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

hardware/bom/README.md

@@ -1,3 +1,69 @@
 # /hardware/bom
 
-Bill of Materials in CSV or spreadsheet format.
+Bill of Materials for your KiCad project.
+
+## Purpose
+This directory contains Bill of Materials (BOM) files generated from your KiCad schematic and additional BOM-related documentation.
+
+## File Types
+- **`.csv`**: Comma-separated values format (most common)
+- **`.xlsx`**: Excel spreadsheet format
+- **`.xml`**: XML format for automated processing
+- **`.html`**: HTML format for web viewing
+- **`.pdf`**: PDF format for documentation
+
+## Generating BOM from KiCad
+1. Open your schematic (`.kicad_sch`)
+2. Go to **Tools → Generate Bill of Materials**
+3. Select or configure a BOM plugin
+4. Set output directory to `hardware/bom/`
+5. Click **Generate**
+
+## Recommended BOM Formats
+
+### Basic BOM (`ProjectName-BOM.csv`)
+- Reference designators
+- Values
+- Footprints
+- Quantities
+- Manufacturer part numbers
+- Supplier part numbers
+
+### Extended BOM (`ProjectName-BOM-Extended.xlsx`)
+- All basic information plus:
+- Descriptions
+- Manufacturer names
+- Supplier links
+- Pricing information
+- Stock availability
+- Alternative parts
+
+## BOM Structure Example
+```
+Reference | Value      | Footprint        | Qty | MPN           | Supplier | SPN
+----------|------------|------------------|-----|---------------|----------|-------------
+R1,R2,R3  | 10k        | R_0603_1608Metric| 3   | RC0603FR-0710KL| Digi-Key | 311-10.0KHRCT-ND
+C1,C2     | 100nF      | C_0603_1608Metric| 2   | GRM188R71C104KA01D| Mouser | 81-GRM188R71C104KA1D
+U1        | STM32F401  | LQFP-64_10x10mm  | 1   | STM32F401RET6 | Digi-Key | 497-11767-ND
+```
+
+## BOM Management Best Practices
+- Include manufacturer part numbers (MPN)
+- Add supplier part numbers for purchasing
+- Include alternative/substitute parts
+- Document any special requirements
+- Update BOM with design changes
+- Version control BOM files
+- Include pricing and availability data
+
+## KiCad BOM Plugins
+- **bom_csv_grouped_by_value**: Groups components by value
+- **bom_csv_sorted_by_ref**: Sorts by reference designator
+- **kibom**: Advanced BOM generator with many options
+- **InteractiveHtmlBom**: Creates interactive HTML BOMs
+
+## File Naming Convention
+- `ProjectName-BOM.csv` - Basic BOM
+- `ProjectName-BOM-v1.0.csv` - Versioned BOM
+- `ProjectName-BOM-Extended.xlsx` - Detailed BOM with pricing
+- `ProjectName-BOM-Assembly.csv` - Assembly-specific BOM