# B4L Open Hardware Project Template

Welcome to the **Build4Life (B4L)** Open Hardware Project Template!  
This repository defines a standard structure for building open-source hardware projects with high transparency, maintainability, and manufacturability.

Use this as a base for your own project or as a collaborative standard for contributions.

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## 📁 Folder Structure

```
hardware/            # Schematics, PCB, component models, libraries
mechanical/          # Enclosures and mechanical CAD
firmware/            # Embedded firmware
software/            # PC-side software and tools
docs/                # Documentation and datasheets
tests/               # Test plans, logs, reports
ci/                  # Continuous Integration configuration
tools/               # Debug and development utilities
certs/               # Certification/compliance files
manufacturing/       # Production and assembly resources
meta/                # Project changelog and metadata
```

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## 📂 Folder Descriptions

### `/hardware/`
- `schematics/`: Electrical schematics in any EDA tool
- `pcb/`: PCB layout files
- `bom/`: Bill of Materials (CSV, XLSX)
- `manufacturing/`: Gerbers, pick-and-place, drill data
- `simulations/`: SPICE or other circuit simulations
- `component-models/`: 3D models for electronic components
- `libraries/`: Custom symbols, footprints, models

### `/mechanical/`
- `enclosure/`: 3D-printable housing or case designs
- `cad/`: Editable CAD models
- `stl/`: Printable STL files
- `drawings/`: 2D mechanical drawings for CNC or documentation

### `/firmware/`
- `src/`, `include/`, `lib/`: Source code and libraries for microcontrollers
- Compatible with PlatformIO, Arduino, STM32Cube, Zephyr, etc.

### `/software/`
- `gui/`: GUI apps for control or configuration
- `scripts/`: Helper tools or automation

### `/docs/`
- `overview.md`, `quickstart.md`: Introductory and usage docs
- `images/`: Diagrams, photos, illustrations
- `datasheets/`: Reference datasheets for key components

### `/tests/`
- `hardware/`: Hardware test procedures
- `firmware/`: Firmware unit or integration tests
- `reports/`: Test logs and validation outputs

### `/ci/`
- GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or other automation scripts

### `/tools/`
- Developer tools, debug scripts, flashing utilities

### `/certs/`
- Regulatory or environmental compliance documents (e.g., CE, FCC, RoHS)

### `/manufacturing/`
- `assembly/`: Instructions and jigs for assembly
- `fab/`: Production-ready files for fabrication

### `/meta/`
- `changelog.md`: Development history
- `authors.md`: Contributors list
- `b4l_manifest.json`: Optional machine-readable metadata

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## 📝 License

This template is open source. Use a license that fits your project.
Recommended for hardware: [CERN-OHL-S-2.0](https://gitlab.com/ohwr/project/cernohl/)

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## 🤝 Contributing

To start a new project:
1. Click “Use this template” (on GitHub) or clone this repo
2. Rename and fill out your project files
3. Share and collaborate with ease

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## 📡 About Build4Life

**Build4Life** creates long-lasting, open hardware systems — starting with sustainable LED lighting and modular solar power.

Website: [https://buildfor.life](https://buildfor.life)