page size

By the end of this session, you’ll have your schematic editor environment configured and ready for creating clean and organized circuit diagrams.

In this lecture, you will learn how to identify and select the key components required for your PCB design, based on a circuit reference. We’ll explore how to break down an application circuit and choose suitable parts for implementation.

Topics covered include:

• Selecting a USB connector appropriate for the design

• Choosing a USB to Serial converter IC

• Selecting a UART to RS232 converter chip

• Choosing the right DB-9 connector for RS232 output

By the end of this lecture, you'll understand how to analyze a reference circuit and confidently select components that fit both functional and practical requirements.

In this lecture, you will learn how to create a complete schematic in KiCad by placing components, making connections, and verifying the design. Each step is explained in the context of a real-world reference circuit.

Topics covered in this session:

• Exploring and searching the component library

• Placing components onto the schematic

• Understanding component placement controls and shortcuts

• Adding power flags for correct net detection

• Making proper wiring and electrical connections

• Renaming net labels for clarity and organization

• Reading and interpreting the reference circuit

• Dividing the schematic into logical sections

• Naming each section for easy navigation

• Running Electrical Rules Check (ERC)

• Performing final schematic verification

By the end of this lecture, you’ll be able to confidently complete a schematic and ensure it meets design standards through proper verification.

In this lecture, you will learn how to organize and extend your schematic design in KiCad using the schematic hierarchy feature. This approach helps manage complex designs by breaking them into smaller, manageable sections.

Topics covered include:

• Accessing the root (top-level) schematic page

• Creating a new hierarchical sheet to represent a subcircuit

• Navigating into and working within the newly created schematic page

• Understanding how hierarchical design improves project clarity and modularity

By the end of this lecture, you’ll be able to expand your designs efficiently and maintain a clean, modular schematic structure using hierarchical sheets in KiCad.

In this lecture, you will learn how to assign physical footprints to each component in your schematic. We’ll explore both automatic and manual footprint assignment methods using KiCad's footprint assignment tool.

Topics covered include:

• Using the footprint assignment tool to link components with the correct physical packages

• Manually assigning footprints when needed

• Selecting the appropriate footprints for common components such as:

  • USB Type-B connector

  • 0805 surface-mount resistor/capacitor

  • HC49 crystal oscillator

  • SOIC-16 package for ICs

  • DB9 connector for RS232 output

By the end of this lecture, you will understand how to match each schematic symbol with its correct PCB footprint, ensuring accurate layout and manufacturing readiness.

In this lecture, you will learn how to transition from schematic design to PCB layout using KiCad’s PCB editor. You’ll also explore tools for verifying component placement and visualizing the board in 3D.

Topics covered include:

• Introduction to the PCB editor tool and its interface

• Exporting components from the schematic to the PCB editor

• Handling errors and warnings during the export process

• Using the “Update PCB from Schematic” feature

• Highlighting and cross-probing components between the schematic and PCB editor

• Viewing imported components in the 3D viewer

• Assigning or updating 3D models for components

By the end of this lecture, you will be comfortable moving from schematic to PCB layout, troubleshooting sync issues, and visualizing your board in 3D for better design accuracy.

In this lecture, you will learn how to prepare your PCB layout by configuring essential board settings and understanding manufacturing-related parameters. These steps help ensure your design is both functional and ready for fabrication.

Topics covered include:

• Updating the board information table (title block, revision, etc.)

• Exploring the Board Setup dialog and its options

• Reviewing the board's physical stackup (layers, thickness, materials)

• Accessing and using the built-in calculator tool for trace width, impedance, and more

• Understanding design constraints and how they relate to PCB manufacturing capabilities

• Setting up predefined track widths and via sizes for consistent and compliant routing

By the end of this lecture, you'll have a well-configured board environment that aligns with industry standards and fabrication requirements.

In this lecture, you will learn how to place components onto the PCB layout in a structured and efficient way. Proper component placement is critical for achieving good electrical performance and manufacturability.

Topics covered include:

• Strategies for logical and functional component placement

• Aligning components for clarity and ease of routing

• Using KiCad’s placement tools and shortcuts

• Tips for grouping related components

• Best practices to minimize routing complexity and ensure design reliability

By the end of this lecture, you will be able to confidently place components in an organized manner, setting the foundation for effective PCB routing.

