Adding Text to your PCB in KiCad
Background
Why add text to my PCB?
It is important to label your PCB. Not only is it required for your project, but it is used to help identify your board. You can label what your board is form who your board belongs to, and what project you are working on.
Exporting Gerber files from KiCad PCB Editor
Introduction
What is a Gerber file?
A Gerber file (also known as artwork) is a 2-D graphical representation of a single layer of a PCB. A typical design will have individual Gerber files for each layer (e.g., top copper, bottom copper, top silkscreen, bottom silkscreen, top soldermask, bottom soldermask) of a PCB.
KiCad PCB FAQ
- Why the width of the power traces needs to be larger than the signal traces?
- Because the power traces will need to carry much more current than the signal traces. If not, they may be heat up and potentially melt, which leads to create an open circuit or cause a fire. Usually, we will use 40 mils for the width of power traces and 20 mils for the width of signal traces.
- Why the traces should be wired on a 45-degree angle, not directly on a 90-degree angle path?
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Because 90-degree wiring can cause problems at high-frequency situations because these points can act as miniature antennas and radiate signals.
PCB Design Rules Setup in KiCAD
Introduction
Before reading this, review Peralta Lab PCB Mill Specs. We will pull information from there to set up PCB design rules in KiCAD. There are a few setting that are recommended above the actual mill capabilities. This knowledge may come in handy if you have a particular component that does not fit into the recommended settings.
PCB Design Tutorial
Introduction
This tutorial will go over how to get started with your PCB design, as well as go over the things you will use while designing your PCB.
Rubout Area for your PCB in KiCad
Background
What is a Rubout area?
Some electrical components will contain an antenna for wireless communication. These antennas can be affected by electromagnetic interference that are near the antenna. A “Rubout area” (also known as a “Keepout area”) prevents traces and components from being placed in a specific location. These can protect the antenna from any interference.
