# /hardware/assembly

Assembly drawings and instructions for your KiCad project.

## Purpose
This directory contains assembly-related documentation and drawings that help with the physical construction of your PCB:
- Assembly drawings
- Component placement guides
- Assembly instructions
- Pick and place references

## File Types
- **`.pdf`**: Assembly drawings and instructions
- **`.png/.jpg`**: Assembly photos and diagrams
- **`.txt/.md`**: Text-based assembly instructions
- **`.csv`**: Component placement data

## Assembly Drawings from KiCad
1. Open your PCB (`.kicad_pcb`)
2. Go to **File → Plot**
3. Select layers for assembly:
   - F.Fab (Front Fabrication)
   - B.Fab (Back Fabrication)
   - F.SilkS (Front Silkscreen)
   - B.SilkS (Back Silkscreen)
4. Enable "Plot footprint values" and "Plot reference designators"
5. Set output directory and plot

## Recommended Assembly Files
```
assembly/
├── ProjectName-Assembly-Top.pdf      # Top side assembly drawing
├── ProjectName-Assembly-Bottom.pdf   # Bottom side assembly drawing
├── ProjectName-Assembly-Guide.pdf    # Complete assembly instructions
├── ProjectName-Placement.csv         # Component placement coordinates
├── assembly-photos/
│   ├── step1-power-components.jpg
│   ├── step2-mcu-section.jpg
│   └── step3-connectors.jpg
└── instructions/
    ├── assembly-checklist.md
    ├── soldering-notes.md
    └── testing-procedure.md
```

## Assembly Drawing Guidelines
- Include component reference designators
- Show component values where helpful
- Indicate polarity for polarized components
- Mark pin 1 locations for ICs
- Include assembly notes and warnings
- Use different colors for different component types

## Assembly Instructions Content
- **Component list**: What components go where
- **Assembly order**: Sequence for efficient assembly
- **Special procedures**: Unique assembly steps
- **Soldering notes**: Temperature, time, flux requirements
- **Testing points**: Where to probe during assembly
- **Troubleshooting**: Common issues and solutions

## Pick and Place Data
Generate component placement data for automated assembly:
1. In KiCad PCB editor, go to **File → Fabrication Outputs → Component Placement**
2. Configure format (CSV recommended)
3. Include position, rotation, and side information
4. Save to this directory

## Quality Control
- **Assembly checklist**: Step-by-step verification
- **Visual inspection**: What to look for
- **Electrical testing**: Basic functionality tests
- **Rework procedures**: How to fix common mistakes

## Best Practices
- Create assembly drawings at 1:1 scale when possible
- Use clear, high-contrast colors
- Include revision information
- Document any special tools required
- Provide multiple views for complex assemblies
- Include photos of completed assembly