In this lecture, you will learn how to route your PCB and complete essential layout steps to prepare the board for manufacturing. You’ll gain hands-on experience in managing layers, placing vias, and performing design rule checks.

Topics covered include:

• Starting your first signal routing on the PCB

• Switching between layers during routing

• Placing vias for multi-layer connections

• Creating the board outline using the edge cuts layer

• Adding a ground plane using filled zones

• Using the 3D viewer to cross-check component placement and board structure

• Running the Design Rule Check (DRC) to catch and fix layout errors

By the end of this lecture, you’ll be able to complete a clean and functional PCB layout that is ready for final output generation.

In this lecture, you will learn how to personalize and label your PCB by adding text and logos directly onto the board layout. These elements are essential for branding, identification, and assembly guidance.

Topics covered include:

• Adding text labels such as board name, version, or date

• Choosing the correct layers for silkscreen and copper text

• Importing and placing a custom logo using graphic tools or bitmap-to-component conversion

• Adjusting size, position, and layer of text and logo elements

By the end of this lecture, you'll know how to enhance your PCB with informative and professional-looking text and branding graphics.

In this lecture, you will learn how to generate Gerber files — the industry-standard output required for PCB fabrication. You’ll understand what each file represents and how to ensure everything is ready for production.

Topics covered include:

• Overview of Gerber files and their purpose

• Step-by-step process to generate Gerber and drill files using KiCad

• Selecting the correct layers for fabrication

• Previewing output files before submission

• Exporting the complete manufacturing package for your PCB

By the end of this lecture, you will be able to confidently generate and verify the files needed to send your PCB design to a manufacturer.

In this lecture, you will learn how to generate the component position file, also known as the Pick and Place file. This file is essential for automated assembly processes, helping machines accurately place components on the PCB.

Topics covered include:

• Understanding the purpose and format of the component position file

• Generating Pick and Place data using KiCad

• Choosing correct placement settings for top and bottom components

• Verifying coordinates, rotation, and reference designators

• Preparing the file for assembly with your PCB manufacturer

By the end of this lecture, you’ll be able to export accurate component placement data suitable for automated PCB assembly services.

In this lecture, you will learn how to generate a Bill of Materials (BOM) directly from your schematic in KiCad. The BOM is a critical document that lists all components used in your design, required for procurement and assembly.

Topics covered include:

• Understanding the structure and purpose of a BOM

• Using the schematic editor to generate a BOM file

• Customizing BOM fields (quantity, part number, value, footprint, etc.)

• Exporting the BOM in common formats like CSV or XLS

• Tips for organizing and reviewing the BOM for accuracy

By the end of this lecture, you’ll be able to create a complete and professional BOM ready for purchasing or manufacturing use.

In this lecture, you will learn how to generate a PDF version of your schematic using KiCad. A schematic PDF is essential for documentation, reviews, and sharing your design with others.

Topics covered include:

• Setting up the schematic for clean PDF output

• Including title block and sheet information

• Exporting the schematic to PDF format

• Verifying the output for readability and completeness

By the end of this lecture, you’ll be able to create a clear, well-formatted PDF of your schematic that’s ready for printing, sharing, or archiving.

In this lecture, you will learn how to use KiCad’s Gerber Viewer to inspect your final PCB output files before sending them for manufacturing. This step is crucial to catch any errors and ensure all layers are correctly generated.

Topics covered include:

• Opening and loading Gerber and drill files in the Gerber Viewer

• Understanding different PCB layers and how they appear

• Navigating and inspecting layers visually

• Verifying board outline, copper traces, silkscreen, and solder mask

• Tips for final review before submitting to a PCB manufacturer

By the end of this lecture, you'll be confident in reviewing your Gerber files to ensure a successful and error-free PCB fabrication process.

In this final lecture, you will learn how to place an order for your PCB using the files you’ve generated throughout the design process. This walkthrough will guide you through selecting a PCB manufacturer, uploading your files, and setting the right specifications for production.

Topics covered include:

• Choosing a reliable PCB manufacturer

• Uploading files to the manufacturer’s platform

• Selecting board specifications (layers, thickness, finish, solder mask, etc.)

• Placing the order

By the end of this lecture, you’ll be fully equipped to take your KiCad PCB design from digital files to a physical, manufactured board.