Refine repository structure for KiCad 9 optimization

- Add dedicated /kicad/ directory with organized subdirectories for libraries, schematics, gerbers, plots, and backups - Create comprehensive KiCad 9 library structure (symbols, footprints, 3D models) - Add manufacturing-ready directories for production files (gerbers, drill, pick-and-place) - Update all README files with KiCad-specific documentation and workflows - Add KiCad-optimized .gitignore file for proper version control - Create KICAD-PROJECT-TEMPLATE.md comprehensive usage guide - Add hardware assembly documentation and BOM management - Include detailed manufacturing file generation instructions - Add docs structure with design-notes and user-manual directories - Provide complete workflow from design to manufacturing with quality checklists
2025-08-03 16:27:46 +07:00
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--- a/KICAD-PROJECT-TEMPLATE.md
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+# KiCad 9 Project Template Guide
+
+This document provides a comprehensive guide for using this KiCad 9 project template effectively.
+
+## 🚀 Getting Started
+
+### 1. Clone or Download Template
+```bash
+# Option A: Clone the repository
+git clone https://git.buildfor.life/grabowski/b4l-project-template.git your-project-name
+cd your-project-name
+
+# Option B: Download as ZIP and extract to your desired location
+```
+
+### 2. Create Your KiCad Project
+1. Open KiCad 9
+2. **File → New Project**
+3. Navigate to your template directory
+4. Create project in the root directory (same level as README.md)
+5. Name your project (creates `.kicad_pro`, `.kicad_sch`, `.kicad_pcb` files)
+
+### 3. Configure KiCad Libraries
+1. **Preferences → Manage Symbol Libraries**
+   - Add path: `${KIPRJMOD}/kicad/libraries/symbols/`
+2. **Preferences → Manage Footprint Libraries**
+   - Add path: `${KIPRJMOD}/kicad/libraries/footprints/`
+3. **Preferences → Configure Paths**
+   - Add 3D models path: `${KIPRJMOD}/kicad/libraries/3dmodels/`
+
+## 📁 Directory Structure Overview
+
+```
+your-project/
+├── your-project.kicad_pro      # Main project file
+├── your-project.kicad_sch      # Main schematic
+├── your-project.kicad_pcb      # Main PCB layout
+├── README.md                   # Project documentation
+├── .gitignore                  # Git ignore rules
+├── LICENSE                     # Project license
+│
+├── kicad/                      # KiCad-specific files
+│   ├── libraries/              # Custom libraries
+│   │   ├── symbols/            # Custom symbols (.kicad_sym)
+│   │   ├── footprints/         # Custom footprints (.pretty)
+│   │   └── 3dmodels/           # 3D models (.step, .wrl)
+│   ├── schematics/             # Hierarchical sheets
+│   ├── gerbers/                # Generated Gerbers (review)
+│   ├── plots/                  # PDF plots
+│   └── backups/                # Auto backups (git ignored)
+│
+├── hardware/                   # Hardware documentation
+│   ├── bom/                    # Bill of Materials
+│   ├── datasheets/             # Component datasheets
+│   ├── simulations/            # SPICE simulations
+│   └── assembly/               # Assembly instructions
+│
+├── manufacturing/              # Production files
+│   ├── gerbers/                # Final production Gerbers
+│   ├── drill/                  # Drill files
+│   ├── pick-and-place/         # SMT placement files
+│   └── assembly/               # Production assembly docs
+│
+├── docs/                       # Project documentation
+│   ├── images/                 # Documentation images
+│   ├── datasheets/             # Reference datasheets
+│   ├── user-manual/            # End-user documentation
+│   └── design-notes/           # Technical design docs
+│
+├── mechanical/                 # Mechanical design
+├── firmware/                   # Embedded code (if applicable)
+├── software/                   # PC software and tools
+├── tests/                      # Testing procedures
+├── tools/                      # Development tools
+├── ci/                         # Continuous integration
+├── certs/                      # Certifications
+└── meta/                       # Project metadata
+```
+
+## 🔄 Recommended Workflow
+
+### Phase 1: Design Setup
+1. **Requirements**: Document in `docs/design-notes/requirements.md`
+2. **Architecture**: Create system overview in `docs/design-notes/architecture.md`
+3. **Component Research**: Save datasheets to `docs/datasheets/`
+
+### Phase 2: Schematic Design
+1. **Main Schematic**: Design in root `.kicad_sch` file
+2. **Hierarchical Sheets**: Store in `kicad/schematics/`
+3. **Custom Symbols**: Create in `kicad/libraries/symbols/`
+4. **Design Review**: Document in `docs/design-notes/design-reviews/`
+
+### Phase 3: PCB Layout
+1. **PCB Design**: Layout in root `.kicad_pcb` file
+2. **Custom Footprints**: Create in `kicad/libraries/footprints/`
+3. **3D Models**: Add to `kicad/libraries/3dmodels/`
+4. **Review Plots**: Generate to `kicad/plots/`
+
+### Phase 4: Documentation
+1. **BOM Generation**: Export to `hardware/bom/`
+2. **Assembly Drawings**: Create in `hardware/assembly/`
+3. **User Manual**: Write in `docs/user-manual/`
+4. **Design Notes**: Update technical documentation
+
+### Phase 5: Manufacturing
+1. **Final Gerbers**: Generate to `manufacturing/gerbers/`
+2. **Drill Files**: Generate to `manufacturing/drill/`
+3. **Pick & Place**: Generate to `manufacturing/pick-and-place/`
+4. **Package**: Create manufacturer submission package
+
+## 🛠️ KiCad 9 Specific Features
+
+### Project Settings
+- Configure design rules in `.kicad_pro` file
+- Set up custom library paths using `${KIPRJMOD}` variable
+- Configure 3D viewer settings for custom models
+
+### Library Management
+- Use relative paths for portability
+- Organize libraries by function (MCU, connectors, etc.)
