kicad-pcb-synthesizer

What problem does it solve?

Manually creating PCB layouts, configuring stackups, and defining design rules is a meticulous and time-consuming process. This Skill automates the generation of a complete PCB layout file using KiCad's Python pcbnew API, configuring stackup, design rules, initial component placement, and pre-routing based on a design specification, saving significant design time and ensuring consistency.

Core Features & Use Cases

• Automated Board Setup: Configures board dimensions, layer count, and stackup based on manufacturer presets (e.g., JLCPCB 4-layer).
• Dynamic Design Rules: Defines net classes, trace widths, via sizes, and differential pair settings programmatically.
• Heuristic Placement & Pre-routing: Performs initial component placement and pre-routes critical nets (power, clocks) to optimize for downstream routing.
• Use Case: Rapidly generate initial PCB layouts for new designs, ensure consistent design rules across multiple projects, or automate the setup phase for complex board designs.

Quick Start

Example: Setting up a KiCad board with JLC 4-layer stackup

import pcbnew def setup_board(): board = pcbnew.BOARD(); board.SetBoardThickness(pcbnew.FromMM(1.6)); board.SetCopperLayerCount(4); # ... call setup_jlc_4layer_stackup(board, preset) ... drc = board.GetDesignSettings(); drc.SetMinClearance(pcbnew.FromMM(0.15)); return board