elite-pcb-designer

Automate KiCad PCB design from netlist to Gerber, drill, and BOM outputs.

15|1|Updated Oct 23, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/synqing/K1.hardware --skill elite-pcb-designer
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: elite-pcb-designer
Source: https://github.com/synqing/K1.hardware/tree/main/.claude/skills/elite-pcb-designer
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/synqing/K1.hardware --skill elite-pcb-designer

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires kicad-cli, java, python3.

What problem does it solve?

The entire PCB design process, from netlist to manufacturing files, is traditionally a multi-day, manual effort prone to human error. This Skill provides a complete, integrated solution to automate the entire 4-phase PCB design pipeline, transforming your netlist into production-ready Gerbers, BOMs, and drill files with zero manual intervention, drastically cutting design time and ensuring flawless manufacturing.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Full 4-Phase Automation: Orchestrates design preparation, component placement, automated routing, and comprehensive design validation.
  • KiCad & FreeRouting Powered: Leverages industry-standard tools for robust and reliable design generation.
  • Manufacturing-Ready Outputs: Delivers all necessary files (Gerbers, drills, BOM, reports) for immediate fabrication.
  • Use Case: Automate the entire PCB design cycle for new products, rapidly iterate on hardware designs, or integrate a fully automated hardware design step into your CI/CD pipeline.

Quick Start

Automate K1 Lightwave PCB design from netlist to manufacturing

python3 elite_pcb_designer.py
--netlist hardware/k1-lightwave/k1_motherboard_revA.net
--board hardware/k1-lightwave/kicad/K1_Lightwave.kicad_pcb
--output k1_design_output
--verbose

Frequently Asked Questions about elite-pcb-designer

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate PCB design from netlist to manufacturing files?▼

Automate PCB design end-to-end using this Skill, which takes your KiCad netlist and board file through a four-phase pipeline: design preparation, component placement, automated routing, and design validation. It outputs Gerber files, drill files, BOMs, and a master report—all production-ready without manual intervention.

Can I integrate PCB design automation into my hardware CI/CD pipeline?▼

Yes. This Skill is purpose-built for hardware CI/CD workflows. It automates the entire PCB design cycle with zero manual steps, generating manufacturing-ready outputs (Gerbers, drills, BOMs) directly from your KiCad netlists, enabling rapid iteration and continuous hardware validation.

What does the automated routing phase do for PCB design?▼

Automated routing uses FreeRouting to optimize trace paths, manage thermal zones, perform via stitching, and generate copper planes. The Skill applies routing optimization and DRC/DFM validation to ensure your design meets manufacturing specifications.

Does this Skill validate PCB designs for manufacturing readiness?▼

Yes. The design validation phase performs ERC checks, DRC/DFM validation, and thermal analysis to catch errors before fabrication. It generates comprehensive execution logs documenting all checks, ensuring your design is production-ready.

What are the prerequisites for using PCB design automation with KiCad?▼

You need KiCad netlists and board files, plus three dependencies: kicad-cli for design operations, Java for FreeRouting, and Python3 for orchestration. The Skill handles the rest—component placement, routing, and validation.

How much time does end-to-end PCB automation save compared to manual design?▼

This Skill transforms a multi-day manual PCB design process into minutes. It eliminates human error across design preparation, placement, routing, and validation by automating the entire four-phase pipeline from netlist to manufacturing files.