+- Version control custom libraries with project
+
+### File Generation
+- **Gerbers**: `File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers`
+- **Drill Files**: Generated with Gerbers
+- **Pick & Place**: `File → Fabrication Outputs → Component Placement`
+- **BOM**: `Tools → Generate Bill of Materials`
+
+## 📋 Quality Checklist
+
+### Design Review
+- [ ] Schematic review completed and documented
+- [ ] PCB layout review completed
+- [ ] Design rules check (DRC) passed
+- [ ] Electrical rules check (ERC) passed
+- [ ] 3D visualization reviewed
+
+### Manufacturing Files
+- [ ] Gerber files generated and reviewed
+- [ ] Drill files generated and verified
+- [ ] Pick and place files created (for SMT)
+- [ ] BOM exported and verified
+- [ ] Assembly drawings created
+
+### Documentation
+- [ ] README updated with project specifics
+- [ ] Design notes documented
+- [ ] User manual created (if applicable)
+- [ ] Assembly instructions written
+- [ ] Test procedures documented
+
+## 🔧 Git Workflow
+
+### Initial Setup
+```bash
+# After creating KiCad project
+git add .
+git commit -m "Initial KiCad project setup"
+git remote add origin https://your-git-server.com/username/your-project.git
+git push -u origin main
+```
+
+### Development Workflow
+```bash
+# Regular development cycle
+git add .
+git commit -m "Descriptive commit message"
+git push
+
+# For major milestones
+git tag -a v1.0.0 -m "Release version 1.0.0"
+git push --tags
+```
+
+### Branch Strategy
+- `main`: Stable, tested designs
+- `develop`: Active development
+- `feature/xxx`: Specific features or improvements
+- `release/vx.x.x`: Release preparation
+
+## 🎯 Best Practices
+
+### File Organization
+- Keep main project files in root directory
+- Use consistent naming conventions
+- Organize files by function and lifecycle
+- Document file purposes in README files
+
+### Version Control
+- Commit frequently with descriptive messages
+- Tag releases and major milestones
+- Use `.gitignore` to exclude temporary files
+- Include generated files for important releases
+
+### Documentation
+- Update documentation with design changes
+- Use clear, descriptive language
+- Include diagrams and images where helpful
+- Version control all documentation
+
+### Library Management
+- Create custom libraries for project-specific components
+- Use descriptive names for symbols and footprints
+- Include 3D models for visualization
+- Document custom component specifications
+
+## 🆘 Troubleshooting
+
+### Common Issues
+- **Library not found**: Check library paths in preferences
+- **Missing 3D models**: Verify 3D model paths in footprints
+- **Gerber generation fails**: Check layer setup and output directory
+- **Git conflicts**: Use proper .gitignore for KiCad files
+
+### Getting Help
+- KiCad documentation: https://docs.kicad.org/
+- KiCad forums: https://forum.kicad.info/
+- Build4Life community: https://buildfor.life
+
+## 📞 Support
+
+For template-specific issues:
+- Repository: https://git.buildfor.life/grabowski/b4l-project-template
+- Issues: Use the repository issue tracker
+- Documentation: This file and individual README files
+
+---
+
+**Happy designing with KiCad 9!** 🎉